Rio Grande Valley FC (9-15-8, 35 pts.) draw with New Mexico United (10-9-12, 42 pts.) on Saturday night, 1-1, at electric Isotopes Park.
Although New Mexico dominated in the first half, RGV FC created chances throughout the half. In the 7th minute, Houston Dynamo loanee, Michael Salazar, had an attempt after a back-heel pass from Carlos Small. Salazar shot from the right side of the box to the top right corner going over the crossbar after keeper Cody Mizell deflected out.
In the 12th minute, Small managed to take advantage of an error from New Mexico. Small took a right footed shot from the center of the box but missed to the left. Following a foul conceded by the Toros, Christopher Wehan took a right-footed direct shot from outside the box but sent it over the crossbar.
After Dynamo Academy player, Kevin Rodriguez, was fouled inside the penalty area, Small converted the penalty sending it past Mizell to the top right corner in the 40th minute, 0-1. Nearly four minutes later, the United equalized the match 1-1 after Sam Hamilton headed a cross by Manny Padilla to the bottom left corner past Nico Corti.
New Mexico had another dangerous attempt when David Estrada headed the ball following a set piece but missed to the left in the 61st minute. Three minute later, Jesus Enriquez took a long strike when he shot from outside the box but sent it over the top cross bar.
Right after, Devon Sandoval took on Corti on a one on one situation but Corti managed to slap the ball and save the shot. In the 72nd minute, Kevaughn Frater took a left-footed shot from the left side of the box, but the ball hit the right bottom post and was saved.
In the 87th minute, Small took a shot at goal from outside the box but was saved in the center of the goal. Juan Carlos Obregon Jr. had an attempt when he sent a direct kick following a foul by New Mexico but hit the top bar in the 89th minute.
The Toros did not want to end the match with one point. Enriquez took another shot from outside the box but missed to the left side of the goal in the 94th minute. Deshane Beckford had one last attempt when he was at a close range but missed to the left.
RGV FC ended the night with 12 total shots, three at goal. New Mexico United totaled 13 shots with four on target.
Conor Donovan and Kyle Adams played a key role tonight on the defensive side. Donovan totaled three tackles, five clearances, and one interception and block. Adams led the squad with eight clearances and two blocks. Corti totaled three saves and one clearance tonight.
On the attacking side, Small totaled three shots, two on target and one key pass.
RGV FC continues on the road on Sunday, October 13 at OKC Energy FC. Kickoff will be at 6:00 p.m. CT. The match will be available on ESPN+ and updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @RGVFC or by following #SomosToros. To see more matchday information, visit www.rgvfc.com.
