Lopez Scores Second Straight, RGV Earn Third Straight Win
September 24, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Rio Grande Valley FC (9-10-11) faced Eastern conference side, Indy Eleven (11-11-9) on Sunday afternoon on the road. Frank Lopez scored the lone goal of the match in a repeat performance to clinch a third straight victory for Rio Grande Valley, a crucial streak to keep their playoff hopes alive in the dying weeks of the schedule.
The opening goal of the match came at the 19th minute as Rio Grande Valley developed a beautiful one-two touch play into the center of the box as Taylor Davila quickly redirected a pass in the direction of a closing Frank Lopez who controlled and sent a quick curling shot past Tim Trilk to make it 1-0 on the afternoon. The goal was Lopez' fourth of the season, and second consecutive in an as many matches.
The Toros managed two shots, one on target being the lone goal of the match in the opening half before the break; Indy Eleven were allowed three shots, one on target as both teams were equal in the final third entry category with 24 approaches a side.
Indy Eleven were unable to break apart the RGV defense as they locked in a back-to-back clean sheet performance; Carlos Merancio stepped up in this match in the absence of Tyler Deric who was out due to illness. Merancio kept busy in the match as he was forced to make two saves and two clearances as Indy put up 11 total shots overall, landing just two on target in those attemps.
As predicted, the defense needed to step up and make the opponent battle it out in the midfield as RGV FC forced a quick transition game through the wings and left the home side stunned, and scoreless.
Next up for the Toros is yet another must-win matchup against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks who are fresh off a victory over Sacramento Republic FC.
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