Match Preview: RGV FC Back in the Valley for Three Game Homestand
July 5, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - Rio Grande Valley FC (5-8-4, 19 pts.) returns home to face Tacoma Defiance (2-11-4, 10 pts.) at H-E-B Park in the first of three back-to-back matches in their own back yard. The matchup is set to kickoff at 7:30 P.M. CST on ESPN+ and Somos El Valle 5.2.
It has been a testing first season for Tacoma Defiance, winning only two matches midway into the season. Their troubles lie out back in the defensive third where they have now conceded 44 goals, dangerous in a high scoring league. The offensive attack for the Defiance has been able to net 14 total goals this season, enough to earn them four draws to gain points.
The primary attacking piece for Tacoma is forward Justin Dhillon, who tallies six total goals to lead all players on the roster. Most of the goals have come from inside the box, leaving little doubt that they could be dangerous on corner kicks and slip-aways.
In their previous match, dating back to June 15, they drew against Austin Bold FC, 1-1. The draw gave a boost of confidence to the Defiance which they will likely carry into this match with RGV FC. Historically, the two sides have only faced each other one time, in the first game of the 2019 USL Championship season for the Toros. The match, which took place in Washington, ended in a tough to swallow loss for RGV FC, 0-1.
This time around should be a different tale as the Toros have molded themselves into a tight squad, playing well upfront and looking good defensively in the majority of matches. Defensive returner and captain for RGV FC, Conor Donovan, gave his thoughts on the match; "The main thing for me is we are more of a team now. We have been able to get to know each other on and off the field and I think that is showing in our play and in our personalities. So, I think the big thing, like I said, is we are more solidified as a team this time."
The playoff hunt for RGV remains open and they control their own destiny as the second half of the season starts to roll around. For Tacoma, finishing anywhere above dead last is a priority as they look to regroup. Currently, the Defiance sits at the bottom of the table, tied for most losses (11) in the season. Colorado Springs Switchbacks are the only other team that has as many losses in the season.
Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @RGVFC or by following #SomosToros. To see more matchday information, visit www.rgvfc.com.
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