Match Preview: RGV FC Home Opener
March 11, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - The 2023 USL Championship season kicks off for Rio Grande Valley FC on Sunday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. CST at H-E-B Park as they host Las Vegas Lights FC. The matchup will be live nationally on ESPN+.
RGV FC: Sporting Director and Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera established an early foundation by signing 11 returners to the 2023 roster. All four veterans returned to the mix for the upcoming season; Frank Lopez, Jose Torres, Erik Pimentel, Juan Cabezas and Tyler Deric will all be key pieces in their respective positions as the younger core look to their guidance on and off the pitch.
The Toros look to build on the success they had in 2022 as they open up USL Championship League play on Sunday night against Las Vegas Lights FC. The side successfully reached the postseason for a second consecutive season in 2021, reaching at least the quarter final stage of the USL Championship Playoffs each season.
After a positive preseason saw the Toros go 4-0-1, the energy and internal competition intensifies as the starting eleven is up in the air for the opening matchup this season.
Look for a similar fast paced transition style of play from Cabrera's side as they balance a defensive minded matchup against a threatening reinforced Las Vegas Lights.
Las Vegas Lights FC: The offseason saw change from the Western conference side including a new head coach; Isidro Sanchez is now at the helm in 2023 after previously serving as the interim head coach and as an assistant in previous seasons.
The late addition of a strong veteran piece upfront drew attention as Erik "Cubo" Torres made the move to Las Vegas from fellow Western Conference side Orange County SC. The striker poses a threat defensively for RGV FC as they will need to limit his production to avoid surprises at home.
RGV FC vs Las Vegas Lights FC
H-E-B Park - Edinburg, Texas
Sunday, March 12 - 7:00 p.m. CST
STREAMING: ESPN+
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