Match Preview: RGV FC Host Oakland Roots SC
March 17, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - The 2023 USL Championship season enters its second week as Rio Grande Valley FC (0-0-1) prepares to host Oakland Roots (0-1-0) on Sunday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. CST at H-E-B Park. The matchup will be live nationally on ESPN+.
RGV FC: After a slow start in the opening half of the home opener, the Toros recovered via left footed strike from Ricky Ruiz who perfectly placed a shot from well beyond the 18-yard box, curling it past the diving keeper.
The second half saw the nerves die down and the team shift tactics, which allowed for a more controlled possession and distribution of the ball. The attacking end of the field still needed some work as only three shots on target were produced all night, and one ball went just right of the goal as Ricky Ruiz missed out on an open goal opportunity.
Head coach Wilmer Cabrera noted in the post game presser that he was not pleased with the finishing levels of the squad and was going to continue placing emphasis on polishing that aspect of the game in preparation for the upcoming home clash with fellow Western conference opponent Oakland Roots SC.
H-E-B Park is considered an unfavorable environment for visiting teams due to its field dimensions, which are the widest in the entire USL Championship as well as the wind and weather conditions that factor in; Sunday will be no exception as it is forecasted to be in the lower 50's with wind and possible drizzle. Look for fast paced ground ball movement and some physical battles as both teams search for their first win of the 2023 campaign.
Oakland Roots SC: The season opener for Oakland was less than desirable as they suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of San Antonio FC at Toyota Field. The Roots look to tighten things up defensively to avoid the same mishaps at yet another Texas opponent's home, this time in Edinburg,TX as they visit H-E-B Park for just the second time ever.
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