Match Preview: RGV FC Set to Face Oakland Roots on the Road
June 27, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - Rio Grande Valley FC (3-5-7) head west to take on Oakland Roots SC (6-4-5) in a midweek matchup on Wednesday, June 28 at 9:00 p.m. CST at Pioneer Stadium. This will be the concluding match of the two-game regular season series between the clubs; The sides split a point on March 19 as they played to a 1-1 draw at H-E-B Park just two weeks into the 2023 season.
RGV FC:
Momentum is certainly on the Toros' side after earning a much-needed home victory to lift the spirits of a club who had been on a two-game draw streak and in desperate need of three points to continue their slow rise into the playoff line as the mid-season deadline approaches.
RGV FC did a phenomenal defensive job, earning a clean sheet against a Colorado Springs side who entered the June 21 match with a pair of goals from two of their speedy weapons up front. Romario Williams was no factor in the match as he was unable to create a clear danger chance for the Switchbacks on the night before being subbed out later in the match.
Frank Lopez scored his second consecutive goal at H-E-B Park, this time it held up to earn Rio Grande Valley the win as the Cuban striker celebrated joyfully with his young son in the field side suites to share the joy of earning those very welcomed three points.
Tyler Deric earned a start after a four-game absence due to lineup adjustments by Wilmer Cabrera; Deric was not tested much on the night as he made one save, and walked away with a clean sheet to lock in his third such performance of the season.
The Toros need to stay sharp defensively and continue to create danger in the wings to ensure that the offensive unit has plenty of space to be creative and be relentless on the attack, as was seen in Week 16 against Colorado Springs, where RGV FC produced three shots on target.
Taylor Davila remains a factor to watch every week as he has quietly has put up some midfield masterpieces, by becoming that key piece in distribution. Look for him to take open field shots to test the net as his wingers look for space or the field opens up in front of goal.
Oakland Roots SC:
The California side are on a positive streak, as they remain unbeaten through five matches after settling for a third straight draw. Phoenix Rising forced their hand in the late stages of the match to steal a point at Pioneer Stadium, 1-1.
This match shares dual importance for the home side as they look to continue closing the gap against San Antonio FC who sit within reach at fourth place in the West, a win would catapult Oakland into the top four, but they must get past another very determined Texas side, RGV FC first.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 27, 2023
- Oakland Roots Close Out Three-Game Homestand Against Rio Grande Valley - Oakland Roots
- Know Your Opponent: Rio Grande Valley FC - Sacramento Republic FC
- Loudoun United FC Sign Columbus Crew Defender Jake Morris on Loan - Loudoun United FC
- Match Preview: RGV FC Set to Face Oakland Roots on the Road - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Rowdies Jake Lacava Named to USL Championship Team of the Week - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Goal Lands Osumanu on Team of the Week - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Lindley Named to USLC Team of the Week - Indy Eleven
- Three Republic FC Players Named to USL Championship Week 16 Team of the Week - Sacramento Republic FC
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- Tampa Bay Rowdies' Cal Jennings voted Player of the Week after two goals, one assist performance - USL
- Trinity Health Stadium to Host Inaugural Capital City Music and Beer Festival - Hartford Athletic
- Siaha Earns Second-Consecutive TOTW Honor - Monterey Bay FC
- Rowdies Cal Jennings Voted USL Championship Player of the Week - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- "Fireworks + Soccer" Twice in 4 Days Earliest Show Time in City to Accommodate Families - Las Vegas Lights FC
- Loudoun United FC to Host 703 Night at Segra Field - Loudoun United FC
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