Match Preview: RGV FC to Face San Diego Loyal
August 25, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - Rio Grande Valley FC (7-8-10) and San Diego Loyal SC (10-7-7) square off for the final time at H-E-B Park. The first meeting in 2023 between the clubs went in favor of the Toros as they claimed a well-performed 3-2 victory.
San Diego Loyal SC ownership group announced on Thursday, August 24 that the club would transition franchise rights held by the USL Championship after a viable near-and-long-term stadium solution in the market did not materialize, resulting in the club playing its final season in 2023. As a direct result, Saturday's meeting will be the final regular season match between both clubs; the all-time competitive record falls in favor of RGV FC 3-1-0.
Rio Grande Valley FC focused on the competitive aspect of the meeting, and not on the external factors in match week discussions. Sporting Director Wilmer Cabrera emphasized his desire for the Toros to attempt a repeat performance of a well=played first half at San Diego which saw his side score three goals in 45-minutes.
As things heat up in the Western conference, Rio Grande are still fighting to climb above the playoff line, currently sitting in the 9th position with 31 points, one position shy of qualification. San Diego sit at the fifth position with 37 total points and are looking to improve their record in order to qualify for a final playoff push.
News also broke on Friday, August 25, midday, announcing the departure of forward Wilmer Andres Cabrera due to his loan being recalled by Colombian side Real Cartagena; in a subsequent transaction, Cabrera was transferred to German club Greifswalder FC. This is a major blow to the offensive production for RGV FC as the young striker held the scoring leader title with seven goals this season, adding on three assists in just 25 appearances.
Wilmer Cabrera is left with a task to reconfigure his offensive pieces in order to keep the offensive unit sharp and not let the missing piece affect too much as the season nears its end and the playoff picture tightens.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 25, 2023
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