Match Preview: South Texas Derby
August 19, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - Rio Grande Valley FC (7-11-5, 26 pts) take the short trip to nearby San Antonio FC (18-4-2, 56 pts) as the 23rd edition of the South Texas Derby is set to take place at Toyota Field on Saturday, August 20. The action will be live nationally on ESPN+ starting at 8:00 pm CST.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD (2022 Championship Figures)
Rio Grande Valley FC (23 Games) - 26 goals, 89 shots on target. | 30 goals conceded,
5 clean sheets | Western Conference Standing: 13th
San Antonio FC (24 Games) - 41 goals, 129 shots on target. | 19 goals conceded,
6 clean sheets | Western Conference Standing: 1st
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One thing is certain, the South Texas Derby is one of the hottest rivalries in the USL Championship and this 23rd edition paints to be the one with the highest implications yet. On one end of the field is a San Antonio FC side who is sitting at home boasting a Western Conference top position and can clinch the early playoff berth and become the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the league. In their way are a very determined and equally dangerous RGV FC side who have proved time and time again that they do not fold under pressure when facing tough opponents.
The Toros are coming off a well-fought 1-1 draw against another top contended in the West, Sacramento Republic, who could have very much conceded a loss to Rio Grande if the heroics of Roro Lopez did not appear in the late stages. Wilmer Cabrera has conditioned his squad to play hard and dismantle defenses with their fast-paced gameplay, the true difference maker being the lack of clinical finishing which has left RGV gasping for air at the bottom of the board due to one-goal matches going the wrong way or drawing at no goals.
Saturday can very well be the turning point that RGV FC needs to keep their playoff hunt alive and of course, disrupt the mojo of the eternal rival SAFC at their home is an added bonus they would like to enjoy.
Jonas Fjeldberg looks to potentially make his debut in the derby and add that new dynamic to the already strong front line of the Toros attack which has been led recently by newcomer Christian Pinzon and Ricky Ruiz on the wings. In the last match, a play which developed from the right wing saw yet another defender adds their name into the goal tracker in Jonathan Ricketts as he scored his first Championship goal in flashy fashion, connecting on a ball from outside the 18 yard box.
The key to Saturday's match for Rio Grande will be the control of pace and not giving in to the trickery of San Antonio. Establishing a high press with a solid midfield ready for long balls for counterattacks from SAFC should disrupt the play style for the home side. Clinical finishing on any opportunity is needed as chances will likely be scarce in this matchup.
For single match home tickets please visit rgvfc.com/singletickets or the H-E-B Park box office, open weekly from 10am-6pm CST.
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