USL Rio Grande Valley FC Toros

Pinzon Equalizes Late to Save Road Point

June 17, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release


ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - Rio Grande Valley FC (2-5-6) drew once again against New Mexico United (4-6-3). In the first meeting between the sides back on May 5, New Mexico came back to draw the match 2-2, this time RGV FC flipped the script behind a goal from Cabrera and Christian Pinzon who made his season debut.

After a series of productive approaches on each end of the pitch, Rio Grande broke the deadlock as Wilmer Andres Cabrera found the first goal of the match on an open play where the ball bounced off Alex Tambakis who was forced to make the block on a power shot from Ian Cerro who approached from the left end of goal.

Cabrera was loose in front of goal and simply shot a ball into the net to score his second goal in as many matches to hand RGV FC an early 1-0 lead at the 28-minute mark.

Justin Portillo stole one back on a set piece opportunity after New Mexico United drew the foul just outside the box; Portillo took a direct free kick shot to the left of goal where Carlos Merancio was left flat footed, giving up the tying goal, 1-1 at the 36th minute.

Daniel Bruce turned things around on an open play opportunity for New Mexico as he sent a well-placed chip shot past Merancio to claim the lead for the home side, 1-2 just four minutes later at the 40th minute.

Taylor Davila hit one off the left post but got an unlucky bounce as Tambakis controlled and secured the ball to end the danger at the 82-minute mark on a short corner play, 1-2.

Christian Pinzon scored with a header on a crossing ball which came via lob on the left end of the field sent by Tomas Ritondale. The California native took less than 15 minutes to pick up where he left off in 2022, scoring his first goal of the campaign. The equalizer came at the 87-minute mark, assisted by Ritondale, 2-2.

Pinzon made his 2023 season debut for RGV FC after missing 13-weeks due to a preseason injury; the dynamic scorer saw just over 20-minutes of action.

Juan Galindrez was also amongst the Toros making their season debut; the promising Colombian striker missed most of the opening weeks of the season due to international paperwork complications.

Next up for Rio Grande Valley is a mid-week meeting with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at H-E-B Park on Wednesday, June 21.

Check out the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 17, 2023


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