RGV FC Back Home for Meeting with Phoenix Rising FC
August 18, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - Rio Grande Valley FC (6-8-10) and fellow Western side Phoenix Rising FC (8-7-8) square off for the first time in the 2023 campaign. The last meeting between the sides saw RGV FC victorious at H-E-B Park on October 8 as they locked in a 2-1 result in their favor.
As the race to keep playoff hopes alive continues for the Toros, there is little room for error left. The midweek stumble at San Antonio FC left a lot to desire on the pitch after a first half comeback effort was enough for the defending USL Championship title holders to claim a 2-1 victory at Toyota Field.
After going ahead early in the match, at the 11th minute, things looked great for Rio Grande who had been pressuring deep since the opening whistle. Suddenly, a defensive miscue allowed for enough space in the center of the box to cause damage as San Antonio almost instantly answered back with a goal of their own just 3 minutes later at the 14th minute. A few minutes prior to the halftime whistle, SAFC completed the comeback by netting the second, decisive goal to make it 2-1 and claim another South Texas Derby victory at home.
Rio Grande Valley FC must be sharp against Phoenix Rising. The visitors are hot on the trail of a playoff position battle for 6th and 5th place, in their way stand RGV FC who also chase three points to push above the playoff line and inch closer to a battle for the final spots to postseason.
Ian Cerro added a fresh look to the offensive attacking unit as he scored his first career goal in the USL Championship and adds solid depth to the front line, Cole Frame also made his debut with the club last match and looked to be a shifty piece in the wings, keeping defenders very busy which allows for the strikers to move in the box to look for crossing options.
One thing is certain, this team is never out of the fight, and they are not looking to give points away any time soon, Saturday's match will show true character and grit on the pitch as both sides lock in for an always entertaining battle, as it has been in recent meetings. Let the fireworks come often and the battle intensify as these two sides show a preview of what a postseason battle could be like if they manage a berth in the dying weeks of the season.
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