RGV FC Ready for Houston Dynamo
April 18, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
HOUSTON, Texas - Rio Grande Valley FC will face Houston Dynamo FC in the third round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, April 19 at PNC Stadium, kickoff is set for 7:30 CST.
The History:
In 2016, RGV FC became USL's first team to develop a hybrid affiliation model with a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise. The partnership, with Houston Dynamo FC, began in 2016. The relationship has now evolved into a more traditional USL/MLS affiliation where RGV FC manages all aspects of the club, and the Dynamo are able to loan players to the Toros for development purposes. Year one of the new era for RGV FC saw the club reach the USL Championship Western Conference Semifinals for the first time in franchise history in 2021.
Wilmer Cabrera was the head coach of the Houston Dynamo from 2017-2019. In 2018, Cabrera led the Houston Dynamo to a U.S Open Cup title at home. Midfielder, Juan David Cabezas, is one of two former Dynamo players who now play at RGV FC and formed part of the 2018 title team in the Open Cup. Goalkeeper, Tyler Deric is no stranger to PNC Stadium and is another key piece to look at for this mid-week matchup.
La Copa:
Rio Grande made a great debut as they found success in round two of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup. After defeating North Carolina FC (USL One), the stage was set to make their third-round debut and face an MLS club. The draw revealed the one opponent that would be an electric matchup, Houston Dynamo. Immediately the buzz began about the two sides meeting up in an official match, and the knockout stage pressure. Wilmer Cabrera assured that he and his club are focused on the match and are ecstatic about the potential for the fans and players to expose themselves to an MLS environment and gain the experience on the pitch, winning the match would be a much-welcomed bonus to the experience.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 18, 2022
- Open Cup Game Day: Hounds at FC Cincinnati - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- SD Loyal Visits LA Galaxy in U.S. Open Cup Match Tuesday - San Diego Loyal
- RGV FC Ready for Houston Dynamo - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Match Preview: Republic FC V Central Valley Fuego FC - Sacramento Republic FC
- SD Loyal Visits LA Galaxy in U.S. Open Cup Match Tuesday - San Diego Loyal
- Preview: FC Tulsa at FC Dallas, U.S. Open Cup Third Round - Tuesday, April 19 - FC Tulsa
- April 20 vs. CV Fuego: What to Know Before You Head to Heart Health Park for U.S. Open Cup - Sacramento Republic FC
- Three Takeaways from #SACvOC - Sacramento Republic FC
- Miami Clásico Preview: U.S. Open Cup 3rd Round vs. Inter Miami CF - Miami FC
- FC Tulsa to Hold Health & Wellness Night at Home Match on Saturday - FC Tulsa
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
