Ruiz Scores Lone Goal to Boost RGV to Home Win
June 18, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - Rio Grande Valley F.C (7-8-1) held their first-ever meeting with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (7-5-3) on Saturday, June 18 at H-E-B Park. Javier Garcia kept a clean sheet on the night to aid Ricky Ruiz after the dynamic forward scored the lone goal of the match, 1-0.
RGV had their first true danger attack at the 10th minute ass Robert Coronado attacked the box and sent a short cross to a closing Adolfo Hernandez, Hernandez took the shot in front of goal but sent it wide over the arc to miss out on the clear opportunity, 0-0.
At the 13th minute, Pittsburgh replied with a danger approach of their own as Kenardo Forbes took a hard shot at goal, but a sliding Erik Pimentel made the block and cleared the danger to corner, 0-0.
Isidro Martinez took a shot at goal but missed just narrowly as the ball bounced off the left post to keep the match notched at, 0-0, in the 26th minute.
RGV hit pay dirt as Luka Malesevic sent a long cross into the center of the box where Ricky Ruiz tapped the ball in on a volley to make it 1-0 good guys at the 33rd minute. This marked Ruiz's second goal of the season.
The Toros closed out the half with four shots, one on target and kept the ball for 40% of the opening period to limit Pittsburgh.
The Riverhounds entered a scramble in the box at the 78th minute but were unable to break the wall that RGV created with several defenders in the area as RGV kept their lead at 1-0 late.
Despite the late attempts, Pittsburgh was unable to break the RGV net which was well kept by Javier Garcia. On the night Garcia totaled 2 saves and a clearance on his way to a clean sheet in his second career start.
RGV FC rode the first half goal momentum and locked in the win behind a balanced field, 1-0. Defensively the Toros had 13 interceptions and won eight tackles in the physical match.
RGV FC will head back on the road for a mid-week matchup with New Mexico United on Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30pm CST. To see more matchday information, visit www.rgvfc.com.
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