Three Points in Cali
May 13, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
SAN DIEGO, California - Rio Grande Valley FC (2-2-5) held on this time around to earn three well-executed points against San Diego Loyal (5-3-2) on Saturday night.
RGV FC found a good offensive rhythm in the mid stages of the first half; Roberto Coronado rewarded their efforts with a well-placed ball to the lower right of the goal, past a diving Koke Vegas to make the match 1-0 in the 26th minute of action; this marked the California native's first goal of the season.
Cristiano Francois perfectly placed himself inside the box as Ricky Ruiz sent a deflected cross to the center of the box, Francois neatly headed the ball into goal to extend the RGV FC lead to 2-0 in the 30th minute. This marked the second goal in just four minutes, the fastest consecutive goal scored margin by Rio Grande in 2023.
San Diego Loyal stole one back at the 34-minute mark as Adrien Perez sent a curling shot from far beyond the 18-yard box as he caught Tyler Deric cheating his line a bit; Perez sent the lobbing shot with power, which grazed the crossbar on its way to the net, 2-1.
Ricky Ruiz calmy received an assist from Wilmer Andres Cabrera at the right side of the box, he then controlled and placed a smooth shot past Vegas to make it three in the half for Rio Grande who were pressing often and effectively; The Toros took a 3-1 lead, their first three goal half of the season.
RGV FC last scored three goals in an opening half on August 27, 2022, when they defeated Las Vegas Lights FC 5-0 on the road.
Erik Pimentel gave up a penalty inside the box as he obstructed a defender's play on the ball, the action was deemed worthy of a penalty, giving San Diego life in the late stages of the match in added time. On the penalty try, Joe Corona converted to make the match 3-2 at the 92-minute mark.
Despite the late hiccup, Rio Grande Valley held on to claim the three road points at Torero Stadium. On the night, they shot netted three of five shots on target as Ricky Ruiz claimed a solid night offensively behind a goal, and lone assist to boost the South Texas side to victory.
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