Toros Advance to the USL Championship Playoff Semifinals for First Time in Franchise History
November 7, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
PHOENIX, Arizona - Rio Grande Valley FC (14-11-8) defeated Phoenix Rising FC (20-6-7) 3-3 (4-3 pks) on Saturday night at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex during the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs Western Conference Quarterfinals. The Toros will now move on to the semifinal round of playoffs for the first time ever in franchise history.
RGV FC took a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute with a goal from Baboucarr Njie. Njie received the ball to his chest, controlled the pass and took it through the Phoenix defense. As Njie made his run through the Rising defense he had a small trip but quickly recovered and put the ball behind the net off a left footed shot.
Phoenix Rising FC equalized the match in the 23rd minute after an RGV foul from Njie. The foul granted Rising a free kick which was taken by Solomon Asante. Asante took a right footed shot straight into the bottom right corner of the RGV net.
After connecting with Luis Seijas, Arturo Rodriguez obtained a 2-1 lead for Phoenix in the 54th minute off a right footed shot from the center of the box.
In the 69th minute Christian Sorto won a free kick for RGV just outside of the penalty kick area. Rodrigo Lopez took the shot for the team and scored off a free kick for the second consecutive game equalizing the match 2-2. The goal marks the fourth game in a row in which Lopez scores.
As the game went into overtime Asante scored the game leading goal in the 101st minute which was assisted by Jon Bakero. Asante took a right footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner of the net giving Phoenix a 3-2 lead.
But RGV would counterattack in the second half of extra time in the 107th minute as Vicente Sanchez was fouled in the penalty box granting RGV a penalty kick. Elvis Amoh took the kick for the Toros and put it straight into the bottom right corner of the goal to once again tie the match 3-3.
After full time and extra time, the game was not over. There would be penalty kicks to see who would earn the second-round playoff spot. Jon Bakero would take the first penalty kick of the night and convert it into a 1-0 lead for Phoenix. Njie equalized the penalties 1-1 as he put the ball in the bottom right corner of the goal. Rodriguez was next for Rising but the penalty was blocked by Miller. Emilio Ycaza converted his penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner of the net giving RGV a 2-1 lead. Aodhan Quinn's shot was blocked once again by Miller. Erik Pimentel would then give the Toros a 3-1 lead. Joseph Farell scored his penalty kick putting the scoreboard 3-2 in favor of RGV. Lopez took the fourth penalty kick for the Toros but was stopped by Rawls. Moar would tie the series 3-3 with his goal. It came down to the final kick of the night which was taken by Amoh. Amoh would convert the penalty and put it right into the bottom left corner of the net giving RGV a 4-3 victory in penalty kicks.
The match ended with Rising leading with 15 shots, seven on target while RGV had 14 shots, five on target. Miller had four saves and Rawls had two.
RGV FC continues its playoffs contention on Saturday, November 13 at 8:00 pm CST at Toyota Field where they will take on San Antonio FC. To see more matchday information, visit www.rgvfc.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from November 7, 2021
- Rowdies Avoid Opening Round Nerves with Emphatic Victory - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- 10-Man Orange County SC Beats Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 1-0, in Western Conference Quarterfinal - Orange County SC
- Wild Western Shakeup Yields Compelling Conference Semifinal Matches in 2021 USL Championship Playoffs - USL
- Toros Advance to the USL Championship Playoff Semifinals for First Time in Franchise History - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Rising Falls, 4-3, in Penalty Kicks Following a 3-3 Draw with RGV Toros - Phoenix Rising FC
- San Antonio FC to Host RCV FC in Western Conference Semifinal on November 13 - San Antonio FC
- Switchbacks FC's Season Ends in Western Conference Quarterfinal - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
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