EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley FC led for 83 minutes but it wasn’t enough as the Toros were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with the Swope Park Rangers at H-E-B Park on Saturday night. For the second week in a row RGV got started quickly, opening the scoring in the seventh minute as Joseph Holland controlled well to trap the cross from Justin Bilyeu allowing him time to bury the chance. In the 64th minute the Toros added to their lead as a ball over the top found Kyle Murphy for the 2-0 lead. An own goal set up an interesting finish as Christian Duke’s header drew Kevin Garcia to it, the RGV defender redirecting it past his own goalkeeper. Swope Park stole the draw in the 91st minute when Kharlton Belmar snuck and just got the ball past the goalkeeper for his 14th goal of the season. Much like they did one week ago, after taking the lead, the Toros sat back and absorbed the pressure, letting the Rangers come at them without too much trouble. Toros goalkeeper Borja Angoitia made a huge save for the Toros early in the second half as Belmar was clean through but just couldn’t find a clean finish, but in stoppage time Belmar finally got his goal, a vital goal in the seasons of both clubs.

Scoring:
7’ – RGV – Joseph Holland (Justin Bilyeu)
64’ – RGV – Kyle Murphy
75’ – SPR – Kevin Garcia (Own Goal)
90+1’ – SPR – Kharlton Belmar

• #RGVvSPR: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. By avoiding defeat Rio Grande Valley kept its slim USL Cup Playoffs hopes alive, but while not eliminated the Toros will need to win out to have any chance of making the Playoffs. Those hopes could well end on Sunday, though, should OKC Energy FC manage a win in its match against the LA Galaxy II.

• 2. The draw from the Toros continues their impressive run of form, who are now undefeated in their past three matches. Should the Toros manage a draw or better in their match on Saturday they will equal their best run of the season so far.

• 3. The Rangers continued a strong scoring run, now stretching to six matches, over which span the side has scored 16 goals. The side wasn't able to add to its three-game winning streak, but Swope Park remains in strong contention for second second place in the USL Western Conference as the regular season comes toward its conclusion.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:

Kharlton Belmar, Swope Park Rangers – Belmar was a constant threat to the Rio Grande Valley defense throughout the match, finally getting his just reward in the first minute of stoppage time. Belmar managed four shots, just one of them off target, winning seven of his nine duels.

Upcoming Games:
Rio Grande Valley FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC, - October 7, 10:30 p.m. ET, Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex
Swope Park Rangers vs. OKC Energy FC  – October 8, 6 p.m. ET, Taft Stadium