skip navigation

Toros Aim to Break Home Scoring Slump

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 05/22/18, 5:28PM EDT

Share

Undefeated at home, RGVFC is struggling to find net at H-E-B Park as Galaxy II visit


Photo courtesy Christian Inoferio / Rio Grande Valley FC

EDINBURG, Texas – Tied for the league-lead with six draws, including a current run of four in a row after its scoreless matchup this past Saturday, and yet undefeated on home turf Rio Grande Valley FC is finding the margins that have pushed it five points out of the Western Conference playoff positions tough to endure.

Going into Wednesday night’s game with the LA Galaxy II at H-E-B Park (8 p.m. ET | Match Center | ESPN+), the side has recorded three scoreless draws in its last four games despite outshooting its opponents 40-27 in those three outings.

After Todd Wharton’s penalty kick was saved on Saturday night against the Swope Park Rangers, the side was left ruing its inability to find the final piece of the puzzle in the attacking third.

“We are missing that final touch, wanting to score,” said Toros forward Jesus Enriquez. “That’s it. We have outplayed every team here, a lot of the players and the coaches have said it. All we need is the goal to take the win.”

Enriquez, of course, produced an excellent finish in the Toros’ 2-2 draw against Fresno FC on May 9, but that was away from H-E-B Park, where goals have been much harder to come by for the side. The Toros have scored more goals away from home (7) than in front of their own fans this season (5), which has been a key reason for the club’s 1-3-6 record.

Facing a Galaxy II side that has proven susceptible at times defensively – even with an impressive attacking arsenal that has been on display of late – gives the Toros a chance to break that scoreless streak on home turf. With Los Dos set to be without standout 15-year-old Efrain Alvarez after his selection to the Mexico U17 National Team on Tuesday, there will also be one less weapon for the Toros to worry about defensively.

That said, the talent the Galaxy II bring in the attacking third is still something RGVFC Head Coach Gerson Echeverry believes his side will need to focus on.

“They are dangerous,” said Echeverry. “They have some teenagers that can put the ball into the back of the net. In previous games two of them had hat tricks. They like to attack. Sometimes they leave some holes in defense, but attacking is something they really look into. It is going to be interesting to see.”

With the side closing in on 300 minutes without a goal at H-E-B Park, Enriquez is hopeful the Toros can break through and pick up what would be a crucial second home win of the season.

“We are working on finishing,” said Enriquez. “That is what we need to get the three points. So that is our main focus right now.”

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos