Texas Border Business
Phoenix, Arizona — Rio Grande Valley FC (4-12-10, 24 points) will travel to Phoenix for a single match against Phoenix Rising FC (15-5-6, 50 points). The game will be on Wednesday, September 5 with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. (CDT) at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN 3.
The RGVFC enters the match following a 1-3 loss to San Antonio FC at home on Wednesday August 29. The lone scorer for the Toros was midfielder Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez. His goal in the 3rd minute marked the quickest home goal in club history. Defensively the Toros allowed three goals in the second halve which led to the loss. The team looks to regain momentum after a week of rest and capitalize on early chances in Phoenix.
Phoenix Rising FC will enter the match boasting back to back home victories. The Rising defeated San Antonio FC 4-0 and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 4-0. The team is currently placed third in the Western Conference Standings. Leading goal scorer for the Rising is forward Chris Cortez, with 13 total this season. With their potent attack up front, they will look to unbalance the RGVFC defenders.
The two teams last faced each other at H-E-B Park on June 23. The result of the matchup was a scoreless draw. A statement was made by the Toros at home defensively denying the Rising of any goals despite 13 shot attempts in the second halve. RGVFC defender Sheldon Sullivan commented on the upcoming matchup prior to Wednesday’s home match against San Antonio FC. “First we have a week off so that will definitely help out a lot of players. Definitely recovery is the focal point, we need to watch film. The last time that we played Phoenix it was a 0-0 game, but they do have some weapons up top. We need to make sure we get our legs under us and after that take it game by game. Once we get back to where we were a couple of weeks ago, the team will be fine.”
