Texas Border Business
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EDINBURG, Texas – As the 2020 USL Championship season returns to play, the Rio Grande Valley FC will kick off on the road as they face El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday, July 11 at 8:30 p.m. CT in a Copa Tejas rivalry.Â
Here are your four key points for this weekend:
- RGV FC were selected to Group D, alongside San Antonio FC, Austin Bold FC, FC Tulsa and OKC Energy FC. Instead of 16 regular season games, the Toros will play 15 as game one has been counted for from earlier this season. In addition, the USL has implemented a new rule stating that teams are allowed to have five substitutions with only three opportunities to complete them. This season is set up within regions due to teams having to travel mostly by bus to prevent any exposure to COVID-19.
- Although the Toros suffered a tough loss at home early in March, Luka Prpa impacted the club with his lone goal and four chances created throughout the matchup against LA Galaxy II. RGV FC also have added three strong players to the roster who are looking to get some minutes this weekend – Jonathan Jimenez, Carter Manley and James Murphy. Although the squad is relatively young, the Toros are more than capable to give a good battle on the pitch.
- The Locomotive will be playing in Group C this 2020 season. El Paso tied earlier this year against Real Monarchs SLC, placing them second in group stage. One key factor for the Locos is that Omar Salgado will not be available on Saturday due to having to serve his remaining game of a two-game suspension. Now, the Locomotive are known to have experienced players, mainly from LIGA MX, this could be a threat to the young Toros squad. Additionally, El Paso will play their first two home games without fans due to the concerns of the ongoing pandemic.
- Both teams faced each other back in 2019 where it left the overall record at 1-0-1. On the road, RGV FC left with one point after a 2-2 draw, but defeated El Paso 1-0 at H-E-B Park.
RGV FC at El Paso Locomotive FC
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Southwest University Park – El Paso, Texas
July 11 – 8:30 p.m. CT
STREAMING: ESPN+
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