RGV FC keep their playoff dreams alive with 3-1 victory over Real Monarchs

Rio Grande Valley FC inched their way closer to the fourth playoff spot in the Mountain Division after their 3-1 win over Real Monarchs this Wednesday night at Zions Bank Stadium.

Christian Sorto, Jonas Fjeldberg, and Rodrigo Lopez scored for the Toros while Adrian Diz Pe scored an own goal for Real Monarchs.

Here's what happened

• RGV FC found the first goal of the night in the 16th minute as Sorto, who was named today to the El Salvadorian National Team, took advantage of a deflection from Bret Halsey off of a pass attempt by Emilio Ycaza to stand one on one against Jeff Dewsnup. The El Salvadorian winger did not forgive and executed a finesse shot to the far post that left the keeper helpless.

• Even with the early lead, the Toros continued to press on Dewsnup’s goal looking to extend the lead. In the 38th minute, Fjeldberg received a through ball from Lopez and cut inside the box towards the middle of the field, causing Jaziel Orozco and Kyle Adams to crash into each other. Fjeldberg sent a curling shot on goal, but the ball hit the crossbar before leaving the field of play.

• Against all odds, Real Monarchs found the equalizer in the 41st minute after a miscommunication error between Tyler Deric and Diz Pe. Deric anticipated Leo Torres for a lobbed through ball outside the 18 yard box, but in his attempt to clear, the Cuban center back ran in the trajectory of the ball causing a deflection into the net.

• Fjeldberg continued to cause damage on the left wing to the Real Monarchs defensive line in the second half and his efforts were rewarded in the 52nd minute with a beautiful goal. In a similar situation as his attempt in the first half, Fjeldberg cut inside the box to leave Sam Brown behind. This time, his shot flew past Dewsnup and into the net to give the lead back to the Toros.

• Lopez was not leaving the game without adding another golazo to the goal of the week talks with his direct free kick in the 66th that curved past the wall and into the net. 

• While Real Monarchs were limited to only two shots on target in this game, Wilmer Cabrera must worry that both of those opportunities came from two defensive mistakes. While Real Monarch’s second opportunity in the 94th minute hit the crossbar, other teams in the league will be quick to capitalize on those mistakes. With playoffs a real possibility for this team, Cabrera must fix this situation to limit these mistakes; otherwise, his squad will be watching the USL playoffs from their homes.

What it means for RGV FC

With tonight’s victory, RGV FC are currently sitting in fourth place of the Mountain Division with 44 points. They will host El Paso Locomotive this Saturday, October 30 at H-E-B Park and look to clinch a spot in the USL Playoffs, their first after their inaugural season in 2016 when they lost in the first round to OKC Energy.