Rio Grande Valley FC’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run has come to an end after only a match.
The Toros lost 2-1 to South Georgia Tormenta FC on Wednesday night in Georgia.
Tormenta FC was a tricky draw for the USL Championship Toros. Tormenta FC is the 2022 USL League 1 champion, and with the match being played in Georgia it was not going to be a walk in the park for the team in the higher division.
A 91st-minute goal by Toros forward Ricky Ruiz helped RGVFC get back into the match, but last-gasp set pieces and crosses into the box did not yield the equalizer.
Tormenta FC scored the match winner during the 82nd minute. Second-half substitute Kingsford Adjei finished off a Tormenta FC counter.
The Toros had a chance to equalize during the 69th minute, but Taylor Davila, who has been in goal-scoring form to start the season, had his penalty saved and his follow up float wide.
Tormenta FC was up for it from the start as it moved the ball with intent and closed down quickly when not in possession. John Murphy Jr. had a great first half for Tormenta and was rewarded with a goal. Murphy Jr. found space in the box and sent his shot over the Toros’ keeper for the first goal of the night.
The Toros continue their road trip with a USL Championship match at 6 p.m. Saturday against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. RGVFC (1-0-3) is unbeaten so far in the league.