Ackwei’s late equalizer rescues point; Next five outlook, plus highlights and interviews

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by Edward Severn

EDINBURG — Rio Grande Valley FC defender Wahab Ackwei immediately said the draw felt more like a loss Saturday night at H-E-B Park when he spoke to the media following his late stoppage time equalizer.

Ackwei’s 97’ minute leveler rescued a point in a 3-3 draw with Miami FC Saturday night. Wilmer Cabrera Jr. and Frank López grabbed first half goals for the Toros to give them a lead going in the half, but the visiting side would take a 3-2 lead in the 78th minute.

A draw did seem like a fair result for both teams, given Miami FC and RGVFC gave up leads twice in the match, but both teams needed three points.

Injuries and Cerro picks up first league start

Ian Cerro picked up a first league start of the season. Cerro was deployed on the left side of the pitch, going the distance for the Toros. Cerro could be in line for more starts because of injuries.

The Toros had two players go down in the first half. Ricky Ruiz went out first in the 19′ and then Juan Cabezas was pulled in the 37′ after signaling to the bench following a shot attempt from outside the box.

First goal in three matches

Cabrera Jr.’s left-footed goal in the 38’ minute was the first Toros goal since May 13, when RGVFC picked up a 3-2 road win against San Diego. López followed up three minutes later following a beautiful pass by Taylor Davila.

Cabrera Jr. is now tied for the team-lead in league goals with two, while López and Ackwei bagged their first goals of the season.

Frantic Finishes

RGVFC matches become extremely open late in the second half. The heat my play a factor, wearing down the legs – the game was paused for hydration breaks on Saturday in the first and second half.

Nearly 40% of the goals scored at H-E-B Park this season have come in the final 15 minutes of the match. Ackwei’s late equalizer was the fourth stoppage time goal of the season as well and the second by a Toro.

Hold on to your seats at H-E-B Park late in the second half because anything can happen.

Next five outlook

The Toros currently are 11th place in the USL Championship’s Western Conference out of 12 teams, but RGVFC is only five points behind Phoenix Rising for the eighth and final playoff spot.

RGVFC has 12 points from 13 matches with 21 matches still to be played. The Toros have scored 12 goals this season, only two other teams have scored fewer. RGVFC also have given up 22 goals, not the worst. Four teams have conceded more in the league.

The Toros next five matches are against Western Conference opponents. New Mexico United sit two spots above RGVFC, but only two points ahead.

A win and the Toros can move ahead of New Mexico United, but a loss would put more pressure on the Toros to pick up points against Colorado Springs, Oakland and Sacramento – teams in the playoff places.

The Toros finish off the fifth match at home against a team outside of the playoff places, Orange County, a team the Toros lost to on the road a week ago.

Toros captain Jose Torres said the team is used to slow starts before the match on Saturday against Miami FC, so the spirits inside the locker room is not low despite the slow start.