Davila fitting in at RGVFC, Toros unbeaten in six

Uncategorized
by Edward Severn

EDINBURG — Being a box-to-box midfielder is all in the name.

From one box to another in the midfield is where the No. 8, the box-to-box midfielder, operates. It is at times a selfless position. Even if played perfectly, the midfielder acting as the engine might be overlooked due to the accomplishments of a goal-scoring forward or a ball-winning defender.

RGV FC looked to bring in a No. 8 this offseason. They did so with the signing of Taylor Davila.

The Sherman Oaks, California, native already has eclipsed previous seasons statistically in only 18 matches for an RGV FC side currently playing its best soccer halfway through the campaign. Davila has three goals and three assists — one more assist than last season, but with 14 matches still to be played.

Post by @southtexasbordersports
View on Threads

Davila was a player Toros sporting director and head coach Wilmer Cabrera said he wanted to bring in at the end of last season.

“We like the way he plays,” Cabrera said. “We know that he is not the fastest guy, but it is not about his speed. It is about his talent and his brain. His brain works so well, and that is why he is comfortable here and the team is comfortable with him.”

Davila, 22, joined the Toros this season from L.A. Galaxy II, now a team in MLS Next Pro — a league comprised of MLS reserve teams. Davila was featured 62 times for L.A. Galaxy II, with the bulk of his appearances coming the past two seasons. Davila had a lone appearance in 2018 but headed off to play college soccer for the University of California.

Davila trained with L.A. Galaxy’s first team while playing in the USL with Galaxy II. Davila said he learned a lot from training with Mexican international Jonathan dos Santos and Spanish youth international Riqui Puig — both products of Barcelona’s La Masia academy.

Being at a prestigious club with five MLS Cup trophies was pivotal in Davila’s development.

“They were always looking for the next big thing,” Davila said about Galaxy. “You wanted to show the best you could every day in training and in the games. You wanted to train with the first team or get a contract with the first team, so there was a lot of competition and a good amount of pressure.”

“I enjoyed it over there,” Davila added. “It was a good two years, and I got a good amount of games in the USL. It was a good experience, and I am happy to be here now.”

Davila has started 17 matches in the USL Championship and has played a total of 1,570 minutes, only missing 50 minutes of possible match time this campaign.

Davila’s three goals are responsible for five Toros points. Davila’s latest goal rescued a point against Sacramento during second-half stoppage time two weeks ago. Another second-half stoppage time goal picked up a point against Monterrey Bay in late March.

A week later, Davila scored the winner against Detroit City.

Davila has formed a midfield partnership with Robert Coronado during the past five matches. The Toros are unbeaten in their past six matches.

“Rob and I have been very comfortable in the midfield,” Davila said. “Both of us can run the whole game. We might not be the fastest, but we can run the entire game. I feel like we have been able to cover the space very well. The team has been super tight and compact defensively, and that has definitely helped us recently on the defensive side.”

Davila wants to take his soccer career as far as he can take it. The midfielder takes his time when he is away from the club seriously by staying hydrated, having a diet and making sure he recovers for every match.

Davila believes the team can climb the standings. Despite the good run of form, the Toros are still outside of the playoff spots in 10th place, but only five points outside fourth place. RGV FC takes on third-place El Paso Locomotive FC at 8:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+.

The midfielder is not the only player in good form during the Toros’ unbeaten run. Wahab Ackwei and Jonathan Ricketts received USL Championship team of the week honors for Week 18 after both scored goals against Orange County on Saturday at H-E-B Park in the 2-0 win.

Wilmer Cabrera Jr. is the leading scorer with five goals. Cabrera Jr. has scored four goals during the past six matches. Frank Lopez has come back from injury to score twice and assist twice in the unbeaten run.