The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros played to a 2-2 draw against Sacramento Republic FC. Todd Wharton and Jorginho James each scored for the Toros.
Although the first half finished scoreless, the Toros had a few chances to get on the scoring sheet early in the game. In the 13th minute, RGV’s Matias Zaldivar had a good look at the goal but his shot was deflected by the Sacramento defense. Todd Wharton almost bagged his first goal of the season in the 32nd minute, but the crossbar denied him.
In the 51st minute, Aldo Quintanilla was fouled inside the penalty box. Todd Wharton stepped in and successfully took the penalty shot to give the Toros the lead. Sacramento was awarded a penalty as well in the 76th minute. Kai Greene made contact with Vilyan Bijev, but Nicolas Corti, goalkeeper for the Toros, denied Kevin Aleman from getting the equalizer.
The Toros were able to double their lead in the 79th minute. Aldo Quintanilla found the ball and cut towards goal. After seeing an unmarked Jorginho James, Quintanilla played the ball towards him. James curled the ball towards the right side of the net for the goal.
Shortly after, Sacramento Republic FC got the best of the Toros in a set piece. Sacramento quickly played a free-kick and caught the Rio Grande Valley defense by surprise. Adam Moffat found Cameron Iwasa inside the box. Iwasa’s header rolled into the goal after a deflection by Corti.
Sacramento Republic FC found the equalizer in the dying minutes of the game. Already in stoppage time, Adam Moffat sent a dangerous low cross. The ball deflected from Conor Donovan’s foot and went past Nicolas Corti.
The RGV FC Toros will hit the road for the first time this season. The Toros take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on April 7.
