The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and Phoenix Rising FC played to a scoreless draw. Michael Nelson, the Houston Dynamo first round SuperDraft pick, had six saves in tonight’s clean sheet while making his professional debut.
Nicolas Perea almost capitalized off a set piece in the 11th minute. Perea’s header off a corner kick bounced over the crossbar. In the 17th minute, RGV’s Matias Zaldivar tried his luck from beyond the penalty box but was off target. Bryce Marion also had an attempt at goal in the 22nd minute. After Bryce cut into the box from the right flank, he shot towards his near post. Rising FC goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski blocked Marion’s shot.
Phoenix Rising FC had their first dangerous shot in the 33rd minute. Chris Cortez shot a curler but the ball was well off-target. Three minutes later, Mike da Fonte headed in a cross straight to Michael Nelson, goalkeeper for the RGV FC Toros. The Toros were close to getting a goal right before the first half ended. Matias Zaldviar snuck through the Phoenix defense and tried to slip the ball to his far post. Unfortunately for RGVFC, the ball did not find the back of the net.
Phoenix forced Michael Nelson to make impressive saves in the second half. Jason Johnson shot from right outside the 18-yard box in the 57th minute but was denied by Nelson. The Toros required Nelson’s heroics once again in the 60th minute. Nelson was able to deny Gladson Awako’s blast.
Phoenix Rising FC kept pushing forward; totaling 13 total shots in the second half. In the 71st minute, Billy Forbes shot at goal after breaking free. Nelson was able to stop the shot with ease. Two minutes later, Nelson once again denied Awako from getting in the score sheet. In stoppage time, Rio Grande Valley almost secured the three points at home. Jesus Enriquez found space inside the box and laid the ball back to Jordan Jones. Jones’ shot was deflected.
The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros will visit Saint Louis FC next on June 30th. It will be the second time the two teams meet this season since the season's inaugural game.
