January 11, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley FC announced on Wednesday that it has finalized its retained player list ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season which consists of 11 total returners including former United States international Jose Francisco Torres and major midseason addition Cristian Pinzon, as Toros Sporting Director and Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera emphasized the need to set a foundation early in the offseason.
The Toros exercised their contract option to retain Torres, who returns for his second season after making 22 appearances for the club and helping guide RGVFC to a second consecutive postseason appearance. In addition to signing Pinzon to a new contract for the 2023 campaign, the club has also signed goalkeeper Tyler Deric, defenders Frank Nodarse, Roberto Coronado, and Jonathan Ricketts, and forward Ricky Ruiz to new deals.
Defenders Wahab Ackwei, who earned Championship All-League Second Team honors this past season, and Erik Pimentel, and forward Frank Lopez are also set to return after previously being under contract for the 2023 campaign.
Deric returns for his third season with the club sitting as the Toros’ all-time leader in regular season minutes (5,590), saves (128) and clean sheets (15) while ranking fourth in regular season appearances with 64.
Pinzon, meanwhile, returns for a second season after sitting second on the club with seven goals in 15 appearances during the last campaign, while Ruiz led the side with seven assists in addition to sitting tied for the team-lead with 44 chances created across the regular season and playoffs.
The club also continues to negotiate toward contracts for new signings, details will be released accordingly once finalized.
2023 Rio Grande Valley FC Roster as of 1/11/23
Goalkeepers: Tyler Deric
Defenders: Wahab Ackwei, Jonathan Ricketts, Erik Pimentel, Frank Nodarse, Roberto Coronado
Midfielders: Jose Francisco Torres, Juan David Cabezas
Forward: Christian Pinzon, Ricky Ruiz, Frank Lopez
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