March 20, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley FC (0-0-2, 2 pts) drew against Oakland Roots SC (0-1-1, 1 pt) at H-E-B Park after a late-stage equalizer by Johnny Rodriguez earned the visitors their first point of the season.
Oakland Roots tested early as Tyler Deric was forced to make a stop at the four-minute mark on a counter attacking chance, no damage done as the ball was punched to a corner kick, 0-0.
On a set piece try Jonathan Ricketts received a ball off the feet of Frank Nodarse who lightly tapped it in his direction inside the box and sent a right footed shot past Paul Blanchete to open the scoring at H-E-B Park at the 14-minute mark, 0-1. This marked the first goal of the season for Ricketts and first assist of the season for Nodarse.
Ricketts increased his threat in the final third at the 20th minute as he sent a curling shot just narrowly wide of the goal, 0-1.
Tyler Deric made a save of the week worthy diving stop as he fully stretched his body to deflect a strike from inside the box off the foot of Emrah Klimenta at the 36-minute mark, 0-1.
The Toros kept a first half advantage thanks to the heroics from Deric and resiliency up front, keeping Oakland busy defensively.
The Roots climbed back into the match in the late stages, scoring an equalizer via Johnny Rodriguez who had entered the match as a late substitution, 1-1.
In additional time, Ricky Ruiz missed out on a clear chance opportunity in front of the net, keeping the match even.
Instances before the final whistle, Oakland Roots nearly stole the win as a ball struck the upper crossbar, going clear and conserving the draw between the teams, 1-1.
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