EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley FC claimed its second victory this season against OKC Energy FC as Joe Holland recorded a goal and assist in a 3-0 win at H-E-B Park on Saturday night. The Toros took the lead in just the eighth minute when Eric Bird beat the Energy FC offside trap to break onto a pass by Joe Holland, and he calmly rounded the goalkeeper to finish into an open net. Energy FC almost leveled in the 25th minute when a throw-in by Michael Harris came to Miguel Gonzalez, who forced an excellent save by Toros goalkeeper Calle Brown, but RGVFC doubled its lead seven minutes before the break when Holland volleyed home a short clearance from 12 yards. Jose Escalante almost added a third in the 65th minute, only for Energy FC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi to make a big save, but three minutes later a defensive error allowed Escalante to walk in alone on goal and finish into the left corner, closing out a solid victory for the hosts.

Scoring:

8’ – RGV – Eric Bird (Joe Holland)

38’ – RGV – Joe Holland

68’ – RGV – Jose Escalante

Three Things That Matter:

1. The Toros wanted a big performance after their home defeat to Tulsa Roughnecks FC last Saturday, and they got just the result they would have wanted as Eric Bird’s early goal paved the way for a comfortable win, their second against Energy FC this season. Bird’s eighth-minute goal was the earlier RGVFC has scored at home in its history as the Toros again returned to .500 for the season with a good attacking display.

2. Coming off a long layoff in league action, going behind early was the last thing Energy FC would have wanted, but while the visitors fought back strongly their lack of finishing proved the difference on the night. Miguel Gonzalez’s outstanding finish from 20 yards was met by a great stop by Toros goalkeeper Calle Brown in the 25th minute, but that was also the only save Brown had to make in the contest as the remainder of Energy FC’s shots 11 shots were either off target or blocked.

3. By contrast, the Toros were a model of precision when given opportunities in the final third as Energy FC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi was put under regular pressure, particularly in the first half. The Toros recorded eight out of their nine shots on target as they capitalized on a disjointed Energy FC defense that that allowed the Toros to strike regularly from inside the penalty area. The Swope Park Rangers are the next visitors to H-E-B Park two weeks from now in what should be a must-see game between two strong playoff contenders.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Joe Holland, Rio Grande Valley FC – Holland provided the assist on the opening goal, and then notched his first as a professional, to give the Toros an important victory.