Fastest goal in franchise history not enough as RGV FC Toros lose to Sacramento Republic FC

Carlos Small scored his first RGV FC goal in the first minute of his first start, but the Toros conceded twice in a seven-minute span during the second half to fall 2-1 to Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday at Papa Murphy’s Park in Sacramento, California.

RGV FC remains winless on the road in 10 tries this season and falls to 3-8-11 overall, while Sacramento improves to 12-5-7.

The Toros opened the night with the quickest goal in franchise history, scoring only about 26 seconds in. Aldo Quintanilla sent a through ball to Small, who found the net on his first touch from the right side of the penalty box. Small was making his third appearance for RGV FC after being acquired in July on a loan from CD Arabe Unido in Panama.

The score signaled the start of a pressure-packed first half for the Toros. Nicolas Perea nearly scored on a blistering shot in the fifth minute, and Jesus Enriquez hit a low shot from the center of the box in the 21st minute that was barely saved by the outstretched right hand of Sacramento keeper Josh Cohen.

Sacramento scored in the 61st and 68th minutes to snatch away the result. First, after a short corner kick, Elliot Hord whipped in a cross from the right wing. Cameron Iwasa connected with a header about 6 yards from goal on the left half of the penalty box, sending the ball back toward the right side of the net and under the hand of sprawling Toros keeper Tyler Deric.

In the 68th minute, after a free kick on the left wing, Sacramento’s Jeremy Hall hit a header from the middle of the box that bounced into the right side of the net.

The Toros created some pressure late but were unable to equalize.

Deric made his first appearance for RGV FC. The Houston Dynamo’s starting goalie most of last season, Deric was playing for the first time since being suspended by the MLS on Nov. 1, 2017, following his arrest and charge of misdemeanor assault in connection with an alleged domestic incident.

On May 22, 2018, the Harris County District Attorney entered into an order of deferred adjudication and placed Deric on community supervision. Provided that he completes a yearlong diversion program, all charges against Deric will be dismissed. Deric was reinstated by the MLS on July 5.

Defender A.J. DeLaGarza started for RGV FC on assignment from the Houston Dynamo, marking his first action since suffering a torn ACL with the Dynamo last season. He played the first half Saturday before subbing out.

RGV FC returns home for a match against OKC Energy FC at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.