SAFC Preview to the Match: RGVFC Toros Away

San Antonio FC will be on the road once again in this young 2022 USL Championship season as the face rival RGVFC Toros in the first edition of the 2022 South Texas Derby. The last time the two faced each other was in the Western Conference Semi-Final at Toyota Field last October.

History of the South Texas Derby

The upcoming match on Sunday down at H-E-B Park will be the 22nd time the two clubs meet. San Antonio FC has the edge with 8 Wins, RGVFC has 6 Wins and the 7 Draws have been recorded. San Antonio FC also has the edge on goals scored 29-26. SAFC and RGVFC met in the playoffs for the first time last year in the USL Championship Western Conference Semi-Final, SAFC won 3-1. RGVFC’s last victory over the Alamo City Boys was a 2-1 win on May 17, 2021 at H-E-B Park. Ever Guzman is the current all time goal leader in the South Texas Derby with Five Goals.

Preview

San Antonio FC comes into the Sunday evening match with a 2-0-0 record, beating LA Galaxy II 2-1 in California last Saturday. RGVFC Toros are coming off a 1-0 loss to the same Galaxy II after making a mid-week trip to Southern California. Toros are currently 1-0-2 with three points. San Antonio FC is looking to make its best start in team history with a win against the Toros on Sunday. Toros look to get back to .500 with a win.

The South Texas Connection. San Antonio FC Defender Cater Manley spent the last two seasons with RGVFC making 44 appearances in two seasons and marking two goals. On RGVFC side, Former San Antonio FC rookie, Ollie Wright signed with RGVFC during the offseason, Wright had two assists in 14 appearance during his rookie year at SAFC. Ollie Wright wont make an appearance during this round of the South Texas Derby against his former club as he is out with a lower body injury. Frank Lopez, who was on loan with San Antonio FC and scored 8 Goals during 2019 season for the Alamo City Boys, currently leads RGVFC with 2 goals in 2022.

Players To Watch Out For

SAFC:

Mitch Taintor is coming off scoring a goal, 150 USL Appearance and being named to USL Championship Team of the Week.

Carter Manley is familiar with RGVFC having been on the team the last two seasons

Jasser Khmiri returns to San Antonio FC deepening an already very talented Defensive Corps. Khmiri was a late addition to the Tunisia National Team during the Arab Cup in December. Khmiri was on laon to SAFC last year from MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.

Santiago Patino, when will he return? Patino has yet to make an appearance in 2022, no official announcement by club has been has ben made on his return.

RGVFC:

Juan Pablo Torres, midfielder has been almost perfect defensively so far in 2022, a perfect 5 for 5 in Tackles Won, 14 for 21 in Duels Won, and 2 for 2 in Aerial Duals Won.

Striker Frank Lopez, leads RGVFC in Goals with two.

The match is set for Sunday at H-E-B Park, Edinburgh, Texas on Sunday March 27, 2022, kickoff at 6:30 PM. Match will be televised on Bally Sports Southwest and ESPN+.