EDINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) went toe-to-toe with USL's Rio Grande Valley FC on Sunday at H-E-B Park falling 4-3 in a friendly match.
 
UTRGV came out of the gates focused with high energy as junior Angel Lopez got UTRGV on the board and gave them the lead with a goal in the first half. Most of the game was played with high speed and gave UTRGV a challenge physically, mentally and tactically.
 
"We played very well in the first 15 minutes," UTRGV head coach Paul Leese said. "We came out and scored first with a great attacking move finished off by Angel. The Toros took control of the game before half time and we battle with them in the second half."
 
RGV FC answered with a pair of goals before the half before both teams traded goals the rest of the way.
 
The second match of the spring against RGV FC gave the young players a great learning experience. UTRGV started the match with five freshmen in the starting lineup as they got a taste of the high pace of play which will help them grow as players before the start of the fall.
 
"I am grateful to Coach Gerson Echeverry and the entire Toros staff for their fantastic hospitality," Leese said. "We are fortunate to have a USL pro team that is so open and willing to share their insight, ultimately allowing our college players to develop and pursue their path to a professional career."
 
UTRGV will close out its spring with an alumni match on March 30 at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex at 4:30 p.m.

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