EDINBURG, Texas – San Antonio FC took the first edition of the South Texas Derby in 2022 as David Loera’s goal in the final minute of the first half proved the difference in a 2-1 win against Rio Grande Valley FC on Sunday night at H-E-B Park.
San Antonio threatened first in the fifth minute when Loera played Justin Dhillon into the left side of the penalty area only for RGVFC goalkeeper Colin Miller to come off his line quickly to smother the shot. The Toros, meanwhile, also went close in the 13th minute as Ricky Ruiz received possession after a turnover in midfield and quickly played in Frank Lopez, whose low shot was well saved by SAFC goalkeeper Cristian Bonilla. Lopez had another opportunity after a defensive mistake that was saved by Bonilla, but in the 34th minute the visitors took the lead after Connor Maloney seized on a loose ball in the Toros’ half and set up Elliot Collier for a first-time finish inside the penalty area.
The Toros hit back a minute before halftime as Dylan Borczak recorded his first goal in the professional ranks as he headed home a cross by Isidro Martinez from the right. The assist was Martinez’s 10th in Toros colors, making him the club’s all-time leader. The parity was short-lived, however, as a minute later San Antonio regained the lead when Loera regained possession after having his initial shot saved by Miller and finished into an open net. The hosts tried to find a way back into the game in the second half, and almost found one with nine minutes to go as a deep cross from the left by Robert Coronado found Emilio Ycaza for a header that Bonilla dove to save on his goal line. There was no late equalizer for the hosts, however, as San Antonio continued its perfect start to the season with a third victory.
USLChampionship.com Player of the Match
Connor Maloney, San Antonio FC – Maloney provided the assist for SAFC’s opening goal and had a solid defensive display, winning 4 of 6 duels and 2 of 2 tackles while recording 11 recoveries.
Scoring Summary
SA – Elliot Collier (Connor Maloney) 34’
RGV – Dylan Borczak (Isidro Martinez) 44’
SA – David Loera 45’