Sounders FC 2 (7-12-2) returns to the friendly confines of Starfire Stadium on Sunday, August 6 (6:30 p.m. PT, live-stream on SoundersFC.com), for a home clash with USL Western Conference opponent, Rio Grande Valley FC (6-10-4). The Rave Green will look to snap their current five-match losing streak, with most recent victory coming against Vancouver Whitecaps II back on July 1.
Rio Grande Valley FC, an affiliate of the Houston Dynamo, is also without a win since July, when the Toros garnered a 1-0 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks on the road. The Southern Texas side has struggled since then, especially in a lopsided loss away to Orange County SC and recent 2-1 defeat to last-ranked Portland Timbers II last weekend. Troubles away from home have largely been the Toros’ downfall this season with just two wins and six losses to date.
The last time these two sides played each other, a 3-1 home win for RGV back on June 10, S2 played well but ultimately fell as a result of several defensive mistakes. Since then, the Toros have added a bit of tactical flexibility by implementing a new 4-4-2 formation in addition to their favored 4-2-3-1 system. However, the building blocks -- namely an emphasis on controlling possession and winning the midfield battle -- have remained largely intact.
RGV is a tricky team to gameplan around, as six players on the squad have scored at least two goals this season. The rotating cast at forward is provides an additional wrinkle to their play, as TJ Casner, Memo Rodriguez, Kyle Murphy and Ruben Luna bring completely different skill sets to the No. 9 role. One constant, though, is the stellar midfield play of Eric Bird.
Tied for the team-lead in goals and assists, as well as being the outright leader in chances created and shots, Bird is the heartbeat of the RGV attack. Add in his 16 interceptions and 27 tackles won, it becomes clear that the Toros’ success is intrinsically linked to the performances of their midfield dynamo.
Here are three storylines to watch.
Narbon Versus Bird
What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Well, we’ll find out on Sunday night when RGV’s Bird goes head-to-head with S2’s defensive stalwart in midfield, Francisco Narbon. Through 16 matches this season, Narbon has racked up an astounding 47 interceptions and 49 tackles won. And whether it’s Lorenzo Ramos, Henry Wingo or Ray Saari alongside him in S2’s double-pivot, Narbon will have plenty of help in containing the Toros’ danger-man.
Homecoming for Gonzalez and Uttley
The Toros are coached by two former S2 staff members, Junior Gonzalez and Brett Uttley. Both coaches served as members of S2 Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson’s coaching staff for the 2016 USL season before joining RGV FC. Furthermore, both coaches worked extensively with the Sounders Academy staff and will be intimately familiar with the likes of Ramos, Sam Rogers and Azriel Gonzalez. Sunday’s match will be a bit of a homecoming for the pair at Starfire Stadium.
Lots of Depth for S2
With players returning from injury, new signings coming in and key players returning from national team duty, the Sounders FC First Team enjoys more depth now than at any point this season. That depth will trickle down to S2, with Homegrown players like Wingo and Seyi Adekoya likely to feature more regularly in the final third of the USL season. Factor in the signings Gonzalez and Guy Edoa, as well the Academy season coming to an end two weeks ago, and Hendrickson now has a wealth of players to pick from when putting together his team for Sunday’s match.
