Image: Rio Grande Valley FC
- Rio Grande Valley (RGV) currently occupies 11th spot in the Western Conference table, with 35 points from 30 games. Rising are in 5th, with 52 from 30.
- RGV will come into this match high in confidence. In their last 3 matches, all against top 4 opposition, they’ve picked up 7 points (2W v Reno and San Antonio; 1D v Swope Park).
- However, against the bottom 3 teams this season, RGV has picked up only 4 points out of a possible 21 (4 draws/ties). This is one reason why they are no longer in playoff contention.
- The two sides last met in Edinburg in August. Jason Johnson gave Rising the lead from the penalty spot in the 41st minute; but two late red cards for Rising undoubtedly contributed to Ivan Magalhaes equalizing for RGV in the 95th minute.
- RGV are most likely to score between the 61st and 75th minutes. A staggering 13 of their 36 league goals this season have been scored between those minutes.
- Kyle Murphy is RGV’s top scorer. The former Clemson Tiger has 7 goals from 29 appearances this season.
- Justin Bilyeu could play an interesting role in this side. The defender, acquired from NY Red Bulls, has picked up 8 assists this season – more than twice as many as any other player on the team, and also the third-highest in the Western Conference. Another player likely to create chances for the visitors is the 24-year-old midfielder Eric Bird.
- RGV has failed to find the net in 7 USL games this season, but only once in the last 13 games (away to Los Dos on September 3).
- RGV are least likely to concede during the first 15 minutes of either half. They have managed 7 shutouts this season – 3 at home, and 4 away.
- Rising fans should think twice about leaving the game before the final whistle tonight. Three of the 6 goals RGV has conceded in their last 6 games have been scored in second half stoppage time.