September 9, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Rio Grande Valley FC Toros News Release
On the importance of this match against New Mexico and facing another opponent who is higher ranked in the Western conference standings…
“This is another final, we have six matches left and we have to play those with that mentality. If we play with that mentality, we are going to give ourself possibilities. New Mexico are a very good team they are very talented so we must be careful. They have been having some difficulties in these past few matches but it happens with everyone so we do not want them to recover against us at home especially.”
On knowing each other well, having faced each other twice already in the season…
“At this point we know each other very well, that is no secret. It is nothing that will surprise anyone, it is just about the attitude and mentality of each side and who will impose themselves within the match.”
RGV FC DF Akeem Ward
On the mentality switch now that the team truly controls their own destiny in the playoff picture knowing that wins get you closer to the goal…
“It is the same environment in the locker room, everyone is still relaxed and having a good time inside the locker room while at the same time having an understanding that when we leave the room and step on the pitch, we mean business. Trainings have definitely been more intense in the past weeks, as they should be because we were ranked in the last spot for a good amount of time. Now we understand what we need to do and how to win games, that winning feeling is something that is part of the culture. I think that we have reached the point where we know how to win games now, in a mental aspect and physically in a match.”
RGV FC FW Ricky Ruiz
On what has worked well for the team offensively lately that has helped contribute to positive results leading into the playoff chase…
“I think that it is part of the tactical changes that we have made; our midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers have been doing a great job at doing the work for us as forwards. Once we get the ball while defending well, we are able to break lines and go forward. That is our job as forwards, for myself, [Christian] Pinzon, for Jonas [Fjeldberg], for Frank Lopez or anyone who plays up top really. We make sure that when we receive the ball we are moving forward and I think that was the big issue for us before, the rest of the team sacrificed a lot defending and making sure we do not give up any goals and depended on us making goals up top. I am just glad that we are able to make it happen now, at a crucial time in the season.”
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