BRYAN, Texas (June 5, 2021) — Not even a mid-game rain storm could stop the Brazos Valley Cavalry FC en route to the team’s first victory of the season.

A slow start kicked off what would ultimately become a showcase of the Cavalry FC’s insurmountable attacking power. In the team’s World Cup Night, Brazos Valley players from ten different countries came together to defeat the Houston FC 5-2, getting revenge for the teams’ 2-2 draw earlier in the season. 

Cavalry FC head coach Gareth Glick said it was satisfying to claim the season’s first win against a team that had forced a draw with the red and black earlier in the summer.

“Tonight was well-deserved,” Glick said. “The build-up to the win was fantastic. We were much more solid than when we played them last time.

Houston FC started the night’s scoring in the 20th minute with a long shot by forward Joshua Hallenberger from outside the box. 

Brazos Valley midfielder Renan Santos evened the score just ten minutes later. Using a fakeout up the middle, Santos shifted the Houston goalkeeper’s balance into the wrong direction before placing the ball into the lower left corner of the net.

Forward Emanuel Santos doubled the Cavalry FC’s score total in the 33rd minute. Assisted by Renan, Emanuel chipped the ball over the forward-charging goalkeeper and into the clear middle of the goal to take the lead.

Both teams traded yellow cards soon after. A foul just inside the box gave the Houston FC a free penalty kick to knot things back at two.

The draw did not hold for long. Cavalry FC forward Ronaldo Brown pushed up the middle into close quarters in the 43rd minute, then sent a deflected shot off the goalkeeper sailing into the top shelf. Brown said the stars aligned perfectly to place the forward into a field position he was comfortable attacking from.

“I’m most dangerous in front of a goalie,” Brown said. “I stay aware of my position because I’m naturally a striker, so getting lined up with the goal lets me do what’s best for the team. That was a great feeling.”

Halftime adjustments made by the Houston team were not enough to overcome the offensive threat presented by the red and black. Brown tacked on his second goal of the night on a penalty kick in the 57th minute, then forward Creggton Charlton snuck in a last-second goal from outside the box, setting the final score at 5-2.

The attacking success of the Brazos Valley on the night was even more pronounced than reflected on the scoreboard. The team totaled 17 shots, 10 of which were on goal, while pinning four corner kicks. Glick said the team did not spend extra preparation on offense, instead trusting that the players already had the prowess within themselves.

“We didn’t even begin to talk about attacking this week,” Glick said. “The focus has just been on the defending shape in the midfield. Tonight the goals just came because we have guys who are great at creating opportunities.”

After Saturday’s victory, the Brazos Valley Cavalry FC climbs to a 1-1-2 record on the season, and Houston FC falls to 2-2-1. The Cavalry FC next hits the pitch Thursday, June 10 when the team travels to Grand Prairie, Texas to play the Texas United FC. The red and black will then return to Edible Field on Saturday, June 12 for the team’s annual Kick For a Cure game. With kickoff set for 7:30 p.m., fans can support the Cavalry FC players in their fight against childhood cancer.

Now that the Cavalry FC secured its first win of the season, Brown said the floodgates have opened on what will hopefully be a successful summer.

“Fans can expect us to continue winning as we represent the Brazos,” Brown said. “More victories are coming soon.”

For tickets and information on the Cavalry 2021 season, please call (979) 779-PLAY or visit https://www.bvcavalryfc.com/. To follow all upcoming news and developments on the Cavalry FC, follow the team on social media at facebook.com/BVCavalryFC, Twitter @BVCavalryFC and Instagram @bvcavalryfc.