The Vaqueros produced several chances to draw level with Monterrey’s U-20 squad in a friendly match on Thursday night at Martin Field. Unfortunately, the home side could not find the back of the net in a 1-0 loss.
The Vaqueros took a break from National Premier League Soccer play to take on the youth squad from Liga MX’s Monterrey. The Mexican squad traveled to Fort Worth as part of a competitive tour of the United States.
Monterrey launched several long balls on the grounds all night at the Vaqueros defense, and were able to convert on a decisive low through ball in the 22nd minute for the game’s lone goal.
From there, neither team managed to take control of the game. Fort Worth lost costly turnovers in midfield throughout the match, but were able to come close to evening the score several times. Striker Matt Rochowski enjoyed several chances including two that went just wide.
Fort Worth head coach Mark Snell said even though the Vaqueros are mathematically eliminated from the NPSL playoffs, these games remain crucial.
“We don’t want to treat these games any different,” Snell said. “I told these guys today, we have to play for pride’s sake. Come out, play as hard as you can, and also be a sportsman, because we want future relations with these teams from over the border.”
Fort Worth will head to Tulsa, Oklahoma for their final NPSL South Central Conference match on Saturday to take on Tulsa Athletics. The Vaqueros currently sit 11th in the standings.
The Vaqueros will take on another Mexican opponent, Santos Laguna’s U-20 side, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 4th at Martin Field.
