Luna scores two more goals but Bravos FC falls to Laredo

HIDALGO - Despite two goals from Salvador Luna, RGV Bravos FC dropped a 4-2 decision to the Laredo Heat on Sunday night to put an end to their four-game unbeaten streak at Valley View High School Stadium.

The match was played with increased security per a directive by the USL and the Heat due to the incident at Laredo on June 19 that led to five suspensions, including a three-game ban for Bravos FC coach Ismael Moreira Braga. Moreira, who has one more game on his suspension, was replaced by Javier Navarrete, who suffered his second loss in charge of the team.

The defeat came one day after Bravos FC routed the division-leading Austin Aztex 5-1. The loss dropped the Valley squad to 5-4-4 on the season with 19 points.

The win catapulted the Heat back into the third-place spot with a 5-1-6 record and 21 points, behind Austin and El Paso, respectively.

Daniel Galván opened up the scoring for Laredo in the 18th minute, but Bravos FC leading scorer Luna equalized in the 26th minute on an assist by Tomás Banda.

Dionisio Infante put Laredo back on top 2-1 in the 31st minute and increased the lead to 3-1 three minutes into the second half on a goal by defender Soamy Bautista.

Bautista added a second tally in the 77th minute to put the Heat up 4-1.

Luna and Banda connected again to cut the score 4-2, but the rally was a little too late. Luna's goal was his fourth in two games and 13th in 11 matches.

Bravos FC will have the next 10 days off and return to action on July 9 when they make their last road trip to face the Heat at Laredo's Texas A&M-International University Soccer Complex.