Albert Dikwa Scores Brace In Away Draw
Albert Dikwa Scores Brace In Away Draw
Rhode Island FC’s first away match ends the same way their first ever match did, with one point each for both sides.
Rhode Island FC’s first away match ended the same way their first ever match did, with one point each for both sides.
There were no late-minute heroics as RIFC took two leads and watched both evaporate as Monterey Bay F.C. equalized both times, to the chagrin of RIFC fans everywhere. Perhaps not too much chagrin though, as Monterey Bay F.C. had two further goals called back for being offside. In the end, RIFC’s point was hard-fought and well-earned.
It didn’t take long for the USL’s marquee signing of the season to come good. Rhode Island FC’s Albert “Chico” Dikwa became the first goal-scorer in RIFC history when he notched his first goal and then his first brace of the season with two well-taken efforts. Last year’s golden boot winner gave RIFC both their leads of the match, and fans will hope he keeps that form up, as he looks harder to stop than ever.
RIFC took their first lead just before the half, as Noah Fuson found Dikwa on a through ball that was very nearly offside, with Dikwa slotting the ball coolly past Monterey Bay F.C. goalkeeper Anthony Siaha in the 41st minute. That lead didn’t last long, as Monterey Bay F.C. equalized in first-half stoppage time with Carlos Guzman making good contact to score on an assist from a free kick by Walmer Martinez.
The second half saw Dikwa score again, as in the 63rd minute he found a loose ball from a poor defensive clearance by Morey Doner in Monterey Bay’s box. His goal-scoring instincts were on display as he easily beat Siaha to give Rhode Island its second lead of the afternoon. This one didn’t last much longer than the first as Monterey Bay F.C. equalized once again in the 72nd minute, as an RIFC mistake led to a cross from Monterey’s Mobi Fehr found Tristan Trager, who beat Koke Vegas at the near post.
Monterey Bay F.C. also had two goals disallowed for offsides, one in the 21st minute and one in the 85th. Both would have given Monterey Bay F.C. the lead.
The latter came not against Koke Vegas, but against RIFC backup keeper Jackson Lee, who made his professional soccer debut late in the second half replacing Vegas.
Notably, Rhode Island FC also received four yellow cards, which may worry fans who recall the four the team received in last week’s match against New Mexico United. They’ll be looking to see their side tighten up defensively and to show more discipline in next week’s away match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in Tampa Bay, Florida, which will be live on ESPN+ and NESN on Saturday, March 30th, at 7:30 pm EDT.