Rhode Island FC entered Sunday’s match against Loudoun United FC needing just three points to secure a playoff spot in their inaugural season. They also entered tonight’s match just two draws away from setting a USL Championship record for draws in the season.
But they also entered tonight’s match with all three of their most important and potent attacking options unavailable. Striker Albert “Chico” Dikwa is injured after taking a knock in his last match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, winger Noah Fuson was out serving a single-game suspension, and fellow winger Jojea Kwizera was unavailable while playing with the Rwandan National Team.
Without them, RIFC’s attacking efforts fell to strikers JJ Williams and Mark Doyle and the result was a 0-0 draw. With it, Rhode Island FC tied the USL Championship’s record for draws in a season. They still have two matches left to play.
A cold, rainy match, neither team managed to get much going in the way of attacking play. They totaled just five shots on target between them in 90 minutes plus stoppage time.
Williams was warned several times by the referee and picked up a yellow card early as his physical play and habit of being in the ref’s ear could have seen him sent off on multiple occasions. Rhode Island FC’s play picked up in the 61st minute when head coach Khano Smith subbed on midfielder Jack Panoyotou for Doyle. Following the substitution– and then shortly later the addition of midfielder Joe Brito for defender Stephen Turnbull — Rhode Island put serious pressure on Loudoun United FC. Ultimately, the pressure, which resulted in several shot attempts, did not provide the goal Rhode Island FC was so desperately looking for.
On the whole, this was Rhode Island’s worst offensive performance in months but it was also a stout defensive performance as goalkeeper and man-of-the-match Koke Vegas made great saves and the Tide’s defenders made crucial tackles.
Rhode Island FC’s next match is away against Charleston Battery on Saturday, October 19. In the reverse fixture on April 6, Rhode Island FC drew Charleston despite going a man down after midfielder Conor McGlynn was sent off. The match was also notorious for the 47 fouls called during it.
Finally, Rhode Island FC returns home on Saturday, October 26, at 8:00 pm ET to play Miami FC.