Rhode Island Earn Crucial Win Over Miami FC
The playoff push is still alive for the Ocean State
Rhode Island FC traveled down to FIU Soccer Stadium (also known as Pitbull Stadium) to battle against Miami FC, looking to redeem themselves after an unlucky loss earlier in the season.
Head coach Khano Smith made just two changes to the starting eleven following the team’s win over Indy Eleven.
In the 12th minute Rhode Island had their first real opportunity as Clay Holstad was able to play a cross into Miami’s box that found J.J. Williams, but the attempted header ended up wide of the net. The Amber and Blue had another chance in the 28th minute that began with a throw-in from Holstad that was cleared out by Miami right back to the midfielder who was once again able to cross the ball into a crowded Miami box. This time it was defender Hugo Bacharach who was able to get his head on it, but the attempt was saved by the Miami keeper.
Rhode Island were awarded a penalty in the 66th minute when Williams was brought down by the Miami defender inside the box. Jojea Kwizera stepped up to the spot to take the kick, beating the keeper with a well placed shot to the top right corner of the net to bring the score to 1-0.
In the 69th minute Rhode Island made a pair of substitutions for their first changes of the match as Dwayne Atkinson and Albert Dikwa replaced Zachary Herivaux and Joe Brito. The Ocean State made another set of changes in the 75th minute with Aldair Sanchez entering for Kwizera and Hamady Diop making his RIFC debut as he replaced Nodarse. The last substitution for RIFC occurred in the 87th minute as Grant Stoneman checked into the match for Marc Ybarra.
Rhode Island were able to hold on as the referee blew the final whistle, securing their second victory in a row as they look to keep the momentum going heading into the final five matches of the regular season.
Hitting the road again, RIFC will travel to Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas to take on El Paso Locomotive FC on Friday, September 26 with kickoff scheduled for 9 PM EST.