Rhode Island FC Bested by Sacramento in Semi-Final
Rhode Island’s Jägermeister Cup run has come to an end.
Rhode Island FC looked to punch their ticket to their second final in just as many years as they welcomed Sacramento Republic FC back to Centreville Bank Stadium for USL Jägermeister Cup semi-final action on Wednesday night. Coming off a disappointing loss to league leaders Louisville City FC, RIFC hoped to bounce back and regain some momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season and attempt to make a late playoff push.
Despite another solid outing from the defensive unit, keeping Sacramento off the score sheet throughout the duration of regulation, it was the struggles of the offense that once again led to Rhode Island’s defeat.
With the match scoreless at the final whistle, Rhode Island found itself at the mercy of a penalty shoot-out for the second time in the USL Cup, and with its best penalty takers out on the field, it should have been a good battle.
Sacramento stepped up to the spot to get things started, drawing first blood as they slotted their first shot into the back of the net. First up for RIFC was Maxi Rodriguez, whose streak of being perfect from the spot this season came to an end as his kick just barely caught the left post and bounced out.
Sacramento proceeded to bury their next attempt, and then J.J. Williams was up, another player who can usually be relied on to find the back of the net. His attempt sailed up and over the crossbar for the second Rhode Island miss of the night. With Sacramento nailing their third kick, the pressure was definitely on for the hosts.
With a spot in the Jägermeister Cup Final on the line, Noah Fuson stepped up to the spot for Rhode Island’s third kick. With all eyes on the midfielder, Centreville Bank Stadium watched with bated breath as Fuson’s kick flew toward goal, only to be batted away by Sacramento’s keeper as the visitors erupted in celebration.