The first match in Rhode Island FC history saw a late show that had a sold-out crowd on their feet, screaming and celebrating, as the home team equalized against visitors New Mexico United in the 92nd minute to earn their first-ever point.
Rhode Islanders packed Beirne Stadium, excited for professional soccer’s debut in the Ocean State. Team President Brett Luy joined Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien, and Bryant University President Ross Gittell for the coin toss. Afterwards, Luy could be spotted traversing the stands, chatting with fans.
The action started off quick and hot, with Rhode Island FC dominating the first half of play, which was marked by two Clay Holstad shots that rattled the posts, one in the 31st minute and one in the 45th. Rhode Island FC earned two yellow cards but well outshot New Mexico United, having seven shots on goal to New Mexico United’s one at the break, as RIFC set up camp in the opposite half and forced their opponents to rely on counterattacks that solid RIFC defending repeatedly stymied.
The second half, however, was a much different story.
New Mexico United came out of the locker room a changed side, and the results were evident quickly; as they put two shots on RIFC’s goal in the first three minutes of the second half, both of which were admirably saved by the former San Diego Loyal star goalkeeper, Koke Vegas.
Despite Vegas’ skill between the posts, New Mexico United broke through in the 68th. An outswinging free kick was poked away by the Rhode Island goalkeeper, but his defenders failed to clear it, and New Mexico United’s Talen Maples used the chance to send a right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner of the goal and give New Mexico United the first lead of the afternoon.
By the 80th minute, New Mexico United had clearly pressed their advantage against Rhode Island FC, as by that point New Mexico United had tallied five second-half shots on goal to RIFC’s one, giving them a total of six to Rhode Island’s eight. It looked like Rhode Island FC would lose their first match and in front of a sold-out home crowd.
The crowd, however, seeing that time was running out roared to life to support the home side and the result was that they went on to tally six attempts on goal in the final 10 minutes while not allowing New Mexico United a single shot on goal in the same span. This effort paid off as in the 92nd minute of stoppage time RIFC’s Noah Fuson fired a cross from the left side into the box towards teammate Mark Doyle, who was closely marked by New Mexico United’s Christopher Gloster. Too closely, as it would turn out, as his defensive effort went awry and sent the ball spinning past goalkeeper Alex Tambakis for the late equalizer.
The crowd roared, as the last second goal delighted fans and gave Rhode Island FC its first-ever point in its first-ever game. Rhode Island FC will play its next match on the road, taking on Monterey Bay FC in California at 6 PM. on Sunday, March 24. Fans can watch that match on NESN or ESPN+. The club will play their next home match at 7:30 PM. on Saturday, April 6, at Beirne Stadium against the defending Eastern Conference Champions, Charleston Battery.