Rhode Island FC Draws First Derby Against Hartford Athletic
The derby draw
Mark Doyle touched home his first goal of the season in the fifth minute of Rhode Island FC’s first derby against Hartford Athletic, silencing the home crowd. The early goal didn’t do the Tide much good, as they failed to capitalize on the uncharacteristically early lead and RIFC drew their eighth of twelve matches. The Draw Kings’ reign continues unabated and unchallenged.
The match started off with RIFC’s earliest goal in their history, as JJ Williams — playing off the right wing — launched a cross into the six-yard box that RIFC Mark Doyle skillfully redirected past Hartford goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro at the near post. Rhode Island was unable to maintain their momentum for long however, as Hartford evened it up among a barrage of corners in the 24th minute.
Hartford defender Tristan Hodge sent a cross from a corner over the Rhode Island defenders – who all clustered around the near post – and found fellow Hartford defender Joseph Farrell who scored all but unopposed at the far post. The goal gave Hartford Athletic a new lease on life.
Rhode Island FC goalkeeper Koke Vegas made a great save in the 40th to keep it even as Hartford continued to pour it on through the rest of the first half. Just one minute later RIFC defender Frank Nodarse was burned by Hartford striker Michee Ngalina, which sent Ngalina through one-on-one on goal on Vegas. Ngalina fired a ground cross to the far post, where Stephen Turnbull just barely beat another Hartford player to the ball, clearing it behind. Two corners resulted, and the first was very nearly scored, only narrowly missing outside the near post.
This is a phenomenon Rhode Island FC fans have grown used to, the team seems to give up whenever they’re scored against as their control and composure rapidly leaves them. They become frustrated, fouling, and losing possession as a result. Luckily, Hartford was unable to make much of the advantage.
The first half had been exciting, but the second was underwhelming. Chances came at a premium, and what ones were had were not converted. One in particular stood out as egregious and is a scene that has also repeated itself multiple times so far this season.
I don’t know who they’ve replaced Rhode Island FC striker Albert “Chico” Dikwa with, but the forward clearly isn’t himself. He made a great run in the 57th minute to go one-on-one with Ribeiro in the six-yard box, but instead of shooting he cut it back twice, and then lazily passed the ball to a Hartford defender. The result was that the game’s clearest chance to that point was completely wasted, and the score remained 1-1, where the game finished.
Dikwa won the USL Championship’s Golden Boot last season, with 20 goals in 28 appearances but has scored only three times in eleven appearances so far this season and not since the third match of the season, March 30th’s 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He has not assisted a single score this season either and a significant portion of the blame for Rhode Island’s scoring woes this season must fall at his feet, as he continues to miss chances that he must score.
Rhode Island fans – who showed up to tonight’s match in force – will have made the 70-mile trip home in frustrated fashion as the team continues to play unerringly to the level of their opponent. RIFC’s three losses are good for seventh best in the entire league but their single win is also the league’s worst.
The derby against rivals Hartford Athletic could not have gotten off to a less inspiring start. RIFC next play Hartford at Beirne Stadium in Smithfield, Rhode Island at 7:30 pm ET on Saturday, August 10th.
Hopefully they’ll have their scoring woes sorted out by then, as RIFC plays its next match at home against Detroit City FC on Saturday, June 8th at 7:30 pm ET, lest they notch their ninth draw in only thirteen games.
Long may the Draw Kings reign.
Glad I didn't make the trip to Hartford for this one!