Rhode Island FC Falls to Detroit

Already nearly half as many losses as last season

Photo Courtesy of Rhode Island FC

Tonight’s match in Detroit never quite got off the ground for Rhode Island FC, who went down to ten men in just the 6th minute and couldn’t recover from the ensuing two-goal first-half blitz by Detroit City FC. The result — 2-0 in favor of Le Rouge — marks RIFC’s third loss of the young season, though not one without silver linings.

The tone was set just minutes in, when Rhode Island center back Frank Nodarse saw red after a challenge that left little debate. Playing nearly the entire match a man down, Rhode Island’s uphill battle began immediately, and Detroit wasted no time taking advantage.

Detroit City FC striker Darren Smith opened the scoring in the 17th minute, pouncing on a recycled header in the box from fellow Detroit fullback Devon Amoo-Mensah and slotting it past RIFC goalkeeper Koke Vegas after a deflection made it just slippery enough. Only three minutes later, Smith doubled the lead with a perfectly timed run in behind the RIFC backline, lifting the ball over an onrushing Vegas to complete his brace and put Detroit firmly in control.

From there, it looked like Detroit might run away with the match. Detroit midfielder Jeciel Cedeño nearly made it three before halftime, linking up with Smith and curling a shot off the post in the 39th minute. Vegas was there to control the rebound, one of several big stops that kept the scoreline from ballooning.

Despite the early damage, Rhode Island came out in the second half with a different energy. RIFC held possession, created chances, and for long stretches didn’t look like a team playing with ten men. Midfielder Zack Herivaux fired a warning shot over the crossbar in the 53rd minute after a sharp build-up sequence, and Vegas made another crucial save just after the hour mark to deny Detroit forward Jordan Adebayo-Smith’s breakaway attempt, after the MLS’s Minnesota United FC loanee was subbed on.

Meanwhile, RIFC forward Noah Fuson nearly brought one back in the 80th minute with a curling effort that landed on the roof of the net, then came even closer in the 83rd with a similar strike that just missed the top corner. Despite the positive final stretch, the early damage was simply too much to undo.

The loss drops Rhode Island to 1-3-1 on the year, but their resilience in the second half — and the attacking sparks from players like Fuson and Herivaux —offered a glimpse of what this team can be when at full strength. Unfortunately, RIFC midfielder Maxi Rodriguez did not make the impact hoped for on his first rematch against his former club. Don’t worry though, he’ll have another chance.

Rhode Island FC wraps up their marathon seven-game road trip next Sunday, April 27, when they visit USL League One newcomers Westchester SC to kick off their 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup run. That match kicks off at 2:00 PM ET. After that, Rhode Island FC finally comes home to play its first-ever home match at the newly-named Centreville Bank Stadium at Tidewater Landing, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.