Rhode Island FC Reach New Heights of Profligacy
El Clamico filled with chaos
One of the biggest takeaways from Saturday’s match against Hartford Athletic is that Hartford goalkeeper Anthony Siaha is and will be a deeply divisive character. It will likely become a talking point in the Rhode Island locker room in the run-up to next weekend’s replay.
The second lesson learned was that Rhode Island FC is still more than able to dominate a game, and just as able to do nothing with that dominance, as they were during their earliest draw run.
RIFC dominated the Hartford Athletic, shooting fourteen times to Hartford’s five, but Rhode Island were deeply profligate with their shooting. They managed only three shots on target toward goal. Silver lining for Rhode Island fans, Hartford managed zero.
Striker Albert “Chico” Dikwa certainly had a brilliant chance late in the match, but the aforementioned Siaha managed a very close save with a flailed foot. Similarly, striker JJ Williams managed to get a header on target shortly after; also saved.
Either way, Rhode Island took their total dominance, which also included 60 percent possession, and squandered it for a 0-0 draw on national television at home against their most bitter rivals.
Williams was subbed on in the 59th minute, and Rhode Island got two of their three shots on target after he came on. It is plain that Rhode Island FC simply isn’t sharp on the offensive end without him. His play enables much of the success of those around him, and it is clear that Chico is incapable of providing the same qualities, even though he makes a good scorer the rest of the time.
Hopefully, Williams will be available to start during next weekend’s replay against Hartford Athletic FC in the USL Jagermeister Cup, on Saturday, July 26th, at 7:00 PM ET.