Rhode Island FC Remain Undefeated Against Birmingham Legion
The draw kings are back
Rhode Island FC returned to regular season play on Saturday night as they hosted conference foe Birmingham Legion FC for their second match-up of the season, having previously defeated the Alabama side 1-0 thanks to a goal from Maxi Rodriguez, this time both sides tallied a goal with the match ending 1-1.
Following another strong showing against Portland Hearts of Pine in the USL Jägermeister Cup, Rhode Island looked to maybe get some of that momentum going in regular league play as they welcomed an opponent to Centreville Bank Stadium who have also displayed scoring struggles in the 2025 season.
It was Birmingham who opened the scoring in the 27th minute, former RIFC defender Stephen Turnbull finding Ronaldo Damus inside the box for the header finish past Lee.
The hosts were able to equalize just before half as Albert Dikwa was able to find Noah Fuson at the top of Indy’s box, whose skillful first touch allowed him to get a quick shot off and beat the keeper for his second goal of the season.
Rhode Island continued to apply pressure for the duration of the first half’s added time but were just unable to convert as the whistle was blown.
It looked as though Birmingham would retake the lead in the 58th minute after a dangerous free kick from outside of the box found Legion midfielder Enzo Martinez just outside of the six-yard box. Lee was able to jump into action, denying Martinez the opportunity and shutting down the one v one quickly.
Rhode Island had the opportunity to take the lead in the 78th minute as Clay Holstad recovered a loose ball within Indy’s penalty area, playing a ball in for Fuson once again before the latter’s header ended up over the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
With both sides creating chances throughout the course of the second half and several close calls for both team, neither ended up being able to find the game winner as the final whistle blew. RIFC remain unbeaten against Birmingham.
Rhode Island will hit the road to face off against Indy Eleven at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Saturday night, kick-off is scheduled for 7 P.M.