Rhode Island FC Suffer Disappointing First in 2025 Season Opener
Rhode Island's battery runs out in Charleston
Rhode Island FC had every right to walk into tonight’s match confident of their chances against Charleston Battery but the Amber and Blue suffered a 2-0 defeat on Saturday evening.
The match was the first of RIFC’s road stand before the club finally plays its first-ever home game at Tidewater Landing in May. Rhode Island was undefeated in three matches against Charleston last season, including in the Eastern Conference playoff final and two away matches.
Head Coach Khano Smith, however, looked to be still finding out how he’s gonna utilize his new and old pieces after tonight’s match. Some players started on the bench that were blatant head-scratchers, including midfielder Zachary Herivaux.
Charleston Battery took the momentum early in the match and capitalized early with a score in the 15th minute. Striker Cal Jennings ripped one past RIFC goalkeeper Koke Vegas and from there RIFC just never quite looked a threat to win the game, or even to take points.
It’s worth reminding readers about Rhode Island’s poor start last season –including just one win in fifteen matches — and that teams often take a few weeks to settle. Still, it was a depressing way to start the new season.
The Battery weren’t finished and in the 37th minute Jennings’ header found the back of the net to give them a 2-0 lead and three points that looked all but guaranteed. Jennings nearly got a third goal early in the second half, but Rhode Island’s defenders held on to beat the striker. RIFC itself only got two noteworthy chances on the night, and neither were ones that Charleston’s defense couldn’t easily handle.
After all the anticipation of the offseason, RIFC fans will no doubt feel a bit deflated after falling flat in their season opener against a team whose number they very much had last season. These away matches could prove crucial in building momentum for May’s opener at Tidewater Landing and Smith will undoubtedly look to recover with a win in the next match against the Western Conference’s Phoenix Rising FC next Saturday, March 22nd, at 10:00 PM ET.