Rhode Island Shuts Out Indy Eleven

Own Goal is coming for the leading scorer spot.

In the final match of a four game home stand Rhode Island FCwelcomed Indy Eleven to Centreville Bank Stadium as they approach the final stretch of the season. Making a total of five changes to the night’s starting lineup, the team made necessary adjustments as they headed into their third game in eight days.

The first opportunity of the evening came in just the 4th minute after a throw in to J.J. Williams allowed him to play a quick ball to Noah Fuson’s feet, his shot attempt going wide left as the keeper scooped it up for a save.

On the defensive side of the ball captain Koke Vegas was called into action in the 30th minute, making an acrobatic save to keep the visitors off the board after midfielder Jack Blake was able to get off a shot from distance.

Amos Shapiro-Thompson got a good look at in the 38th minute, getting off a shot from close range as he was falling back that ended up just high of the goal.

Rhode Island took the lead in the 64th minute after a cross from Fuson inside Indy’s box that was meant for Joe Brito was instead caught by Eleven defender James Musa, ending up in the back of the net for an own goal. It is the fourth own goal to benefit Rhode Island this season.

The match took a tense turn in the 87th minute after Rhode Island defender Aimé Mabika was shown a red card for a questionable foul against the Indy forward.

The hosts only found themselves playing down a man for about four minutes after an Indy free kick just outside of the RI box led to a chaotic moment for the Rhode Island defense. With Vegas caught off his line, Stoneman came up big as he made two consecutive point blank blocks before the ball eventually sailed above the net and out.

That was when Indy striker Elvis Amoh threw a punch at the back of Rhode Island’s J.J. Williams, resulting in the match’s second ejection and bringing the teams back to even strength.

The hosts spent the remainder of the match after that keeping the ball out of their end as they ran out the clock, and despite the efforts from Indy it was Rhode Island on top as the referee blew the final whistle.

With just six regular season matches remaining the fight for a play-off spot in the Eastern Conference remains close, with just seven points separating last place Miami FC and current eight-seed Rhode Island.

The Amber and Blue will travel to FIU Soccer Stadium to take on Miami FC on Friday, September 19 with kick-off set for 7 PM EST.