Rhode Island vs Monterey Bay: 3 Thoughts
Rhode Island FC is still searching for its first win inside Centreville Bank Stadium as it played Monterey Bay FC to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Rhode Island FC is still searching for its first win inside Centreville Bank Stadium as it played Monterey Bay FC to a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Here are three thoughts.
1 - Injuries and Depth
Rhode Island has dealt with more than its fair share of injuries to start the 2025 season, losing several members of last year’s starting XI as well as having players still coming back from the previous season’s woes. With the number of injuries sustained by players in their inaugural season, and the amazing care that they received that allowed such quick turnarounds, fans can only hope for the same results as 2024.
Marc Ybarra returned to the bench for tonight’s match, but did not feature in the game. Head coach Khano Smith mentioned post game that Karifa Yao, who’s been out with a knee injury since their loss to Detroit City, is close to returning. Yao, who started every game of Rhode Island’s inaugural season in 2024, is an integral part of the backline when he’s healthy but in his absence, Smith has managed to put together a strong group as he adjusts from a three-man backline to four.
JJ Williams will unfortunately be sidelined for at least a few weeks as he deals with his calf strain, and Albert Dikwa put in his first 90-minute game of the season against Monterey. While Rhode Island has plenty of talent at the striker position, it’s clear that there’s currently a spark missing, and it’s only a matter of time before someone finds the breakthrough that will light things up.
Watching the offensive effort of today’s match against, one could argue that this team is “too selfless” as on numerous occasions the ball was moved around the Monterey box from player to player, without anyone seeming to want to take the shot.
2 - Striking First
Rhode Island FC has only led for a total of 104 minutes so far this season, scoring just six goals in seven regular season matches it’s clear that there is still work to be done on the offensive side of the ball.
This season’s goals have come from JJ Williams (2), Clay Holstad (1), Albert Dikwa (1), Joe Brito (1), and one own goal against Phoenix. Brito, who scored the game-tying goal for Rhode Island on Saturday and the first regular-season goal at Centreville Bank Stadium, currently leads the team in shots on target per 90.
Brito entered the game in the 59th minute for Noah Fuson, emphasized the importance of bringing a high level of energy as a substitute and helping to create scoring opportunities for the team. He also mentioned post game the disappointment of dropping points at home.
“We’re a little disappointed not to win. You know we always want to win at home, it’s our fortress,” he said.
Rhode Island dealt with similar scoring struggles early in the 2024 season before going on to end the season with 64 goals scored, including eight in its regular-season finale against Miami. While the current struggle in form may be concerning we’ve seen in the past how this team can turn things around and begin to earn results.
3 - Oh Captain, My Captain
Throughout the first seven games of the regular season, goalkeeper and captain Koke Vegas has put on quite a show, keeping this team in games and saving them on several occasions with saves that you would need to see to believe.
With twelve saves so far on the year, including a Save of the Week winner against San Antonio prior to Saturday’s match, Vegas has a 57.1 save percentage and averages 1.7 saves per game.
Tending to press high during matches to get involved in the offensive effort, Vegas is averaging 27.4 pass attempts per game, about 9.9 of those being long balls in. With Jackson Lee featuring for the Amber and Blue in each of the Cup matches so far this season, Vegas has been able to focus on preparing for the regular season and give him the needed nights off as the team rotates and tries to stay fresh.