Rhode Island FC returned to Beirne Stadium in Smithfield on Friday night to go up against reigning champions Phoenix Rising.
Remi Cabral opened the scoring for Phoenix in just the 7th minute, tucking the ball past Jackson Lee and into the bottom corner. In the 34th minute Cabral doubled the lead for the visitors, just beating the outstretched hands of Lee with a well-placed shot from close range.
Rhode Island were awarded a penalty kick following a handball in Phoenix’s box in the 41st minute, but Albert Dikwa’s attempt was saved by the keeper.
RIFC made their first substitutions of the game in the 59th minute with Mark Doyle entering to replace Dikwa and Prince Saydee for Joe Brito. In the 75th minute Rhode Island made a pair of changes as Collin Smith replaced Stephen Turnbull and Kevin Vang checked in for Frank Nodarse.
Clay Holstad was able to pull one back for RIFC in the 89th minute, after RIFC were awarded an indirect free kick inside of Phoenix’s box. Noah Fuson lined up to take the kick, faking a shot as he played the ball to a waiting Holstad who curled the ball into the upper corner.
Rhode Island made their final change of the night following the goal, changing Gabriel Alves for Nathan Messer.
Phoenix would respond immediately, putting the nail in the coffin as Fede Varela scored to restore his team’s two goal lead.
Following Friday night’s result, RIFC currently sit in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, earning just 7 points in the club’s first 7 games.
Rhode Island FC’s next match will take place May 4th at 7:00 PM EST as they hit the road to take on North Carolina FC.