RIFC Struggles Once Again, Falls to Colorado
RIFC Struggles Once Again, Falls to Colorado
Another disappointing performance
Hot off their inspiring draw against Western Conference leaders, Sacramento Republic FC, Rhode Island FC opened their match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC with another inspiring performance … for the first 25 minutes, at least.
The first half started off with a cross finding the head of RIFC’s Albert “Chico” Dikwa in the six-yard box, which the out-of-form striker miss-hit, sending it clear over the bar. That didn’t matter much, as a corner won in the 13th minute was fired into the box by new RIFC hero, midfielder Jack Panayotou. This cross was headed in by unmarked RIFC defender Frank Nodarse to give Rhode Island a 1-0 lead over Colorado. Panayotou looked to repeat the feat in the 26th minute, as he sent another cross in that landed at the feet of RIFC wingback Stephen Turnbull — who like Dikwa — miss-hit the ball and sent it harmlessly wide.
That was the last time Rhode Island FC appeared to have any semblance of control, as the tide changed very shortly after.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC counterattacked after that miscue and a defensive error by multiple RIFC players gave Colorado striker Ronaldo Damus the opportunity to fire one past RIFC goalkeeper Koke Vegas’ near side to even the score in the 28th minute. Although RIFC managed to nurse that score into the half — and Panayotou played winger Jojea Kwizera in on goal with a great pass down the right side in the 39th — Colorado dominated the run of play in the last fifteen minutes.
RIFC continues to be hampered by disciplinary issues, a fact which would rear its ugly head again in the second half. Turnbull and midfielder Marc Ybarra found themselves receiving yellow cards
Panayotou continued to shine in the second half and was perhaps RIFC’s only bright spot. With one assist, a shot on target, and multiple key passes, the new midfielder seemed a threat to Colorado whenever he had the ball. After his first full 90 with the club, he’ll look to feature more in the club’s plans going forward.
Outside of Panayotou, however, it was a grim sight as RIFC’s Karifa Yao trundled a Colorado cross headed across the RIFC goal mouth into the back of his own net for an own goal that gave Colorado Springs a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute.
Late in the match a Colorado striker ran free in the RIFC box and Turnbull shoved him down with both hands from behind in clear view of the referee, he was lucky to avoid his second yellow card for the challenge, and Damus calmly beat Vegas to make the score 3-1 for the Switchbacks.
Rhode Island FC returns to action on Saturday, May 25th, as they play against red-hot Louisville City FC at Beirne Stadium in Smithfield, Rhode Island, at 4:00 pm.