RIFC v. Monterey Bay F.C: Three Thoughts
RIFC's press, unnecessary fouls, and striker movement.
Rhode Island FC got their first road point in club history on Sunday when they collected a 2-2 draw against Monterey Bay F.C. Here are three thoughts from the game.
The Press Was Disruptive
RIFC were difficult to play through because of their press. There were several times when they swarmed the ball in an attempt to create a turnover. If successful, they went to goal quickly.
In the clip below, Monterey Bay tries to play out of the back, which triggers a press from RIFC.
Rhode Island created another goal-scoring opportunity in the 32nd minute. Notice how many yellow jerseys get involved in winning the ball.
Coach Khano Smith has his players well-trained and bought in. His team currently leads the USL Championship in tackles won with 45, according to FBRef.
One thing to keep an eye on is how RIFC deal with direct play from opponents who are looking to bypass the press.
RIFC Need To Watch The Fouls
For the second consecutive game, Rhode Island accumulated more yellow cards than their opponent. In their inaugural match, RIFC had four yellows while New Mexico United had three. This pattern was replicated when they faced Monterey Bay.
Teams look to condense space when pressing, which leaves openings elsewhere. Fouls can happen after an opponent breaks a press as a way of avoiding a fast break. Take a look at this play from the 54th minute.
Fouling is part of the game and both of Rhode Island’s opponents committed their fair share of infractions. Rhode Island had 17 fouls to New Mexico’s 14. RIFC and Monterey Bay each had 13 the week before.
The thing that RIFC has to watch out for is where they’re committing their fouls. The one just before halftime was unnecessary and ultimately led to Monterey Bay scoring an equalizer.
Dikwa Finds Space
Albert Dikwa—the top scorer in the USL Championship last year—was a marquee signing for RIFC in the off-season. The Cameroonian showed his ability on Sunday when he scored two goals.
The first strike came in the 41st minute. Operating on the back shoulder of his defender, the striker stretched the field while staying onside. Once he received a well-played pass from Noah Fuson, he took a touch and put it between the goalkeeper’s legs.
The second goal came in the 63rd minute. Dikwa lingered behind the two center backs before making a run in between them. When the ball deflects off one of the defenders, Dikwa is there to poke it home.
Good strikers make the most of any space they get, which is what Dikwa did on Sunday. His efforts earned him a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week.