Rhode Island FC returned to Centreville Bank Stadium for the second round of the U.S. Open Cup, hosting rivals Hartford Athletic for this season’s first round of El Clamico. Following their first round victory over CD Faialense head coach Khano Smith made four changes to the starting XI for the match in what would be a 2-0 victory for RIFC.
It ended up being Rhode Island who struck first in the 12th minute after a corner kick from Kevin Vang saw JJ Williams get his head on it, the ball falling to Aldair Sanchez inside of Hartford’s box for the half volley finish. With his assist Williams became the second RIFC player to reach double digit assists across all competitions in the club’s history, joining Noah Fuson (15).
Rhode Island doubled its lead just a minute later in the 30th off of yet another corner kick of their own, this time thanks to a close range header from Williams into the bottom corner. With this goal Williams surpassed Albert Dikwa to become Rhode Island’s all-time leading goal scorer, tallying his 20th in an RIFC jersey.
The hosts made just one change to start the second half as Frank Nodarese checked in for Hamady Diop along the backline. RIFC made a pair of substitutions in the 57th minute as Leo Afonso and Clay Holstad replaced Agustín Rodríguez and Vang respectively. Rhode Island’s final substitution came in the 81st minute with Dani Rovira entering the match for Dwayne Atkinson.
Rhode Island’s next opponent in the Open Cup will be their neighbors to the north, the New England Revolution and despite the match taking place at Centreville Bank Stadium it will be the Revs serving as the home team. The match will take place on April 14.
