SMITHFIELD, RI— Rhode Island FC (0-2-1, 2 pts.) were defeated by the Tampa Bay Rowdies (1-2-0, 5 pts.) by a score of 4-1 on Saturday.
The match kicked off at 7:00 p.m. ET at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida to a crowd of 6,001.
?STARTING XI vs Tampa Bay Rowdies!#TBvRI | #WickedGoodLineup pic.twitter.com/yT56kz5FVq
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) March 30, 2024
The team started their lineup in a 4-3-1-2 formation with goalkeeper Jackson Lee starting in the net with a backline of (left back) Jojea Kwizera, (center backs) Grant Stoneman and Karifa Yao, along with (right back) Stephen Turnbull. The midfield consisted of Clay Holstad (left), Marc Ybarra (center), and Conor McGlynn (right) with Joe Brito ahead of them (center attacking midfield). The forward roles were manned by Albert Dikwa (left), Noah Fuson(right).
Goalkeeper Jackson Lee replaces injured goalkeeper Koke Vegas.
Former New England Revolution II defender Collin Smith features on the bench after being signed two days ago.
Tonight’s Health Report brought to you by @Ortho_RI.#TBvRI | #RIFC⚓️ pic.twitter.com/3yN7146CAc
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) March 30, 2024
The match kicked off with Tampa Bay starting from the center circle where they elected to launch the ball into RIFC’s defensive third.
In just the first minute of the match, Tampa Bay midfielder #4 Lewis Hilton was issued a yellow card for a harsh foul on
Tampa Bay’s first moment came in the 7th minute when #10 Leo Fernandes’ left-footed shot was met with a deflection by Jackson Lee.
RIFC’s first moment of the match when in just the 10th minute, Noah Fuson’s effort struck the post.
Entering the 16th minute, RIFC gained the 1-0 advantage.
WHAT. A. PASS. Jackson Lee finds Chico in stride to pick up his first assist for #RIFC!#TBvRI | 0-1 | #WickedGoodGoal pic.twitter.com/Be0A4wDpkQ
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) March 31, 2024
Goalkeeper Jackson Lee took the RIFC goal kick and slipped. His delivery went the distance of the field to find Albert Dikwa downfield. He managed to head the ball around the keeper for the easy finish. This is Dikwa’s 3rd goal of the season.
Tampa Bay’s best chance of the half came in the 31st minute when #9 Manuel Arteaga’s chip effort struck the crossbar.
In the 34th minute, RIFC forward #10 Albert Dikwa was issued a yellow card.
As the match entered the 45+3 minute, RIFC midfielder #34 Conor McGlynn was issued a yellow card.
Following the tackle, the match entered halftime with RIFC ahead with a 1-0 lead.
HALFTIME | In front at the break ? #TBvRI | 0-1 | #WickedGoodSoccer⚓️ pic.twitter.com/MtWzBIhkIs
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) March 31, 2024
The match kicked off with RIFC starting from the center circle where they elected to launch the ball into Tampa Bay’s defensive third.
In the 48th minute, Tampa Bay head coach Robbie Neilson made his first change of the match by replacing midfielder #10 Leo Fernandes with forward #98 Joshua Perez.
RIFC’s first chance of the half came in the 51st minute when midfielder #18 Joe Brito’s effort was blocked by sliding Tampa Bay midfielder #22 Jordan Doherty.
Entering the 54th minute, Tampa Bay leveled the match.
The @TampaBayRowdies equalize courtesy of their #⃣9⃣, @ManuelArteaga7! ? pic.twitter.com/CACOyygmU4
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) March 31, 2024
After a lofted ball back toward Jackson Lee, the ball bounced and was headed by #9 Manuel Arteaga for the easy goal. This is Arteaga’s second of the season.
In the 60th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his first change of the match by replacing Mark Doyle for Joe Brito.
Entering the 60th minute, Tampa Bay had a massive chance when #26 Cal Jennings shot struck the post. He then slid to try and score once again but connected with #12 Stephen Turnbull. Jennings was issued a yellow card for the challenge.
In the 64th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his first change of the match by replacing defender #5 Grant Stoneman with defender #15 Frank Nodarse.
Entering the 67th minute, Tampa Bay gained the lead.
Well, well, well…
Who else but Cal Jennings gets on the scoresheet for the @TampaBayRowdies ? pic.twitter.com/TInxME6VZh
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) March 31, 2024
RIFC defender #24 Karifa Yao attempted to clear the ball and completely missed it. The ball was collected by Tampa Bay forward #26 Cal Jennings who unleashed a rocket of a shot past Jackson Lee.
Just five minutes later, Tampa Bay added to their lead.
? A pinpoint header from @Jordan_Doherty1 gives the @TampaBayRowdies a cushion! pic.twitter.com/CbqgFRqP4w
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) March 31, 2024
A deep freekick delivery by forward #98 Joshua Perez was met with a header by defender #22 Jordan Doherty past Jackson Lee for his first goal of the season.
Following the goal, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made 3 changes by replacing midfielders #23 Marc Ybarra, #3 Turnbull, and #17 Kwizera with defenders #16 Gabriel Alves, #4 Collin Smith, and forward #7 Prince Saydee.
Tampa Bay head coach Robbie Neilson also made his second change of the match by replacing midfielder #26 Cal Jennings with forward #27 Pacifique Niyongabire.
In the 75th minute, Tampa Bay midfielder #23 Eddie Munjoma was issued a yellow card.
In the 82nd minute, Tampa Bay head coach Robbie Neilson also made his third change of the match by replacing midfielder #23 Eddie Munjoma with forward #8 Damian Rivera.
Fighting until the final whistle. pic.twitter.com/kWFo7T0XSL
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) March 31, 2024
Just 6 minutes later, In the 82nd minute, Tampa Bay head coach Robbie Neilson also made his fourth and final change of the match by replacing forward #9 Manuel Arteaga with forward #16 Cristian Ortiz.
In the 90th minute, Following the goal, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his fourth change of the match by replacing defender #12 Clay Holstad with midfielder #21 Kofi Twumasi.
Entering the 90+2 minute, RIFC had a good chance when #7 Prince Saydee opportunity was saved by #1 Jordan Farr.
In the 90+3 minute, Tampa Bay forward #16 Cristian Ortiz was issued a yellow card.
Entering the 90+6 minute, Tampa Bay added to their lead.
RIVERA PUTS THIS ONE TO BED! ? pic.twitter.com/kerS8XNIT2
— Tampa Bay Rowdies (@TampaBayRowdies) March 31, 2024
After yet another miscue by the RIFC defense, the ball was collected by forward #8 Damien Rivera who took 3 touches before slotting a shot into the bottom right corner past Jackson Lee.
After the 90+11 minutes, the match concluded with a Tampa Bay 4-1 victory.
FULL TIME | Final in St. Petersburg.#TBvRI | 4-1 | #RIFC⚓️ pic.twitter.com/X4HogSxQ1j
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) March 31, 2024
Rhode Island FC (0-2-1, 2pts. in USL Championship) are back to Rhode Island, this time in Smithfield, RI to Charleston Battery (2-2-0, 8 pts. in USL Championship) at Bulldog Stadium. The match kicks off Saturday, April 6th at 7:30p.m. on ESPN+
