Last week’s trip to Colorado Springs didn’t quite go as planned. We started strong, with Jack Panayotou’s excellent corner leading to Frank Nodarse’s goal in the 13th minute. But despite putting up a good fight, luck wasn’t on our side for the rest of the game. CSS’s Ronaldo Dumas scored in the 27th minute, equalizing the score. Then, midway through the second half, Karifa Yao accidentally scored an own goal, putting the Switchbacks ahead. In the 87th minute, Stephen Turnbull’s foul led to a penalty kick, sealing our defeat. Perhaps the high altitude affected our fitness towards the end. Sports can hinge on a few key moments, and we need to cut down on our mistakes.
Looking ahead, we’re back home this Saturday, and it looks like it’ll be a full house! We’re facing a tough opponent, Louisville City FC, who are second in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference table with 22 Points (7 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss). They’re in great form, leading the league in goals scored with 28, compared to our 10. Despite our lower standing, currently 11th in the Eastern Conference table, we’ve shown promise (with 6 draws, we might as well be called the Draw Kings). Interestingly, our only victory this year was against Las Vegas, who coincidentally drew with Louisville City last week, 2-2. If my calculations are correct, it’s more than just a chance against those Bluegrass State folks. It’s practically fate; we’ve got this!
As for our team’s progress this season, it’s been mixed. We’ve had some solid performances but need to work on consistency and minimizing errors. What’s your take on how our team’s been doing this season? Are you headed to Bernie Stadium for the match? Based on how fast these tickets are selling, the 4 pm kick-off seems to be a hit; what do you think? Whether local or watching from afar, let’s support our team as they face Louisville City and then gear up for next week’s first derby match against our pesky neighbors, Hartford Athletic (Is it too soon to let the barbs fly? Nah, let’s go for it: Chip > Dillon). Let’s give the fans what they came for—a win and three crucial points! #UpTheTide
Kickoff Weather: Approx: 77°. Partly Cloudy (0% of precipitation). Winds S 8MPH. Sunset 8:10 PM.
How to Engage and Follow the Action:
- Attend Live: Tickets to Match (5/25 at 4:00 PM EST, Bernie Stadium, Bryant Uni, Smithfield, RI)
- Matchday Guide – Know before you go!
- Tune In: ESPN+
- Tune In: YouTube (International Only / w VPN)
- Listen: AM 790 The Score
- Connect: Discord Match Chat
- USL Match Center
- FotMob Match Preview
- Match Hashtag: #RIvLOU
Have you joined Defiance 1636, our Official Supporters Group, yet?
Can’t get enough RIFC? Check out our talented and dedicated podcasts:
Learn more about our squad and club:
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island FC
- FotMob: Rhode Island FC Overview
Learn more about our opponent:
Wikipedia: Louisville City FC
FotMob: Louisville City FC Overview
Reddit: r/LouisvilleCityFC
SG 1: The Coopers
SG 2: LouCity Ladies
SG 3: Scouse’s House
SG 4: The Sheep’s Pen
SG 5: Louisville Ledgehogs
SG 6: Groove Machine
Tide Talk 
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