Pre-match Essentials | Rhode Island FC @ H*rtford Athletic | Sat June 1, 2024 7:00 PM EST

Patrick McKenna
,

Last week was phenomenal. We held offensive juggernaut Louisville City FC to a 0-0 draw, marking the first time in 15 USL Championship matches that LouCity was held scoreless since September 30, 2023. Bernie Stadium was packed and rocking for our first home 4 PM kickoff. The defense was in top form, led by goalkeeper and Man of the Match Koke Vegas. LouCity had previously scored at least two goals in each of their last four matches and in five of their seven wins this season.

This week is a big one; it’s Hartford, baby. In our first Derby Match, we face Hartford Athletic, our rivals just an hour and a half to the west. Derby matches are significant in football, showcasing intense local rivalries fueled by historical, cultural, and social factors. These games attract passionate fan bases, creating an electric atmosphere. Think of Barcelona vs. Real Madrid (El Clásico), Boca Juniors vs. River Plate (Superclásico), Celtic vs. Rangers (Old Firm), and Borussia Dortmund vs. FC Schalke 04 (Revierderby).

This is the first time Rhode Island FC and Hartford Athletic will face off, and the online fan banter suggests it will be intense. The club and supporters group, Defiance 1636, have organized transportation for hundreds of fans, making the “Rhode Trip” to support our squad and bring the energy. Hartford currently sits 10th in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference with 12 points (4 wins, 0 draws, 6 losses). Following last week’s crucial draw against Louisville City, we remain 11th in the Eastern Conference with 10 points (1 win, 7 draws, 3 losses), just behind those pesky Nutmeggers. We’ve proven we can hang with the best in the USL Championship, which is impressive for an expansion team in its first year. But a derby match is a must-win—we need to start this rivalry off right and bring the derby trophy home!

Next week, we’re back home against Detroit City FC, but all our focus must be on the match at hand.

As for our team’s progress this season, it’s been mixed. We’ve had solid performances, particularly from our defense and goalkeepers, but we need to work on consistency and minimizing errors. What’s your take on our team’s performance this season? Are you headed to Hartford for the match? If so, wear amber! Are you going to the watch party at Moniker Brewery? Whether you’re local or watching from afar, let’s support our team as they face their biggest rival in their first Derby Match. Let’s put on a performance, show that we’re the new kings of Southern New England, snag three points from Hartford, and leapfrog them in the standings. #UpTheTide

Kickoff Weather: Approx: 60°. Sunny. 0% of precipitation. Winds NNW 3 mph. Sunset 8:20 PM.

How to Engage and Follow the Action:

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:

Learn more about our opponent:

Wikipedia: Hartford Athletic

FotMob: Hartford Athletic Overview

Reddit: r/HartfordAthletic

SG 1: The Bonanza

SG 2: Raza Brava

SG 3: East Side Rising

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