RIFC came away with a point by getting a 1-1 draw against Monterey Bay.  It was a frustrating result and we were getting very animated up in section 205.  But overall, it was still a great day out at our new home at Centerville Bank Stadium.  So with that being said, here are my main takeaways from this one

Slow Start Stings

RIFC started this game a little flat and Monterey Bay took advantage.  Forward Mayele Malango put one past Koke Vegas in the 17th minute to open the scoring.  It was some good attacking play from Monterey Bay and Malango did well to keep himself onside by being level with Grant Stoneman.  It was a really frustrating start to a game that a lot of us were confident coming into.  I think RIFC responded well though and really pushed Monterey Bay for the rest of the first half and large parts of the 2nd half.

Brito Banger Secures a Point

Joe Brito.  A player who drives me crazy at times and yet at other times, has me out of my seat.  He definitely provided the latter today with a ridiculous volley in the 77th minute to rescue a point for the amber and blue.  It felt at times like ball was never going to go in for RIFC.  We created enough chances but struggled to finish, which has been an unfortunate trend recently.  If we can get bangers like this every game though, I’ll take it.  But it has to be said yet again that the team really misses JJ Williams.  I’m sure I’ll note that in every blog moving forward until he returns so I apologize ahead of time.

Great Day Out with the Family

Despite a frustrating result, it was a great day our for me and the family.  We brought both kids for the first time this season and they had a blast.  I have to once again commend the team for getting the matchday experience right.  Parking in M7 is easy, the free shuttle from RIPTA is really convenient, and the stadium environment is great.  It was my first time walking around the riverside area and I think everything was done really well there.  It’s the perfect area for food trucks and tents.  The food trucks were a big part of the experience last year at Bryant and having California Taco there at the new stadium is awesome.

Up Next

RIFC are back at it on Wednesday with a trip down south to take on Birmingham Legion.  Before we turn the page on this game though, Matt and Ryan will be live Sunday night at 8:30 for the Postmatch Pod.  Timmy will also be back with his usual player ratings, which I’m very interested in seeing after this one.  It’s always a great read and a nice deeper look at the game overall.  I will be back on Tuesday with the Prematch Lookout as we look ahead to the midweek matchup in Birmingham.  Until then, UP THE TIDE!