RIFC fell 2-1 at Louisville City for their second loss in as many games. It was a first win for Lou City against the amber and blue. The result brings Lou City’s unbeaten run to start the season to 12 games. It was always going to be a difficult match for RIFC to win, however coming into the game I was a little hopeful that we could get a point. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Here are my immediate takeaways from a disappointing loss:
Conceding Early
One of my keys for RIFC coming into this one was to not concede early. I didn’t define “early”, but I think 20 minutes in qualifies. RIFC went 1-0 down on another goal that came from a set piece. It wasn’t scored directly from the corner, but Lou City’s Adrien Perez swung a ball in for Aiden McFadden after the corner wasn’t fully cleared away.
It was poor defending there to not get a better clearance and even worse marking on the cross by Frank Nodarse. There was nothing Jackson Lee could do on that header and it was his defense that let him down. It’s really disappointing that this team can’t figure out how to defend set pieces.
Brito Fights Back
Joe Brito got the start in an 11 that didn’t include Noah Fuson or Maxi Rodriguez. The decision paid off, as Brito came out on fire and was all over the field. Khano mentioned an overall lack of quality in the final third after the loss to Miami FC and that it needed to improve. Joe Brito seemed to get the message and provided some quality and hustle to bring the match back level at 1-1 in the 27th minute:
Plays like that are something Brito is capable of, as we’ve seen him score goals by chasing plays down. He did well to take the ball around Lou City’s goalkeeper Damian Las, keep the ball in, and play it across the front of goal. Brito won’t get credit on the stat sheet, as the ball ended up being put in by Kyle Adams, but the play was all him. It was the only bright moment in another difficult game for RIFC.
Second Half Decline
Decline is putting it lightly here. RIFC were awful in the second half and offered nothing going forward. Some of it had to do with substitutions, particularly in the 68th minute when Maxi Rodriguez and Noah Fuson came in for Joe Brito and Albert Dikwa. Believe me, that’s not something I thought I’d ever be typing out, let alone tonight. But once they came on, there was no focal point to the attack. The team turned into a back line with a bunch of central players in front of them all roaming around and trying to take up different positions. It didn’t work and Lou City were rarely under any pressure. There was a penalty shout late when Damian Las came out for a ball and took out Maxi Rodriguez. It was close as to whether Las got the ball, but to be honest RIFC didn’t deserve that call anyway.
Up Next
RIFC are back at home on Saturday for a matchup with North Carolina FC. I think that game is going to be the real indicator of where this team is headed. While the result and performance tonight weren’t good enough, I think it’s important to remember that this was a match away from home against the best team in the league who had also never beaten you. It was going to take a herculean effort and RIFC didn’t have that tonight.
We will be back with a Postmatch Pod tomorrow night (Thursday) to recap the game and you’ll be able to find Timmy’s Player Ratings soon. I will be back here on Friday for the Prematch Lookout as we get ready to head back to Centreville Bank Stadium and try to get our first 3 points at home. Regardless of how the team plays, I will always leave you with a nice, hearty, UP THE TIDE!
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