RIFC got their first 3 points at home after taking down North Carolina FC in a 2-1 thriller. I said in the aftermath of the midweek loss in Louisville that this game was the one that would tell me a lot about which direction this team was headed. And RIFC responded big time. Here are my quick hit reactions from a beautiful night at Centerville Bank Stadium:
CHICO!!!!
Albert Dikwa. The player who has undoubtedly gotten the most criticism from the fanbase during this run. It was incredible to see him get on the scoresheet and give RIFC our first lead at Centerville Bank Stadium:
Chico did really well there to get around his defender and into the perfect position to get on the end of a pinpoint Aldair Sanchez cross. Sanchez has been the best crosser on the team this season and crafty moves like that from our striker are exactly what is needed for this team to start getting more goals. Here’s to much more of the same from Chico
Left Defensive Side Wide Open
For as nice as Aldair’s cross was for his assist, his side defensively was routinely left open in the first half. Aldair was constantly caught too far up the wing or tucked in too centrally. I appreciate that that was likely due to how Khano wanted the team to build up, but it felt like every time we lost the ball, there was acres of space in behind our left side. It was no surprise then that North Carolina FC’s equalizer started down that side:
To be fair to Aldair, he wasn’t too far out of position there but he still got absolutely skinned by Rafa Mentzingen. It was completely understandable that Aldair (who was also on a yellow) was taken off at halftime for Frank Nodarse, who really solidified our left side
Greatest Night in Tidewater History
I could barely watch as Maxi Rodriguez stepped up to the penalty spot for essentially the last kick of the ball. I even contemplated turning my back to the field. But I had to see it no matter what. It was a penalty won by Frank Nodarse, who had the best 45 minutes I’ve ever seen from him in an amber and blue jersey. And when Maxi stepped up:
The stadium went delirious and I honestly think I blacked out for a second. What a moment. What a win
Up Next
We here at Tide Talk will be back Sunday night for the Postmatch Pod. It’s guaranteed to be electric. Timmy will also be providing his player ratings, and I made sure to tell him several times that even by his harsh rating system, Frank can be no lower than a 7. Personally he was a 10 for me, but I’m sure you all could’ve guessed that. I’ll be back this week to preview next Saturday’s matchup with Sacramento, and until then, UP THE TIDE!
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