RIFC fell to Sacramento Republic 2-0. I’ve had to write this way too much already, but this was yet another frustrating night at Tidewater. The easiest way to sum this one up is that it just isn’t good enough. But I’m going to attempt to give my quick takes after this disappointing loss
Defense, Defense, Defense
With Amos Shapiro-Thompson and Zach Herivaux both listed as out on the availability report, RIFC found themselves short in the midfield. Rather than go further down the depth chart, Khano chose to start 6 recognized defenders: Sanchez, Mabika, Yao, Hope-Gund, Stoneman, and Nodarse. Frank ended up starting as more of a right midfielder and Rio and Stoneman alternated stepping into the midfield. It was mostly Stoneman taking up those positions but I don’t think he or Rio did a great job there in the first half. They weren’t terrible but it seemed pretty clear that we were missing a more traditional midfielder. Khano ended up bringing Taimu Okiyoshi for Grant Stoneman at halftime in an attempt to solve that issue. To me, it was a mixed bag. Taimu was more comfortable on the ball but was lacking defensively
Conceding 2 at Home
RIFC conceded 2 goals at home for the first time this season outside of the 2-1 US Open Cup loss to the New England Revolution. The first goal came in the 55th minute on this free kick from Rodrigo Lopez:
It was very well taken and I don’t think there was much Jackson Lee could’ve done there. It would’ve been an incredible save had he kept it out.
The 2nd goal came in the 63rd minute from Cristian Parano:
It was a good finish but poor defending to leave the middle wide open. Overall, it was nowhere near good enough.
At Least There Were Fireworks
The heading pretty much says it all. It was a miserable game to watch and all of the good vibes from last week vanished. Here’s a photo of the most exciting thing of the night:
Up Next
RIFC are back home on Friday night for a meeting with USL1 side Portland Hearts of Pine in the Jagermeister Cup. The team will need to be much better if they hope to take something from that game. I will be back later in the week for a preview. To wrap up this game, we’ll be back with the podcast tomorrow night and Timmy will have his player ratings. Until then, UP THE TIDE!
Tide Talk 
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