After home games in 4 consecutive weeks, RIFC are back out on the road this weekend. They’re headed out to Indiana for a meeting with Indy Eleven. The teams met in Indy twice last year with wildly different results. RIFC had one of their most infamous games among the fanbase when they rotated heavily mid-week and lost 1-0, a result that potentially cost the team a home playoff game last year. They made up for it in the playoffs though with a 3-2 win in their second meeting in Indy. As for this season, both teams are underperforming when compared to last year. Here’s what to expect from each team heading into Saturday:

RIFC are coming off a 1-1 draw against Birmingham Legion last Saturday. It was a bland performance and result. Fans have been desperate for a sign that the team is headed in the right direction but outside of some brief glimpses, it hasn’t happened yet. The team is still at a point where they need to figure out an 11 and a set up that works best. And to be at that point halfway through the season isn’t a great sign.

PROJECTED LINEUP

• Goalkeeper
  • Jackson Lee keeps his spot though Koke Vegas is rumored to be close to returning. Lee made some important stops last time out and getting closer to his great form from last season
• Defense
  • Currently the best back 4 this team has, though admittedly it’s tough on Rio Hope-Gund. I just think Frank Nodarse provides more going forward and therefore gets the nod at RB
• Midfield
  • The double pivot stays but Marc Ybarra moves in next to Maxi Rodriguez. Ybarra has been missed and his ability to shield the back line should help Maxi to have fewer defensive responsibilities and hopefully more opportunities on the ball
• Forwards
  • Clay Holstad moves out to the right in order to accommodate Ybarra in the midfield. Clay made his way there last game during the 2nd half when Ybarra came on and while he didn’t have a major impact there, I do think it is what’s best for the team at this point. Noah Fuson also gets to stay central, which has been vital to his improvement over the last two games

Keys to the Game

• Let Noah Cook
  • Noah Fuson has finally started to get things going. And all it took was pushing him to a central position. While he did have some success out wide last season, his best work was done in a free attacking role in the middle. RIFC need to make sure he continues to get the ball in those areas so he can go to work and help rescue this team’s flailing attack
• Protect the Backline
  • Bringing Marc Ybarra back into the team would give this team their anchor back. He does a lot of the unsung work in the midfield and he should help free up both Clay and Maxi. Also, Mabika and Yao aren’t the best defending in open space and could use someone to help out in front of them
• Get Multiple Goals
  • Pretty obvious that the more goals you score, the more chance you have of winning. But for this game, it’s even more important as Indy are likely to score, having the 6th best goals per game in the league. They’re also 22nd in goals conceded per game and RIFC need to take advantage of that to finally get their attack firing

Indy Eleven come into this one having taken down Monterey Bay 3-0 last weekend. It was probably their best result of the season and they will be hoping it’s a sign of things to come as they head towards the 2nd half of the campaign. It hasn’t been a terrible season for Indy Eleven, as they currently sit 7th in the Eastern Conference with 17 points from 14 games. But the team is 10 points behind their pace from last season, even factoring in the 4 fewer games. They finished 4th in the conference on 51 points in 2024 and taking their points per game this season so far, they would be on pace for 41 points this year were it a 34 game season. All of that is to say: the team needs to improve if they want to get back to a top 4 spot and a home playoff game.

Players to Watch

• Hunter Sulte (GK)
  • 2nd season with Indy Eleven. Solid shot-stopper but has been let down by the defenders in front of him this season
• Aodhan Quinn (MF)
  • USL Legend. Tied for most goal contributions on the team with 8 (3 goals, 5 assists)
• Jack Blake (MF/FW)
  • Tied with Quinn with 8 goal contributions (4 goals, 4 assists).
• Maalique Foster (MF/FW)
  • Explosive winger. 2 goals and 2 assists so far this season.
• Elvis Amoh (FW)
  • Leads the line. Tied for team lead with 4 league goals. Also added 3 goals in the Jagermeister Cup.

Keys to the Game

• Aodhan on the Left
  • Aodhan Quinn has found himself both centrally and out on the left this season. He did well from the left last time out and got himself a goal in the 8th minute. It’ll be interesting to see if he starts out there for a possible matchup against Frank Nodarse
• Maalique on the Right
  • Maalique Foster is one of those players who makes you get out of your seat at times. Indy Eleven will be hoping he can produce more of those moments against RIFC. There’s a good chance of that happening if they can get him the ball in space down RIFC’s left side
• Play Direct
  • Indy Eleven are 21st in the league in possession and 19th in accurate passes per match. Because they’re not great on the ball, they look to move the ball forward quickly and get their playmakers in good positions. And as listed above, they definitely have the quality in attacking areas. Getting players like Quinn, Foster and Blake involved in the attack could be their way to get 3 points Saturday night

For the first time this season (I think), I’m predicting a lot of goals. Indy Eleven are dangerous going forward but they haven’t been great defensively this season. I’m hoping that RIFC can finally break out in this one and get everyone feeling good again. Noah Fuson is capable of making a difference for RIFC when playing centrally and I think we’ve seen an improved Albert Dikwa in recent weeks. Maybe I’m being overconfident but it’s really now or never for this team.

Up Next

I will be back right after the game for the Riptide Report, where I’m praying to the soccer gods that it’ll be fun to write. We’ll be back Sunday night with the Postmatch Pod and Timmy will have his player ratings as always. I give him credit in recent weeks, as I haven’t had many major gripes. As always, we greatly appreciate all of you who check out any of our content. And until next time, UP THE TIDE!