RIFC took down Detroit City FC 1-0 to get a big 3 points in front of the home crowd. Before I get to my takeaways, I have to point out that as great as it was to see a win, there was something even better for me on a personal note. It was Scout night at Centreville Bank Stadium. My son Gabriel is a scout and got to be part of the color guard, meaning he was on the field to help present the flags for the National Anthem. It was an awesome moment that he will always cherish. And it was made even better when after the game, kit man Nick Coelho gave Gabriel a mini soccer ball signed by the whole team. Honestly, this is what it’s all about.
Now, for the takeaways….
Corcoran Debuts, Koke Returns
RIFC’s brand new loan signing Matthew Corcoran (Nashville SC) made his debut tonight, getting the start in midfield. What he brings to the team was immediately evident. Corcoran was very comfortable in possession and would often drop back into the defensive line to receive the ball from Koke when we chose to play out from the back. He tended to play the safer pass most of the time, but did showcase his vision with some progressive passing attempts that had mixed results. All in all, it was solid debut and it’s clear why Khano wanted to bring him in.
It was also great to see team captain Koke Vegas back in goal. He was good the ball at his feet and also added some nice saves. None were better than this sure-fire save of the week candidate:
Fantastic stuff from Koke
Ice in Maxi’s Veins
Maxi Rodriguez started this one from the bench. I’m sure no one was more frustrated than him, as he would’ve been dying to start against his former team. It was a topic of discussion here at Tide Talk heading into the game. It felt a bit harsh to not have him start, at least to us on the outside looking in. Regardless, he made his mark on this one when he subbed on just in time to take a penalty:
I can’t imagine the pressure he must have been under. Coming on to the field and your first kick of the ball is a penalty against your former team? Ice in his veins. So great to see Maxi owning the decisive moment
Big 3 Points
The 3 points gained here were huge, as RIFC (at least temporarily) are right at the playoff line in 8th. Hartford Athletic beat Miami FC tonight, so this win also keeps RIFC above our rivals in the table, though it’s only by a point and Hartford have two games in hand. As for whether or not this win will push the team into a better run of form, that remains to be seen. There were some encouraging things to build on, but I’m definitely not convinced that this signifies a major turnaround. At least we got to see a home win though. It’s only the third time it’s happened in 12 games across all competitions
Up Next
For RIFC, it’s a quick turnaround as they have a matchup with Loudoun United back at Tidewater on Saturday. That means it’s also a quick turnaround for us here at Tide Talk. There will be a postmatch pod Thursday night and Timmy will put out his player ratings. I’m curious to see how he rates a few players in particular, especially the new kid. I will be back Friday with a preview of Saturday’s game. Until then, UP THE TIDE!
Tide Talk 
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