Pre-Match Essentials | Rhode Island FC vs Las Vegas Lights FC | Sun Oct 5, 2025 | 5 PM ET

Patrick McKenna
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r/RhodeIslandFC - Pre-Match Essentials | Rhode Island FC vs Las Vegas Lights FC | Sun Oct 5, 2025 | 5 PM ET

Twilight at Tidewater. Sunday Night in Pawtucket.

After back-to-back road results and a season-best three-game unbeaten run, Rhode Island FC returns home for a critical cross-conference clash under the early evening sky. The Lights come east from Las Vegas, bottom of the West, but fighting for life. For the Tide, the mission is simple: win, climb, and stay alive in the playoff race.

It is the second-to-last home game of the regular season and the final pre-7pm kickoff of the year, a fan-favorite slot that has brought families and first-timers out in full voice. Expect a packed house, a perfect fall evening, and a national spotlight on ESPN2 as the Ocean State takes center stage.

Where We Stand

Rhode Island sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, just outside the playoff line, with 31 points from 8 wins, 11 losses, and 7 draws. The 2-2 draw in El Paso extended the unbeaten streak to three and kept hope alive with three games left to play. JJ Williams became the club’s all-time leading scorer with his 17th goal in amber and blue, while Zach Herivaux added his second of the season.

Koke Vegas remains a fortress in goal, third in the league in clean sheets and first in calm, command, and clutch saves. The defense has been the backbone all year, but now the attack is sparking to life just in time for the final push.

Who We’re Facing

Las Vegas Lights FC roll into Pawtucket sitting last in the Western Conference with 25 points from 6 wins, 13 losses, and 7 draws. They are winless in seven and have been outscored 20 to 6 on the road since June. Still, they are an odd mix of hot and cold, tied for the league lead in shutouts (11) but also among the most scored upon (43).

Goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena has been their lone constant, facing more shots than almost anyone in the USL. Up front, Johnny Rodriguez leads the line with eight goals and will be their danger man on counters and set pieces. For Vegas, this is a final gamble. For Rhode Island, it is a must-win.

Rhody Randoms

• JJ Williams’ goal in El Paso made him RIFC’s all-time top scorer (17).
• RIFC’s three-game unbeaten streak matches its season high.
• Koke Vegas ranks top 3 in the league for clean sheets (9) and goals-against average.
• Today marks the Lights’ first-ever trip to the Ocean State.
• RIFC won the only previous meeting, 2 to 1 in Las Vegas last April, when Noah Fuson scored the winner in Rhode Island’s first ever club win!

Vibe Check

This is it, the stretch run, the sprint to survive. Every point matters, every save, every roar from the stands. The sun sets early, but the lights of Tidewater burn bright. This crowd will be loud, the kids will be waving flags, and the Tide will be fighting for their season. It is the last golden-hour kickoff of the year. Let’s make it count. Pack the stands. Raise the noise. Ride the Tide. THIS IS OUR HOUSE. VAMOS RHODE ISLAND. #UpTheTide #VamosRhodeIsland #RIvLV

How to Engage, Prepare, and Follow the Action:

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For the Fans, By the Fans: Tide Talk RI is a collaborative media partnership for Rhode Island FC fans. It features a team of dedicated content creators producing podcasts, live streams, videos, written articles, blog posts, and open forum discussions with other fans. Ride the tide at www.TideTalkRI.com

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