RIFC thrashed the Tampa Bay Rowdies tonight with a massive 5-0 victory. It was an unbelievable night at Tidewater. I think I speak for most fans when I say it’s been a long 2025 season. But that just made this result and performance feel that much better. As always, here are my takeaways:
First Half Explosion
RIFC started this game on fire and it continued through the entire first half. The scoring began just 8 minutes in when JJ Williams did this:
There was some nice ball movement in the attacking third there, which was a sign of things to come all night. And credit to JJ for placing that one perfectly into the far corner.
RIFC kept it going and got the second goal in the 28th minute:
Fantastic assist from JJ there to play Noah through. And kudos to Noah for his confident finish that gave Hamid no chance.
There would be one more goal just before halftime as JJ buried this penalty after Clay was brought down just inside the box:
It was the kind of powerful and emphatic penalty that you would hope for from JJ. What a way to end the half
Chico and Maxi Get in on the Action
The second half started much more subdued with the game pretty much already in hand after the first 45. However, RIFC made sure to get two more goals for good measure. The first was in the 69th minute when Chico finished off the epitome of a poacher’s chance:
Incredible work by Clay to press the Tampa Bay defender there and Noah provided a great cross to the back post as well. And props to Aldair for putting the ball in the perfect spot for Chico to nod it in.
And for the 5th and final goal, Maxi pulled off this chip:
It was poor defending from Tampa Bay there for sure, but Maxi produced a great finish over Hamid. Clinical
Performance of the Season
What a time for this team to come alive. Sure, it would’ve been nice to see this a little sooner. But the aim every year is to be playing your best soccer late in the season. And RIFC are doing just that.
I thought the lineup seemed a bit strange on paper. But of course, that’s why I’m a fan writing blogs while Khano gets paid the big bucks. The way he set the team up really worked (no shit). Hugo was awesome in the midfield along with CLAY HOLSTAD who found himself playing in the middle for what feels like the first time all year (I’m sure that can’t be the case). The Noah and JJ connection remained strong too. Massive shout out to Khano for getting it right here and finally finding a formula that works.
Now, it’s easy to look at this game on paper and see that Tampa Bay have had a poor season and were 10th in the Eastern Conference heading into this one. So what’s the big deal? Well, if you read my Prematch Lookout, you’d know that the Rowdies have been much better of late and were unbeaten in their last 5. So this was a very strong result and a beautiful way to end the season at Tidewater
Up Next
I urge everyone to tune in to the pod live on YouTube tomorrow (Sunday) night at 8:30. It’s going to be incredible, as we finally get to talk about an amazing performance. Also, I guess you should check out Timmy’s Player Ratings……(just kidding, they’re a must read). I’ll be back here later next week to preview RIFC’S penultimate game of the regular season. Until then, UP THE TIDE!
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