RIFC got a point tonight with a 0-0 draw down in North Carolina. It wasn’t the ideal result, as it felt like a winnable game. But it was enough to get the amber and blue into the playoffs for a second time in as many years. We can still say this team has never missed the postseason. So that’s something. But with that said, here are my quick takeaways from the draw:
Missing JJ
After a 5-0 win last time out against Tampa Bay, it was expected that Khano would stick with the same starting 11. And he did just that except with one glaring absence: JJ Williams. Much to the dismay of all fans, JJ was listed as out per RIFC’s availability report. It was stated on the broadcast that per Khano, JJ is dealing with something and it was just a precaution to leave him out. Hopefully that is the case and JJ will be back soon because he was sorely missed tonight. Albert Dikwa started in his place and outside of one good turn and decent shot on the edge of the box, he was underwhelming. He placed a second half header wide of the goal that you have to think JJ would’ve at least had on target. If this team hopes to go anywhere, it’ll be on JJ’s shoulders
Solid Defense
For all of RIFC’S lack of clinical finishing, you can still rely on solid defending. I thought Koke made a couple of good saves in this one when called upon, which wasn’t too often. RIFC did well to limit NCFC outside of a stretch early in the 2nd half. They also caught their opponents offside 7 times, with 6 of those being in the first half. It was the most for RIFC since the June 11th game at Lou City, where Louisville were caught offside 10 times. Obviously a fair amount of that is based on how the opponent wants to play, but RIFC showed some good connectivity between the defenders on the back line
Mission Accomplished?
There’s no doubting that from a fan perspective, this was a really frustrating game. However, with the draw….
After last week’s game, some of us fans (including me) were dreaming of a potential 6th place finish. That is almost certainly out the window now, as Pittsburgh would need to lose their final two matches for that to be possible. Regardless, RIFC are in the playoffs. It’s something we should be happy about in the big picture. But I understand why it’s difficult to feel good after this result
Up Next
After the player ratings and podcast tomorrow, I’ll be back here later this week with the final Prematch Lookout of the regular season. We’ll be looking ahead to RIFC’S trip out to New Mexico. Until then, as always, UP THE TIDE!
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