Rhode Island FC are back at Tidewater this weekend as they’re set to host Brooklyn FC.  It’ll be the first ever meeting between the two teams and the first of three games between the two sides this season.  As always, I’m here with some info on what to look out for from both teams.  Let’s jump right into it

Last Time Out

RIFC lost 2-1 in Portland last weekend in the USL Cup.  It was an extremely disappointing result and there was palpable unrest in the supporters section.  There were even some “Khano Out” shouts.  It was a lot externally but as for the game on the field, the biggest takeaway for me was the poor first half.  I felt that the double pivot of Amos Shapiro-Thompson and Zach Herivaux didn’t work.  The back line was also really poor and there’s a lot that needs to be corrected going into Saturday.  Not the way you want to come into a league game that you really need to win.

Players to Watch

• Hamady Diop (DF)
  • I called Hamady out in the Riptide Report after last weekend’s game.  He hasn’t been nearly at the level that he showed with this team last year.  Obviously he isn’t the only player who hasn’t been at their best, but I have high expectations for him.  It’ll be interesting to see if he’s in the starting 11
• Clay Holstad (MF)
  • Clay hasn’t started either of the last two games and only played around 40 combined minutes off the bench.  It’s inexplicable to me.  I’m probably the most understanding person here at Tide Talk when it comes to managing minutes.  I totally get that Khano will rest players at times.  But neither of the last two games were on short rest.  Clay needs to start on Saturday, full stop
• Leo Afonso (FW)
  • Leo also didn’t start in Portland, which I was fine with.  But hopefully he gets back to the starting 11 here against Brooklyn.  In my opinion, he’s been one of the team’s most dangerous attackers

Key to the Game

Defensive Stability

RIFC have conceded 6 goals in their last 3 games in all competitions.  This comes after conceding 9 through their first 10. 

This simply needs to improve.  Brooklyn have struggled to score, as we’ll soon get to, but they still have some dangerous attacking players who I expect will be able to take advantage of any defensive miscues.  So RIFC’s back line will need to be on it.  Part of the issue may be that Khano has gone with a different back 4 in each of the last four games.  I’m not sure what happened to the continuity but RIFC need to find it

Last Time Out

Brooklyn FC lost 2-0 last Saturday night against Hartford Athletic.  The numbers would say Brooklyn dominated the game with 15 shots (5 on target) and much better passing and attacking numbers overall.  But it was a typical game for Hartford where they sat back and took advantage on the counter.

The loss was Brooklyn’s third in a row and 7th across 11 games in all competitions.  6 of those losses have come in the league, which is third most behind Sporting Jax and Monterey Bay.  Not a great start to life for Brooklyn

Players to Watch

• Jackson Lee (GK)
  • What can I say?  It was obvious I’d start here.  Jackson was beloved here in Rhode Island and was a fantastic backup for Koke Vegas.  I’m so happy for him that he’s had a real chance to compete for a starting role in Brooklyn.  Hopefully he gets it.  I’m not sure what Brooklyn coach Marlon LeBlanc is doing, as he’s started 3 different goalkeepers this year so far
• Gabi Alves (DF)
  • So yes, I’m going the easy route here and focusing on yet another former RIFC player in Brooklyn’s squad.  Gabi has been playing as a left center back in a back 3 and it’s really suited him.  I expect him to start on Saturday
• Taimu Okiyoshi (MF)
  • Yeah it’s 3 for 3 for former RIFC guys.  I had to do it.  But Taimu has been an important player for Brooklyn this year.  He’s started all but one of their games and almost always goes the full 90.  It’s good to see him getting the playing time and although Brooklyn have had a bad year so far, he is one of their better outfield player according to Fotmob

Key to the Game

Create Some Chances

Brooklyn have struggled across the board this year.  But their biggest issue has been chance creation.  They have the fewest big chances in the league and third fewest goals scored. 

And quite frankly, the team has too much talent to be this bad going forward.  I spent the players section on the three former RIFC guys but had I not, I would’ve pointed out that Juan Carlos Obregon is a proven goalscorer (at least in League One) and winger Markus Anderson has looked great with 4 goals and 2 assists this year.  If Brooklyn want to get anything from this game, they’ll need to create some chances for these guys to put away

Analysis and Prediction

This is a big game for both teams.  For RIFC, they’ll be trying to bounce back after a bad performance and take advantage of a team they should be able to beat.  For Brooklyn, they need to start picking up points.  So, who is going to come away happier?

I’ll answer that question with another question: Which RIFC is going to show up?  I usually spend this section of the blog either rehashing the “Key to the Game” sections or attempting to provide an amateur tactical discussion.  But this game to me is really just about what team shows up at Tidewater on Saturday.  It’s that simple.  The players are good enough because we’ve seen them do it.  So I’m going to go really bold here and hope it doesn’t backfire:

Final Thoughts

It’s always great to be at Tidewater.  And, at the risk of jinxing it, we’re supposed to finally have decent weather.  Decent meaning no rain.  Which I will absolutely take.  Especially after the beautiful weather in Portland last weekend. 

I’ll be back here with the Riptide Report after the game, which I hope is a happy one.  This is a game the boys need to win and as always, the result will have an effect on my mental health.  I really don’t want it to ruin my three day weekend.  Regardless of what happens though, I’ll be here to blog and support the team.  So until next time, UP THE TIDE!