Rhode Island FC routed Loudoun United 4-1 tonight in front of a dismal crowd at Segra Field.  Goals from JJ Williams, Nick Scardina, Leo Afonso and Dwayne Atkinson propelled RIFC to victory.  It’s exactly what this team needed and it is now their second win on the road in the league this year.  Here are my takeaways from a great night:

Frank Left and Pity Wide

Of course I have to start with some lineup stuff.  When looking at the lineup before the game, I was interested to see where Frank and Pity were going to end up.  Frank started out on the left side of defense, finally giving Aldair Sanchez a break.  At least for 65 minutes until Aldair came in.  Pity started out wide on the right.  I’ve been hoping to see him off the left but Khano chose to have Jojea Kwizera there.  I’m honestly not sure why, because Jojea has been so good on the right where he can cut in on his left foot.  I thought Pity didn’t really get into the game much which was a little disappointing.  It’s been a trend for him this season.

FOUR

I absolutely love when this team is clinical.  It’s fantastic to watch.  I mean, just look at these:

The throw in from Clay on the first one was fantastic.  And RIFC smartly had Hugo doing the flick-on header, which allowed JJ to be the guy to bury it in the back of the net.  Then on the second one, it was the result of some great fluidity in the attack.  Scardina being a RB turning up in the six yard box is all you need to know.  On the third, credit to Clay again.  What a run from him to get it started.  And more great decision making in the attacking third to get it to Leo who provided a great finish.  Lastly, Busy got in on the action with being in the right place at the right time at the far post.  What an attacking performance.

JJ’s on Fire, Your Defense is Terrified

I probably could’ve saved this for a performance where JJ scores more goals.  But man, he deserves it tonight.  He does so much for this team.  Even when he isn’t scoring or providing assists, he wins his duels and is a nightmare for defenders.  While he did that tonight, he also got the goal contributions to go along with it.  1 goal and 2 assists for the big man tonight.  He is objectively one of the best players in the league this season.

Positive Vibes Heading into the Break

I obviously always want RIFC to win.  But there was a little extra tonight.  I really wanted the team to head into this long break with a win.  And that’s exactly what we got.  Heck, not only a win, but a 4-1 win.  They must have watched the USMNT last night.  The only question now is if the team can come back with the momentum from this game in a few weeks. 

Final Thoughts

Well, it’ll be a long break for us at Tide Talk.  The postmatch pod will be back tomorrow night and Timmy will give his player ratings.  Hoping for at least a 9 for JJ.  But after that, it’s time for a nice break.  Arguably, we all deserve it more than the players.  Blogging/podcasting is so much harder then actually performing on the field.  In any event, we’ll all see you soon.  As always, UP THE TIDE!