We’re back to our regularly scheduled programming.  Rhode Island FC return to action on Saturday where they’ll take on Orange County SC.  This will be just the second all-time meeting between the two teams.  The first was a 1-0 home win for Orange County in 2024.  As we head into this one, here’s what to watch for from both teams:

Last Time Out

If it feels like it’s been forever since RIFC have played, well it kinda has been.  The last game was a 4-1 win at Loudoun United three weeks ago.  JJ Williams, Nick Scardina, Leo Afonso and Dwayne Atkinson were the goalscorers.  It was a great way to head into a long break. I don’t know if there’s much of anything we can take away from that game though as we head into this one. It really feels like the team is set for a reset here.

Players to Watch

• Hamady Diop (DF)
  • Diop last played in RIFC’s 4-1 win over Brooklyn on May 23rd.  Zero inside info but I’m hoping we get to see him back out there on Saturday
• Clay Holstad (MF)
  • Clay has consistently been one of RIFC’s best players.  He brings so much energy to the midfield and really sets the tone for the rest of the team.  Can’t wait to see him back out there
• JJ Williams (FW)
  • You really can’t have an RIFC blog without mentioning JJ.  He’s already scored more goals this season in all competitions than in 2025 and he’s only two behind his total from 2024.  I’ve been saying this for a long time but it was always evident that JJ could play at the level he’s played at so far this season.  Hopefully he can keep it up

Storyline

How does RIFC respond after such a long break?

I’m going with the pretty obvious here.  The team hasn’t played a game in three weeks.  It’s going to be interesting to see how they come out.  They were in pretty good form with three wins in their last four games.  And in those games, RIFC scored 10 and conceded 3. But as I’ve already said, with such a long time away I think it’s hard to carry that form into this game. You could maybe argue that I’m making too much of this break but I really don’t think I am.  It truly is like a whole new start.  Hopefully the boys can take advantage and start strong.

Last Time Out

Orange County come into this one having taken down Miami FC 4-2 on the road back on June 24th.  Yaniv Bazini scored a brace and Stephen Kelly and Efren Solis got a goal a piece.  The win helped keep Orange County on top of the Western Conference. 

As for the season so far, Orange County have only lost twice in the league this year.  The first was a 1-0 loss to New Mexico United on April 4th and the second was a 3-2 loss to Sacramento Republic on May 2nd.  So needless to say, this is going to be a tough game for RIFC.

Players to Watch

• Nico Benalcazar (LB)
  • In his second season in the league, Benalcazar has established himself as one of the best LBs in the league.  He’s tied for third on the team in goal contributions with 4 (3 goals and 1 assist).  And according to everyone’s favorite website Fotmob, he’s been his team’s highest rated player
• Stephen Kelly (MF)
  • The Scottish midfielder joined Orange County in June of 2025 after previously playing for Livingston in his native country. He has 2 goals and 1 assist so far this season but it’s his passing from midfield that is his biggest strength.  He’ll be looking to control the game in midfield
• Yaniv Bazini (FW)
  • The former University of Vermont forward started his career in League One in 2025 and has done really well making the jump to the Championship this year.  He’s the team’s top scorer with 5 so far this season

Storyline

Can Orange County stifle RIFC without the ball?

It wouldn’t be an RIFC blog without talking about possession.  Orange County have the second lowest average possession in the league.  As with most teams at this level, RIFC have struggled to break down teams that have less of the ball.  Danny Stone sets his Orange County side up well and they’ll need to be at their best to try to slow down JJ Williams and the RIFC attack.

Prediction

RIFC 1-1 Orange County SC

I can see this one being pretty close. RIFC should get an extra bump from what should be a great crowd.  As we’ve seen though, Orange County are currently one of the best teams in the league.  I think a draw is a safe prediction.

Final Thoughts

Writing this blog felt a bit strange.  Maybe I mailed it in a little bit.  But honestly, there isn’t a whole lot to say.  This feels like the start of a new season even though it really hasn’t been that long.  At the end of the day though, I’m just really excited to get back to Tidewater and back into the groove of following/covering this team.  I’ve been keeping myself occupied with the World Cup, which has been amazing by the way, but it’ll be nice to get back to my one true love, RIFC.  See you all soon and as always, UP THE TIDE!