Keeping this week’s edition a little more minimal than usual due to a loss in the family, but still wanted to get the key matchday info out there. Appreciate you all. ❤️

The Matchup

Rhode Island FC returns home looking to bounce back after last week’s 3-1 loss to Birmingham snapped a four-match unbeaten run in league play.

Standing in the way: the Eastern Conference-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies, currently the last unbeaten team left in the USL Championship at 5W-0L-2T.

That said, RIFC has quietly become a nightmare matchup for Tampa Bay. Rhode Island is 3W-1L-0T all-time against the Rowdies and has won the last three meetings, including a dominant 5-0 win at Centreville Bank Stadium last October, still the largest shutout win in club history.

A Few Quick Notes

• Tampa Bay has allowed a league-low 4 goals through 7 matches
• RIFC has scored 8 unanswered goals across the last two meetings against the Rowdies
• Leo Afonso scored his second goal in as many league games last weekend
• Tampa Bay completely rebuilt its roster from last season, with every goal this year coming from first-year Rowdies players

How to Engage, Prepare, and Follow the Action:

• Match Details:
  • Date/Time: Sat, 5/9 at 7:30 PM ET
  • Location: Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket, RI
  • Timing: Parking Lot/Box Office 4:30 PM | Gates 6:30 PM | Kickoff 7:30 PM
    • Defiance 1636 Tailgate @ 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM (M7 Lot): Food and non-alcoholic drinks available. BYOB for alcohol. All proceeds support future tailgates.
    • March to the Match @ 6:45 PM (from M7 Lot)
  • Kickoff Weather: 56°F, Showers, 85% rain, 11 mph winds. Sunset 7:53 PM.
• Attend Live:
  • Get Your Tickets Here!
    • Know Before You Go
• How to Watch/Listen:
  • Stream the Match:
    • ESPN+
    • myRITV
    • YouTube (International Only / Use a VPN)
• Follow the Action:
  • USL Match Center
  • RIFC Fan Discord
  • Match Hashtag: #RIvTBR
  • Match Theme: Hometown Heroes Night
• Last Meeting:
  • Oct 11, 2025: RI 5-0 TBR (Pawtucket, RI)
• Match Previews:
  • Rhode Island FC
  • Tide Talk RI – The Prematch Lookout
  • FotMob
  • Sofascore

Become an Official Supporter!

• Join Defiance 1636 Here!

RIFC Related Podcasts, Shows, and Blogs:

• TideTalkRI.com (For all your RIFC content)
• Tide Talk on YouTube (Live Stream Podcast)
• Raising Anchor (Live Stream Podcast)

Learn More About Our Squad and Club:

• Rhode Island FC
  • Wikipedia
  • FotMob
  • Sofascore
  • FootyStats
  • FBRef
  • Transfermarkt
  • Reddit: r/RhodeIslandFC
  • Supporters Group:
    • Defiance 1636

Learn More About Our Opponent:

• Tampa Bay Rowdies
  • Wikipedia
  • FotMob
  • Sofascore
  • FootyStats
  • FBRef
  • Transfermarkt
  • Reddit: r/TampaBayRowdies
  • Supporters Group:
    • Ralph's Mob
    • Skyway Casuals

For the Fans, By the Fans: Tide Talk RI is a collaborative media partnership for Rhode Island FC fans. It features a team of dedicated content creators producing podcasts, live streams, videos, written articles, blog posts, and open forum discussions with other fans. Ride the tide at www.TideTalkRI.com