The Prematch Lookout: Rhode Island FC vs Monterey Bay FC - 8/22/2026

Rhode Island FC are set to host Monterey Bay FC on Saturday night. It will be the third meeting between the two teams. The first came in 2024 in RIFC's second ever competitive game and finished 2-2. The other meeting was RIFC's third ever game at Tidewater in May of last year and it was also a draw, finishing 1-1. As for what to expect this time around, here's what you need to know about both teams heading into Saturday:

Last Time Out

RIFC lost 2-0 at the Tampa Bay Rowdies last weekend. It was always going to be difficult playing the best team in the league but the performance and result were still disappointing. RIFC usually rise to the level of their competition but it never felt like they had a chance of getting a result.

Players to Watch

Noah Fuson (MF/FW)

• Noah has seemingly reclaimed the number 10 role in recent weeks, at least from the start of games. It's nice to see a player who was so important for this team in 2024 start to slowly get back to his old self. RIFC will need him to continue getting better and hopefully start contributing to some goals

Leo Afonso (FW)

• Leo has suddenly become a hugely important player for reasons I'll get to shortly. He's shown an ability to get into decent positions and is always willing to shoot. But he hasn't had the production we had all hoped for

Osman Foyo (FW)

• I wrote last week that I was optimistic we'd see Foyo against the Rowdies. It didn't end up happening but he has been seen in training this week and in some social media videos so I would be shocked if he wasn't at least in the squad for this one. I for one, am very excited to see what he can do

Storyline

How do you replace JJ?

I've avoided explicitly saying it so far but I can't hold off any longer. JJ Williams is reportedly signing for Heart of Midlothian in Scotland. For a deeper dive, check out Timmy's blog covering the move. But as for how it affects this weekend, here are my thoughts:

It's going to be incredibly difficult now for RIFC having lost the focal point of the attack. So much of what the team does going forward has come through JJ. The team will now need to rely on their other attackers, including the three I just mentioned in Players to Watch. The most interesting one there is Osman Foyo. I don't think any of us know what to expect from him but a lot has now been placed squarely on his shoulders. At least from a fan perspective. Hopefully he can take it all in stride and deliver for the team going forward. He should get his chance on Saturday.

Last Time Out

Monterey Bay drew 1-1 at Oakland Roots last weekend. Ilijah Paul scored a second half equalizer for Monterey Bay after they had conceded just before halftime to go into the break 1-0 down.

Overall it's been another horrible season for Monterey Bay and an awful run of form to go with it. They last won a game back on June 20th when Paul scored in second half stoppage time to secure a 1-0 win over El Paso. They drew their next game against San Antonio but then went on to lose 6 straight games in all competitions before their draw last Saturday.

Players to Watch

Omari Glasgow (LB)

• Glasgow is a 22-year-old LB on loan from MLS side Chicago Fire. It's his second season now with USL experience after having spent some of 2025 on loan with Loudoun United. Glasgow has been a solid LB for Monterey Bay this year and leads the team in assists with 4

Sebastian Lletget (MF/FW)

• Lletget signed for Monterey Bay ahead of the 2026 season after a long MLS career where he played for LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, and most recently FC Dallas. He also has over 30 appearances for the USMNT. As for what he's done this season on the field, he has 3 goals and 2 assists so far

Ilijah Paul (FW)

• Paul leads the line for Monterey Bay and is in his second season with the club. He has 5 goals and 3 assists this season, which gives him the most goal contributions for the team this year

Storyline

Is there any hope?

I don't like being so negative about our opponents, but I don't really know what else to say here. Monterey Bay went winless in their first 11 games this year, won 4 of their next 6, and are now winless again in their last 8 including 6 straight losses before their draw last time out. That paints a really grim picture. They'll be hoping to take some positives away from their draw in Oakland but I'm not sure that they will. This organization has never had any success and the team has finished near the bottom of the league in every season of their existence.

Prediction

Rhode Island FC 3-1 Monterey Bay FC

RIFC have been very good at Tidewater this season and I expect a satisfying win on Saturday night. Monterey Bay have been scoring goals lately so I do think they'll get one and it'll likely be through Ilijah Paul. The issue for them is they've been letting way too many goals in recent games. Even with JJ Williams almost certainly not playing (it's my right to irrationally still hold out hope he gets a send off), RIFC should have more than enough firepower to put a few past Monterey Bay and get the three points.

It's an interesting time to be an RIFC fan. The past month or so has seen Clay Holstad and JJ Williams leave. They were both fan favorites and crucial players for the squad. But such is the way of soccer. The only thing that doesn't change is the fans. We've found this team at different times. Some of us before the team even started playing and some as recently as this season or even a recent game. But regardless, we are all in this for life. No matter what happens, it's always UP THE TIDE!