The Riptide Report: Sacramento Republic FC vs Rhode Island FC - 7/8/2026

Rhode Island FC fell 2-1 to Sacramento Republic on their first ever trip out to Heart Health Park. Kyle Edwards and Mayele Malongo each scored in the first half for the Republic, while Hugo Bacharach scored for a second consecutive game for RIFC. Here are my rapid fire takeaways from a tough night in California:

Ads?!!!

Before I get into anything to do with the team or the actual play on the field, I have to talk about the broadcast. Several times during the game, WHILE THE BALL WAS IN PLAY, they cut ads in. Most of the time it went split screen, with the larger picture being the ad. But one time, there was a throw-in and the broadcast completely cut away to a commercial. It's unbelievable that they would do this. And honestly completely unacceptable. Oh, and the first ad of the night happened during an RIFC attack. It's an absolute joke and cannot be the standard going forward.

Aldair and Frank on the Left

With Clay Holstad out, a lot of focus was going to be on the lineup. There were five defenders listed in the eleven so my assumption was that Grant Stoneman was going to the midfield. Instead, we actually ended up with a back four of Scardina, Yao, Stoneman, and Nodarse. Aldair Sanchez played in front of Frank in a more advanced role on the left. I didn't mind the idea but it didn't really work in practice. Aldair didn't get on the ball enough and had the fewest touches on the team in the first half. Khano did eventually change to a back 5 with Scardina and Aldair as wingbacks but it didn't really solve the problem. Both came off before the hour mark.

Poor Goals to Concede

On the first goal, Koke has to punch that away. You can't get beat by the attacker in that situation (Edwards in this case). Just a bizarre play. And on the second, it was awful defending from Grant Stoneman to let Malango cut inside onto his right foot and get a shot off. You have to try to force him wide there. Just not good enough at the back.

Hugo Heads Again

In the only real positive moment for RIFC, Hugo Bacharach got another headed goal after getting one last time out against Orange County. Props to Amos for the nice ball in there too. Perfectly placed.

Open at the Back, Sloppy in Attack

I mean, pretty much what the heading says here. I thought RIFC were just too open at the back, especially after switching to the back 3. Sacramento could have scored a couple goals in the second half as they were consistently getting themselves in behind. And as for going forward, RIFC were just so off the mark. Players were constantly dribbling into trouble and could rarely find the right pass to create any chances to score. It got more all over the place when the team was chasing a goal late. It was a "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach that we've seen in games when the team needs a goal. It felt like we lost all structure. The team deserved to come out of this one with nothing.

Up Next

The Postmatch Pod will be back tomorrow to go over this frustrating performance. Timmy will also have his player ratings as always. I can't imagine anyone scores too highly. Lastly, I'll be back here on Friday to preview RIFC's upcoming USL Cup game against Brooklyn FC. Until then, UP THE TIDE!