June 23, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rhode Island FC News Release
Rhode Island FC’s Clay Holstad in action
(Rhode Island FC, Credit: USL Championship)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Rhode Island FC made club history with a commanding 5-2 win against Louisville City FC on Saturday, becoming the first club to beat LouCity at home this season and the first opposing club ever to score five goals at Lynn Family Stadium. A trio of first-time goalscorers, a highlight-reel strike from Clay Holstad and a career-high eight saves from goalkeeper Jackson Lee all contributed to what was the Ocean State club’s largest-ever win.
The high-scoring affair began in the 30th minute, when Clay Holstad stole the headlines with a powerful strike from well outside the box to give RIFC (2W-4L-9D) the breakthrough on the road. Accepting an entry pass from Stepehen Turnbull with open space to roam, Holstad fired a right-footed effort that rattled off the left post and into the back of the net to give RIFC a first-half lead for the second consecutive match.
Although Louisville (11W-3L-2D) continued to apply pressure following the opening goal, a trio of first-half saves from Lee ensured the Ocean State club kept the hosts off the scoresheet. Just before the halftime whistle, Kwizera would make LouCity pay for its missed opportunities when he utilized quick footwork to drive into the box, beating a pair of defenders and slotting a low finish into the far side netting from a tight angle for his first career USL Championship goal. The strike gave RIFC a 2-0 lead at the half.
Coming out of the break, Louisville continued to test an RIFC defense that was well up to the task. One of the first opportunities for the hosts came in the 58th minute when Sam Gleadle sent a low drive from the middle of the box only to be denied by a Lee. Six minutes later, Lee was in action once again, palming another low shot out of the danger zone.
Rhode Island FC didn’t slow down from there, as JJ Williams capitalized on a counter attacking move with a historic goal for the Ocean State club in the 67th minute, collecting a pass from Noah Fuson before calmly chipping the ball over Damian Las to give RIFC its largest-ever lead at 3-0.
Despite a strong performance from Lee and the RIFC defensive unit, Louisville pulled one back in the 86th minute with its 20th shot of the match. Second-half substitute Dylan Mares took the ball down inside the box, faked to his right before slotting home the ball…