Rhode Island FC Stoppage-Time Equalizer Secures 3-3 Draw Against Indy Eleven

July 5, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rhode Island FC News Release

Rhode Island FC and Indy Eleven on the field
(Rhode Island FC)

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Rhode Island FC fought back from a two-goal deficit for the first time ever on Friday, capping a dramatic 3-3 draw vs. Indy Eleven with a late equalizer in second-half stoppage time in front of a packed Beirne Stadium. A second-half brace from Frank Nodarse and a second goal of the season from Providence native Isaac Angking marked the third straight match RIFC has scored three or more goals, rescuing a dramatic point in the final moments.

Capitalizing on what was Indy’s (9W-5L-3D) first shot on target of the match, the visitors struck first in the 20th minute. It happened when Laurence Wootton got on the end of Cam Lindley’s free kick that was played short to the top of the 18-yard box, and placed a low right-footed effort through traffic that took a deflection before finding its way past Jackson Lee and into the far side netting to give Indy the early advantage.

The Boys in Blue didn’t take long to double their lead, striking again just eight minutes later when Romario Williams found a streaking Elliot Collier with an aerial through ball into the center of the box. Poaching the ball out of the air with a smooth first touch to put himself one-on-one with Lee from close range, Collier’s second touch powered its way past Lee’s outstretched hands and into the back of the net to put the visitors up 2-0 going into the halftime break.

Rhode Island FC (3W-4L-10D) came out of the gates strong in the second half, forcing two consecutive saves from Indy goalkeeper Hunter Sulte in the first five minutes. The first came when JJ Williams’ cross into the box from the left flank was poked away by the Indy shot-stopper, before a follow-up effort at the near post was also scooped up. Then, in the 51st minute, Sulte denied a long range effort from Williams once again with a full-stretch save, palming the powerful shot over the crossbar.

RIFC took advantage of its early momentum on the ensuing corner when a dangerous ball was played into the six-yard box by Marc Ybarra. Outjumping the crowded area, Nodarse headed the ball into the back of the net from point-blank range to make it a one-goal match early in the second half.

Moments later, the RIFC attack continued to come alive when Albert Dikwa “Chico” narrowly missed a diving header over the bar, coming within inches of an equalizer. In the 58th…