July 13, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rhode Island FC News Release
Rhode Island FC’s Clay Holstad in action
(Rhode Island FC)
MIAMI, FL – Rhode Island FC used an early lead to its advantage on Saturday at FIU Stadium, extending its unbeaten streak to five matches with a 3-2 win over Miami FC. A third goal in two matches for Frank Nodarse and a second brace of the season for Albert Dikwa “Chico” gave the Ocean State club a 3-0 cushion, which proved too much to overcome for the hosts.
After weathering seven Miami crosses and four corners through the first ten minutes, Rhode Island FC (4W-4L-10D) took advantage of its first opportunity in the final third in the 11th minute. After winning a free kick outside the right corner of the 18-yard box, Marc Ybarra whipped in a curling ball towards the six-yard box. Rising above everyone, Nodarse nodded the header past Miami goalkeeper Felipe Rodriguez at the back post for his third goal in two matches to give RIFC the early 1-0 advantage.
Two minutes later, Miami FC (2W-15L-2D) found its best chance of the early stages on the opposite end when Gabriel Cabral fired a low shot from the top of the penalty box. Koke Vegas was quick to get down, however, denying the powerful effort with a sharp reflex save to shove the ball out of the danger area. In the 37th minute, Frank Lopez found himself one-on-one with Vegas after connecting on a through ball inside the box, but the forward dragged his shot wide of the left post.
RIFC made Miami pay for its missed opportunities in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, cashing in on just its second shot of the match when Chico took advantage of a loose ball in the box. After a collision between Karifa Yao and Rodriguez left the goalmouth open, Chico charged into the box and took the ball out of the air with his right foot, sending a volley off the crossbar and into the back of the net with what was one of the last touches of the half to send RIFC into the break up 2-0.
Coming out of the gates hot in the second half, Chico picked up right where he left off with his second goal of the night in the 48th minute. Courtesy of a Jojea Kwizera cross from the left wing, Chico beat his marker with an elusive run towards the back post before driving a header past an outstretched Rodriguez and into the back of the net to make it a 3-0 match.
Miami did not go down without a fight, however, dashing RIFC’s hopes of a sixth clean sheet of the season with a goal in the 62nd…