Despite several goal-scoring chances throughout the match, Rhode Island FC ended level at zero with Detroit City FC, remaining without a win in the United Soccer League Championship regular season.
The match was hard fought throughout the full 90 minutes, with great defensive plays being made on both ends by goalkeepers Koke Vegas and Carlos Herrera.
Rhode Island’s best scoring chance of the first half came on a breakaway attempt by forward Leo Afonso, which was left just high of the top right corner of the net.
“It is frustrating because of the result,” Vegas said. “Everybody wants to win the game. I feel like we were closer than them. I think we deserve more.”
Rhode Island was able to put up a very strong offensive attack. Defender Frank Nodarse was able to stop multiple breakaways throughout the match to limit Detroit’s scoring opportunities and shot attempts.
“At the end of the day, you have to put the ball in the net,” Vegas said. “If not, it doesn’t matter how many chances you have.”
In the second half, it was a great defensive showing by both sides, with very few shots on net. The game was a defensive clinic and remained scoreless through the half.
Late in the match, Rhode Island had a corner kick attempt that would be its best opportunity of the second half to score. Rhode Island forward Noah Fuson was able to place the kick perfectly in the middle of the box. But off the bobble, Herrera secured the ball and left the score at 0-0.
“The errors today were really egregious,” RIFC head coach Khano Smith said. “It’s professional soccer, you’re not going to get four or five opportunities in a game. When a game is deadlocked at 0-0, you need to take your opportunities.”
RIFC is yet to win a game against a league opponent this season. The team’s next match will be on Saturday against Lexington SC on the road.
“Lexington is more important than the Open Cup game against the Revs,” Smith said. “Open Cup is a nice bonus, but because Lexington is the next game, it is more important.”
Rhode Island will then face off against the New England Revolution on Tuesday in the round of 32 in the U.S. Open Cup back at Centreville Bank Stadium.
