By now, you’ve probably heard that Rhode Island is home to a new professional soccer team.
RI FC kicks off its inaugural season on March 16 with a home game against New Mexico United at Bryant University’s Beirne Stadium. The team expects to be in its own stadium, at Tidewater Landing in Pawtucket, by the start of the 2025 season. At a chilly outdoor practice last week, we met Nate Silveira and Kevin Vang, a pair of Rhode Island natives who recently joined the team.
Goalkeeper Silveira, who grew up in East Providence and attended East Providence High School, joins RIFC from Crown Legacy FC of MLS Next Pro. Vang, a former standout and 2022 graduate of Providence College, was also born in Rhode Island and attended Cranston East High School.
“To be able to sign two quality players from the state of Rhode Island is really special,” said Rhode Island FC Head Coach Khano Smith. “As a club, one of our objectives is to show that there is a pathway to the professional level. Kevin and Nate represent the level of talent coming out of the Ocean State, and both have worked extremely hard to get to this point.”
Silveira grew up in East Providence and tended net for Bruno United FC as a kid. He was a star at East Providence High School and later attended the University of Vermont where he served as team captain and was named back-to-back America East Goalkeeper of the Year.
The first Rhode Islander signed to the team, he’s excited to be on the pitch this season. “It’s amazing, the minute I realized it was a possibility, it was a no-brainer,” said Silveira. “To have a chance to get my foot in the door and have a spot on the team – not many people get the chance to play pro, especially in their hometown, and to be part of the first team in (Rhode Island) history.”
“I think a team for Rhode Island has been a long time coming,” he added. “We have a good fanbase here. There’s a great community here that loves soccer. To be the first player from Rhode Island on the team is special to me and something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, regardless of where my career takes me.”
Along with Vang, Silveira has become the go-to guy when it comes to all things local. He helped organize the first team dinner at Andreas in Providence. “A lot of my teammates moved here, they leaned on me for restaurants and where to go. We’ve become a really close group, and I think we’re poised to make a good run at it this year and make history with the team.”
Silveira will start the season as a backup to Goalkeepers Koke Vegas and Jackson Lee, and is hoping to gain experience in his rookie year. “I want to do what’s best for the team, put my best foot forward, and see where it goes from there.”
Midfielder Kevin Vang, who was a standout at Cranston East and Providence College is also thrilled to be joining the team. “It means a lot, I’ve been working and grinding all my life,” he said. “You got to work hard and struggle a little bit. It was a shock; I didn’t expect any of it.”
Like Silveira, Vang worked his way up the soccer ladder, playing for Bayside FC as a youth and training at the New England Revolution Academy. One of nine children, he expects many family members will be in the stands for the home opener on March 16.
“Representing the state of Rhode Island and being a role model for these kids means a lot,” he said. Vang’s advice to aspiring athletes… “Be who you are, keep working hard, keep grinding, don’t stop. Whenever there’s a struggle keep pushing through, one step at a time. Listen to your coaches and mentors that believe in you. Set a goal … I just wanted to become a professional soccer player; shout out to the coaches that helped me throughout my journey.”
Rhode Island FC kicks off the 2024 USL Championship season at Bryant University’s Beirne Stadium on March 16 at 4 p.m. against New Mexico United. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased at rhodeislandfc.com/tickets, by calling 401-955-RIFC (7432) or at the Beirne Stadium box office on matchday, pending availability.