Rhode Island FC returned home for the first of its two-match homestretch as the club drew 0-0 against Charleston Battery on a rainy Saturday night at Beirne Stadium. Man of the Match Jackson Lee played an important role in the hard-fought draw, collecting six saves on the way to the first clean sheet in RIFC history, and the first of his professional career.
Despite the fact that the first half of play ended nil-nil, both clubs had opportunities to change the tide and gain the lead late in the half. Charleston midfielder Juan Torres had a chance to upset the RIFC fanbase in the 36th minute when he launched a left footed shot towards the right corner of the net. As suspense filled the stadium, Lee dove to make the one-handed save to keep the match scoreless.
Rhode Island FC Captain Conor McGlynn nearly broke the tie in the 39th minute. After missing on a left-footed attempt that went far left, McGlynn once again found himself with an opportunity to record his first goal of the USL Championship season. After Charleston goalkeeper Adam Grinwis came out of his box to deny an initial attacking opportunity, McGlynn powered the ball towards the empty net from distance, nearly chipping Grinwis, but the effort was just too high and missed the frame to keep the match tied up.
Beirne Stadium erupted in the 66th minute as Joe Brito found a chance to finally break the deadlock. Finding space inside the box, Brito attempted a screaming shot from close range, but it was just a tad too high as it bounced off the crossbar, causing the RIFC fanbase to erupt throughout the stadium.
The homeside’s quest for three points became slightly more difficult in the 70th minute. After an aerial challenge was mistimed by McGlynn, the RIFC captain received his second yellow card after having already been dealt a first caution earlier in the night. McGlynn’s absence was felt as RIFC had to finish the match with only ten players on the pitch, but Head Coach Khano Smith’s squad continued to persist despite being down a man and kept fighting to the very last whistle.
Rhode Island FC returns to USL Championship action on Saturday, April 13 (7:30 p.m. ET) when the club plays the second of its two-match homestand against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Beirne Stadium. Tickets are available now at rhodeislandfc.com/tickets.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Goalkeeper Jackson Lee picked up his first professional clean sheet, and the first in Rhode Island FC history, in his second start for the club. Lee made a career-high six saves on the way to a Man of the Match performance.
- The Perth, Australia native stepped in for an injured Koke Vegas late in RIFC’s 2-2 draw at Monterey Bay F.C. on March 24, and has assumed the starting role for the last two matches.
- Conor McGlynn strapped on the captain’s armband for the second consecutive match.
- Despite going down to 10 men in the 70th minute, Rhode Island FC’s defense limited Charleston Battery to just four shots in the final 20 minutes, with only one hitting the target.
- RIFC continued its streak of keeping opponents scoreless in the first half. The club has yet to concede in the opening 45 minutes through four regular season matches.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jackson Lee
Match stats and information available here.
Source: Rhode Island FC