Rhode Island FC fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Monterey Bay FC on Saturday at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket.
Joe Brito’s 77th-minute goal secured a point for the home team, marking his first of the 2025 season and fourth overall for Rhode Island FC.
Monterey Bay FC grabbed the lead in the 17th minute when Mayele Malango finished off a quick passing move, smashing home Mobi Fehr’s low cross from close range.
Earlier, Rhode Island FC goalkeeper Koke Vegas made a save to stop Adrian Rebollar in the 10th minute.
The home side pressed for an equalizer throughout the match, sending in 11 crosses and six corners in the first half alone. Noah Fuson came close with a curling free-kick that just missed the target in the 30th minute.
Brito finally broke through with a curling volley into the top-right corner after Jojea Kwizera’s cross was initially blocked.
The club noted that after dominating possession in Monterey’s final third for much of the opening 15 minutes and delivering 23 crosses, substitute Brito finally found the net with Rhode Island’s first shot on target in the 77th minute.
Rhode Island FC completed 556 passes, with 321 in the attacking third. Zachary Herivaux made 72 passes, while the home team outshot the visitors 12-6.
Rhode Island FC has a midweek game against Birmingham Legion FC on May 14. Their next home match at Centreville Bank Stadium is set for May 24 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
