Rhode Island FC and Western Conference leaders San Antonio FC battled to a scoreless draw in Rhode Island’s home opener at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket on Saturday.
Despite dominating possession and outshooting San Antonio 16-6, Rhode Island FC (1-3-2) couldn’t find the back of the net against the conference-leading visitors (5-2-1). The home team created several close chances but struggled to break through San Antonio’s defense.
Goalkeeper Koke Vegas played a crucial role in securing the clean sheet for Rhode Island. His standout moment came in the 37th minute when he made an acrobatic diving save to deny Jimmy Medranda’s lob attempt. Vegas also thwarted a dangerous one-on-one opportunity when Jorge Hernandez broke through on goal, keeping the visitors off the scoreboard.
Rhode Island’s Maxi Rodriguez led the attack, forcing San Antonio goalkeeper Richard Sanchez into multiple saves in the second half. In the 64th minute, Rodriguez’s close-range volley from a corner kick was met with a quick reflex save by Sanchez. Later, in the 80th minute, Rodriguez nearly found the winner with a dangerous free kick that Sanchez managed to save low, followed by a curling long-range effort that just missed the target.
The draw marks Rhode Island FC’s second clean sheet of the season and extends their unbeaten run to two matches. Despite creating numerous chances, including a close-range header from Albert “Chico” Dikwa that grazed the outside netting, the home team couldn’t find the breakthrough they were looking for.
Rhode Island FC now turns its attention to a midweek U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 match. They’ll host MLS side New England Revolution at Centreville Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
