SMITHFIELD, RI— Rhode Island FC (4-10-4, 21 pts.) were victorious 3-2 over Miami FC (2-2-15, 8 pts.) on Saturday night.

The match kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET at FIU Stadium in Miami, Florida.

How we're kicking off from FIU Stadium 👊 pic.twitter.com/z74LQKSQzq

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) July 13, 2024

The team started their lineup in a 3-5-2 formation with goalkeeper Koke Vegas starting in the net with a backline of Clay Holstad (left), Karifa Yao (center) and Frank Nodarse (right). The midfield consisted of Jojea Kwizera (left) Conor McGlynn (left center mid), Noah Fuson (central), Marc Ybarra (right center mid) and Stephen Turnbull (right). The forward roles were manned by Albert Dikwa (left) and JJ Williams (right).

Rhode Island had 3 players out due to injury. They included Gabriel Alves (leg), Kofi Twumasi (leg) and Amos Shapiro-Thompson (Knee).

Tonight's Health Report presented by @Ortho_RI ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/4WVeJUyDoy

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) July 13, 2024

The match kicked off with Miami FC starting from the center circle and quickly advancing the ball into RIFC’s defensive third.

In the 5th minute, RIFC defender Frank Nodarse was issued a yellow card.

In the 9th minute, Miami FC defender #18 Junior Palacios was issued a yellow card.

Entering the 11th minute, RIFC took the early lead.

Another game, another Frank Nodarse goal 🤩 #WickedGoodGoal | @capellisport pic.twitter.com/iP6b65PDvN

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) July 13, 2024

Following a freekick delivery by Marc Ybarra, the ball found the head of defender Frank Nodarse for the goal into the middle-left corner of the goal.

Miami’s first chance came in the 13th minute when midfielder#8 Gabriel Cabral’s effort was met with a big-time save by goalkeeper Koke Vegas.

Entering the 31st minute, Miami FC head coach Antonio Nocerino was forced to make his first change of the match. He replaced forward #17 Khalid Balogun with midfielder #99 Allen Gavilanes.

Miami had yet another chance in the 35th minute when #99 Allen Gavilanes effort was met with a stop by Koke Vegas.

Less than a minute later, forward #11 Frank Lopez had a chance that was sent just wide of the left post.

In the 44th minute, RIFC forward JJ Williams was issued a yellow card.

Entering the 45+5 minute, RIFC added to their lead.

Dikwa doubles the lead 💪 #WickedGoodGoal | @capellisport pic.twitter.com/0ckGw1oJ2u

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) July 14, 2024

Following a cross by Stephen Turnbull toward Karifa Yao battling with goalkeeper #31 Felipe Rodriguez. The ball fell to Albert Dikwa for the finish off the crossbar.

After the initial 45+5 minutes, the match entered halftime with RIFC ahead 2-0.

Up by two through 45! pic.twitter.com/Xyl4Fuu6tk

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) July 13, 2024

The second half began with RIFC starting from the center circle and advancing the ball into Miami FC’s defensive third.

In the 46th minute, Miami FC midfielder #6 Samuel Biek was issued a yellow card.

Just one minute later, RIFC added to their lead once more.

A Saturday night brace for Chico ✌️ #WickedGoodGoal | @capellisport pic.twitter.com/fdWOsBF7RM

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) July 14, 2024

Following a cross by Jojea Kwizera, the ball found the head of Albert Dikwa for his second goal of the match.

In the 50th minute, RIFC defender Clay Holstad was issued a yellow card.

Following the foul, Miami FC head coach Antonio Nocerino made his second, third, and fourth change of the match by replacing defenders #3 Jordan Ayimbila and #14 Danny Barbir as well as midfielder #23 Rocco Genzano for forwards #50 Roberto Molina and #7 Luis Pedro as well as defender #23 Alejandro Mitrano.

Miami’s next chance came from a freekick by midfielder #8 Gabriel Cabral that went just wide of the right post.

Entering the 62nd minute, Miami FC pulled one back.

62' | @lopez_frank16 PUTS US ON THE BOARD ‼️‼️#MIAvRI | 1-3 pic.twitter.com/124NFoYel9

— Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) July 14, 2024

Forward #11 Frank Lopez unleashed a right-footed rocket that went into the top right corner to pull one back for Miami.

Following the goal, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his first change of the match by replacing Frank Nodarse with Grant Stoneman.

RIFC’s next chance came in the 63rd minute when Jojea Kwizera’s long-distance effort was met with a spectacular save by goalkeeper #31 Felipe Rodriguez.

Just two minutes later, Khano Smith made another change by replacing Conor McGlynn with Zachary Herivaux.

In the 71st minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his third and fourth change of the match by replacing JJ Williams and Mark Ybarra with Mark Doyle and Joe Brito.

Entering the 78th minute, Miami pulled one back.

78' | @Robertomolina_5 TUCKS AWAY HIS FIRST OF THE SEASON 🔥👏#MIAvRI | 2-3 pic.twitter.com/IYvauzq0EJ

— Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) July 14, 2024

Following a cut-back ball by midfielder #99 Allen Gavilanes, the ball found forward #50 Roberto Molina for the back post finish.

In the 80th minute, RIFC goalkeeper Koke Vegas was issued a yellow card.

Less than a minute later, RIFC midfielder Noah Fuson was issued a yellow card.

RIFC’s next chance came from Joe Brito in the 83rd minute that hit the side netting.

In the 84th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his final change of the match by replacing Jojea Kwizera for Collin Smith.

After the 90+3 minutes, the match entered halftime with the scoreline

Three points to extend the unbeaten streak to five in the 305 💪 #WickedGoodSoccer | RIFC⚓ pic.twitter.com/3BgCu7D7eP

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) July 14, 2024

With the result, RIFC remain in 9th place in the USL Eastern Conference standings.

Rhode Island FC (4-10-4, 22 pts. in USL Championship) remain on the road to face Eastern Conference side Birmingham Legion FC (8-3-7, 27pts.) at Protective Stadium. The match kicks off on Wednesday, July 17th at 8:00p.m. EST on ESPN+.