SMITHFIELD, RI— Rhode Island FC (8-13-6, 37 pts.) fell 2-0 versus the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (8-11-9, 35 pts.) on Saturday.

The match kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to a crowd of 4,500.

How we're kicking things off from Highmark Stadium 💪 pic.twitter.com/cKMLQuby5F

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) September 7, 2024

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

Rhode Island had 1 player out due to injury – Isaac Angking (R-ACL).

Tonight's @Ortho_RI Health Report 📝 pic.twitter.com/V7mU0un8qA

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) September 7, 2024

The match began with Pittsburgh starting from the center circle and quickly advancing the ball into RIFC’s defensive third.

RIFC had the first chance of the match entering the 13th minute when forward Albert Dikwa megged goalkeeper #1 Eric Dick, however, his effort struck the post and was cleared. It was later deemed that Dikwa was offsides.

In the 35th minute, RIFC midfielder Stephen Turnbull was issued a yellow card.

In the 42nd minute, Pittsburgh defender #28 Illal Osumanu was issued a yellow card.

In the 45+5 minute, Pittsburgh gained the lead.

𝗢𝘂𝗶 𝗼𝘂𝗶! 🇫🇷

Bertin Jacquesson with a debut BANGER for @RiverhoundsSC! pic.twitter.com/0kVrNWi1HW

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) September 8, 2024

Following a through-ball pass by midfielder #2 Danny Griffin, he found midfielder #51 Bertin Jacquesson for the bar-down finish just before halftime.

After the initial 45+6 minutes, the match entered halftime with Pittsburgh ahead 1-0.

pic.twitter.com/PTytVWECcN

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) September 8, 2024

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

Pittsburgh had the first chance of the second half when midfielder #2 Danny Griffin attempted a roulette shot that was saved by Koke Vegas.

Entering the 50th minute, Pittsburgh added to their lead.

An absolute 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩 of a header from Bradley Sample doubles @RiverhoundsSC's lead! 💫 pic.twitter.com/PQJqldA8gd

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) September 8, 2024

Following a cross by defender #4 Dani Rovira, the ball was flicked on by midfielder #15 Bradley Sample for the headed finish to make it 2-0 to Pittsburgh.

In the 55th minute, Pittsburgh defender #13 Luke Biasi was issued a yellow card.

Three minutes later, in the 58th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith replaced midfielder Marc Ybarra with midfielder Zachary Herivaux.

Thank you fans for having our backs tonight🤩🔥#PITvRI #HOUNDTAHN pic.twitter.com/owVTWSuuKB

— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) September 8, 2024

Three minutes later, Pittsburgh head coach Rob Lilley made two changes by replacing midfielder #51 Bertin Jacquesson and defender #4 Dani Rovira with forward #9 EJ Johnson and #7 Langston Blackstock.

In the 69th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith replaced forward JJ Williams with defender Gabriel Alves.

In the 74th minute, Pittsburgh midfielder #2 Danny Griffin was issued a yellow card.

Following the bookings, RIFC head coach Khano Smith replaced defender Grant Stoneman and midfielder Stephen Turnbull for defender Frank Nodarse and forward Mark Doyle.

10 matches unbeaten ✅
Above the playoff line ✅@RiverhoundsSC is hitting form at the 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 time. pic.twitter.com/4bAFR2d1Ic

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) September 8, 2024

In the 77th minute, Pittsburgh head coach Rob Lilley made two changes by replacing midfielder #15 Bradley Sample and forward #19 Edward Kizza with defender #44 Pierre Cayet and midfielder #11 Kenardo Forbes.

In the 80th minute, Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward #14 Robbie Mertz & RIFC defender Karifa Yao were both issued yellow cards.

After the 90+5 minutes, the match concluded with Rhode Island falling 2-0 to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

Final. pic.twitter.com/f72zklGfFu

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) September 8, 2024

With the result, RIFC remain in 5th place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference.

Rhode Island FC (8-13-6, 37 pts.) remain on the road to face Orange County SC (8-4-14, 28 pts.) at Championship Soccer Stadium. The match kicks off on Saturday, September 13th at 7:30p.m. on ESPN+.