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SMITHFIELD, RI— Rhode Island FC (12-15-7, 51 pts.) were defeated 3-0 by Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (14-9-10, 51 pts.) in the USL Championship Finals on Friday.
The match kicked off at 12:00 p.m. ET at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Colorado to a sold-out crowd of 8,023.
How we're lining up for the USL Championship Final 💪 #NeverSayDie | #RhodeWarriors pic.twitter.com/BKv4t8PAiH
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) November 23, 2024
The team started their lineup in a 3-5-2 formation with goalkeeper Koke Vegas starting in the net with a backline of Frank Nodarse (left), Karifa Yao (center) and Grant Stoneman (right). The midfield consisted of Morris Duggan (left) Marc Ybarra (left center mid), Zachary Herivaux (central), Clay Holstad (right center mid) and Noah Fuson (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 Jackson Lee (leg), Stephen Turnbull (leg), and Isaac Angking (R-ACL).
The Final XI pic.twitter.com/6hSSPWRmNH
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) November 23, 2024
The match began with Colorado Switchbacks kicking off to start the match and electing to build out of the back prior to attempting to launch a long ball into RIFC’s defensive third.
Less than 30 seconds into the match, Colorado had the first opportunity when midfielder #20 Yosuke Hanya’s effort snuck just wide of the right post.
In the 14th minute, Colorado defender #5 Matthew Mahoney was issued a yellow card for a foul on Zachary Herivaux just outside the penalty area. The ensuing freekick was sent high and wide over the bar.
Entering the 22nd minute, Colorado took the lead.
22’ Goal, Colorado Springs.
Juan Tejada.@SwitchbacksFC 1, @RhodeIslandFC 0.#USLPlayoffs #USLChampionshipFinal pic.twitter.com/AT9AE1Yhvp
— Kenta Hagiwara (@KentraHagatra) November 23, 2024
After taking on Karifa Yao, midfielder #20 Yosuke Hanya played a ball into the area to find a wide-open #27 Juan Tejada for the simple right-footed finish within six yards.
Colorado’s next chances came via two corner kicks in the 29th minute. Both of the deliveries were cleared or met with saves by Koke Vegas.
In the 41st minute, Colorado head coach James Chambers was forced to make his first change of the match by replacing defender #4 Delentz Pierre with defender #14 Duke Lacroix.
Less than one minute later, Colorado added to their lead.
— Switchbacks FC (@SwitchbacksFC) November 23, 2024
Following an interception near midfield by midfielder #17 Jairo HenrÃquez, he drove down the left flank and had a left-footed shot that was blocked initially by Karifa Yao and Grant Stoneman, however, the ball fell kindly once again for HenrÃquez to unleash another left-footed shot that snuck into the near post upper 90 to make it 2-0 to Colorado.
In the 45+2 minute, Colorado head coach James Chambers was forced to make his second change of the match by replacing midfielder #20 Yosuke Hanya with forward #11 Quenzi Huerman.
After the initial 45+6 minutes, the match entered halftime with Colorado ahead with a 2-0 lead.
Movin’ to the next half pic.twitter.com/obmqHNSwcH
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) November 23, 2024
Prior to the start of the second half, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his first two changes by replacing defender Grant Stoneman and midfielder Marc Ybarra with midfielder Jack Panayotou and forward Jojea Kwizera.
The second half began with Rhode Island FC launching the ball quickly into Colorado’s defensive third.
Colorado’s first chance of the second half came in the 50th minute when forward #9 Ronaldo Damus’ effort was sent high and wide over the net.
Entering the 53rd minute, Colorado added to their lead.
— Switchbacks FC (@SwitchbacksFC) November 23, 2024
Following a corner kick that resulted in a Clay Holstad shot, the ball was sent flying forward by defender #6 Matthew Real. The ball, which was then taken by forward #9 Ronaldo Damus, led to a 85+ yard rush by Damus, who then put the 1v1 against Koke Vegas home to make it 3-0 to Colorado.
In the 62nd minute RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his third and fourth changes of the match by replacing midfielder Clay Holstad and forward Albert Dikwa with midfielder Amos Shapiro-Thompson and forward Mark Doyle.
RIFC had the next opportunity just moments later when Frank Nodarse’s header was saved by goalkeeper #1 Christian Herrera.
🌊 What a ride @RhodeIslandFC…you gave us one heck of a summer along with @RIDefiance1636 & @TideTalkRI and supported my family at our greatest time of need. Supporters for life. #UpTheTide pic.twitter.com/lxmaGM2rw0
— Matt (@MattK401) November 23, 2024
RIFC had yet another opportunity just moments later when goalkeeper #1 Christian Herrera was called upon again with a clutch save.
In the 66th minute, Colorado head coach James Chambers made his third change of the match by replacing midfielder #17 Jairo HenrÃquez with midfielder #13 Steven Echevarria.
In the 72nd minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his first fifth change by replacing defender Karifa Yao with midfielder Kofi Twumasi.
In the 77th minute, Colorado head coach James Chambers made his fourth and fifth change of the match by replacing midfielders #27 Juan Tejada and #10 Zachary Zandi with midfielder #7 Tyreek Magee and forward #77 Justin Dhillon.
What an incredible experience, community and new group of friends.
Thank you to everyone who made this inaugural season of @RhodeIslandFC so special for all of us at @TideTalkRI especially @ProvBrewingCo, @RIDefiance1636 and my partner in crime @MattK401 #UpTheTide🌊 pic.twitter.com/BF2tmnGwQy
— Ryan Healey 🌊 (@RAHealey) November 23, 2024
In the 87th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his final change of the match by replacing midfielder Zachary Herivaux with midfielder Joe Brito.
Entering the 90+1 minute, Colorado had a chance to add to their lead when forward #9 Ronaldo Damus’ effort was met with a close-range save by goalkeeper Koke Vegas.
After the 90+4 minutes, the match concluded with Colorado winning the USL Championship 3-0 over Rhode Island FC.
Final. pic.twitter.com/kIUbTUDSLp
— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) November 23, 2024
With the result, the 2024 USL Championship campaign has come to an end as Rhode Island FC finish as runners-up in their historic inaugural season.
Khano Smith and Rhode Island FC now set their sights on improving their roster ahead of the 2025 USL Championship campaign.
Rhode Island FC have planned a Block Party event at “The Guild – Pawtucket” at 461 Main Street on Monday, November 25th from 5-8 p.m. Live music, players, and more will be present.
