SMITHFIELD, RI– Rhode Island FC (0-0-1, 0 pts) was defeated 2-0 versus Charleston Battery (1-0-0, 3 pts) on Saturday afternoon.

The match kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Patriots Point.

Starting XI for Rhode Island FC versus Charleston Battery.

Rhode Island FC starting lineup: 3-5-2 | Koke Vegas, Frank Nodarse, Karifa Yao, Clay Holstad, Aldair Sanchez, Jojea Kwizera, Marc Ybarra, Taimu Okiyoshi, Maxi Rodriguez, Albert Dikwa, Noah Fuson

Rhode Island FC substitutes:| Will Meyer, Grant Stoneman, JJ Williams, Joe Brito, Kevin Vang, Zachary Herivaux, Amos Shapiro-Thompson

Charleston Battery starting lineup: 4-2-3-1 | Luis Zamudio, Nathan Dossantos, Graham Smith, Leland Archer, Langston Blackstock, Aaron Molloy, Nanan Houssou, John Klien, Juan David Torres, Douglas Martínez, Cal Jennings

Charleston Battery substitutes:| Emilio Ycaza, Joey Akpunonu, Josh Drack, Jackson Conway, Christian Garner, Chris Allan, MD Myers, Viggo Córdova, Ezekiel Soto

Starting XI for Rhode Island FC versus Charleston Battery.

The match kicked off with Rhode Island FC starting from the center circle and quickly advancing the ball into Charleston’s left flank.

Charleston’s first chance of the match came in the 6th minute when a freekick delivery by Johhny Cline was caught by goalkeeper Koke Vegas.

Less than one minute later, Charleston had yet another chance when an effort by John Klein was saved by Koke Vegas. The rebound fell kindly for forward Cal Jennings, whose effort was blocked off the line by defender Clay Holstad.

Entering the 13th minute, Charleston gained the lead.

Cal Jennings scores his first in Battery colors to give us the lead! 🎯#CHSvRI | #USLKickoff pic.twitter.com/LZhApjrt9i

— Charleston Battery (@Chas_Battery) March 15, 2025

Following a freekick delivery by Juan David Torres, the ball was batted away by goalkeeper Koke Vegas and then fell for forward Cal Jennings to slot it home past goalkeeper Koke Vegas to give Phoenix the early lead.

Entering the 36th minute, Charleston added to their lead.

Set-piece perfection from @Chas_Battery 🔥

Cal Jennings bags a first-half brace 🫡 pic.twitter.com/eY5saGrkBX

— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) March 16, 2025

Following yet another corner kick delivery by Juan David Torres, the ball was headed home by forward Cal Jennings for his second goal of the match.

In the 41st minute, Rhode Island FC midfielder Clay Holstad was issued a yellow card.

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

Halftime between Rhode Island FC & Charleston Battery.

The second half began with Charleston Battery starting from the center circle and swiftly advancing the ball into the Rhode Island’s defensive third.

Charleston Battery had the first moment of the second half when Cal Jennings effort in the 48th minute was saved by goalkeeper Koke Vegas.

In the 57th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his first two changes of the match by replacing Marc Ybarra and Aldair Sanchez with Zachary Herivaux and JJ Williams.

Charleston Battery goalkeeper Luis Zamudio claims a ball during a USL Championship match versus Rhode Island FC.

In the 70th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his third change of the match by replacing Taimu Okiyoshi with Grant Stoneman.

Five minutes later, in the 75th minute, Charleston Battery head coach Ben Pirmann made his first change of the match by replacing Douglas Martinez with Emilio Ycaza.

In the 78th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his fourth & fifth changes of the match by replacing Maxi Rodriguez and Albert Dikwa with Joe Brito and Amos Shapiro-Thompson.

Charleston Battery forward Cal Jennings celebrates a goal during a USL Championship match versus Rhode Island FC.

Rhode Island’s first major chance came in the 79th minute when midfielder Joe Brito’s effort went over the bar.

In the 84th minute, Charleston Battery head coach Ben Pirmann made his second and third changes of the match by replacing Cal Jennings and John Klein with Jackson Conway & Josh Drack.

RIFC’s next chance came in the 86th minute when Joe Brito’s headed effort was met with a save by goalkeeper Luis Zamudio.

In the 89 minute, Charleston Battery head coach Ben Pirmann made his fourth and final change of the match by replacing Juan David Torres with Josh Drack.

Charleston Battery fans light pyro during a USL Championship matchup versus Rhode Island FC.

In the 90+1 minute, Charleston Battery goalkeeper Luis Zamudio was issued a yellow card.

In the 90+4 minute, Charleston Battery midfielder Nanan Houssou was issued a yellow card.

After the 90+4 minutes, the match concluded with Charleston Battery holding on for a 2-0 victory.

Full time between Rhode Island FC & Charleston Battery.

Khano Smith and Rhode Island FC (0-0-1, 1 pts.) remain on the road to face Eastern Conference side Phoenix Rising FC (0-1-1, 1 pts.). The match will kick off at Phoenix Rising Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona at 10:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 22nd. For more USL Championship content, you can find it on ESPN+