SMITHFIELD, RI– Rhode Island FC (0-1-1, 1 pts) battled to a 2-2 draw versus Phoenix Rising (0-2-1, 2 pts) on Saturday afternoon.

The match kicked off at 10:00 p.m. ET at Phoenix Rising Stadium.

Starting XI versus Phoenix Rising FC.

Rhode Island FC starting lineup: 3-5-2 | Koke Vegas, Frank Nodarse, Karifa Yao, Grant Stoneman, Aldair Sanchez, Noah Fuson, Clay Holstad, Taimu Okiyoshi, Maxi Rodriguez, Albert Dikwa, JJ Williams

Rhode Island FC substitutes:| Joe Brito, Zachary Herivaux, Marc Ybarra, Amos Shapiro-Thompson, Cole Dewhurst, Kevin Vang, Will Meyer

Phoenix Rising FC starting lineup: 4-1-4-1 | Patrick Rakovsky, Collin Smith, Pape Boye Mohamed Traore, Emil Cuello, Noble Okello, Ihsan Sacko, Jamison Ping, Hope Avayevu, Damian Rivera, Rémi Cabral

Phoenix Rising FC substitutes:| Harvey Neville, Jearl Margaritha, Dariusz Formella, Braxton Montgomery, Giulio Doratiotto, Triston Henry, Zachary DaSilva, Cyrus Kowell, Pierce Rizzo

Availability Report versus Phoenix Rising FC.

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

Entering the 6th minute, RIFC took the early lead.

JJ Williams CANNOT BE STOPPED.#WickedGoodGoal | @capellisport pic.twitter.com/MIPOINWYpV

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) March 23, 2025

Forward Albert Dikwa delivered a chipped ball into the area to find the head of forward JJ Williams for the goal to make it 1-0 to Rhode Island FC.

Rhode Island’s next chance came in the 9th minute when Albert Dikwa’s shot was met with a kick save by goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky.

In the 19th minute, RIFC midfielder Noah Fuson was issued a yellow card.

In the 28th minute, Phoenix Rising midfielder Emil Cuello was issued a yellow card.

Rhode Island’s next chance came from a freekick by Aldair Sanchez that was deflected away for a corner kick.

In the 34th minute, Phoenix Rising head coach Pa-Modou Kah was forced to make his first substitution of the match by replacing Emil Cuello with Harvey Neville.

Entering the 40th minute, Phoenix Rising leveled the scoreline.

MY WORD, what a touch and finish from @PHXRisingFC's @damiantico10! 😮‍💨#USLKickoff | @Terminix pic.twitter.com/zf1O9yOebf

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) March 23, 2025

Rhode Island native Forward Damian Rivera had two fantastic touches before volleying home an effort to level the scoreline at 1-1.

Entering the 43rd minute, RIFC regained the lead.

Taking back the lead ⬆️ #WickedGoodGoal | @capellisport pic.twitter.com/FgZJUrlgN4

— Rhode Island FC (@RhodeIslandFC) March 23, 2025

Following a freekick delivery by Marc Ybarra, the ball was headed down by Pape Boye & into his own net to give Rhode Island FC the lead.

RIFC’s next chance came in the 45th minute when Clay Holstad’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky.

After the initial 45+3 minutes, the match entered halftime with Rhode Island ahead 2-1.

Halftime between Rhode Island FC & Phoenix Rising FC.

Prior to the start of the second half, Phoenix Rising head coach Pa-Modou Kah made his second change of the match by replacing Jamison Ping with Jearl Margaritha.

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

In the 46th minute, Phoenix Rising defender Collin Smith was issued a yellow card.

In the 48th minute, RIFC defender Aldair Sanchez was issued a yellow card.

RIFC’s first chance of the half came in the 52nd minute when JJ Williams’ effort went wide of the net.

Entering the 55th minute, Phoenix Rising leveled the scoreline.

A brace of assists last week and his first goal this week 🔥

Hope Avayevu levels the match for @PHXRisingFC again! #USLKickoff | @Terminix pic.twitter.com/Lc4tgMeqL1

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) March 23, 2025

After a curling delivery by Jearl Margaritha, the ball was met with a diving header that was saved by Koke Vegas & then finished home by Hope Avayevu to level the scoreline at 2-2.

In the 59th minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his first change of the match by replacing Taimu Okiyoshi with Marc Ybarra.

Rhode Island’s next chance came in the 62nd minute when Maxi Rodriguez’ effort was blocked away.

Maxi Rodriguez had yet another effort just 4 minutes later but his effort was blocked away.

In the 71st minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his second change of the match by replacing Noah Fuson with Zachary Herivaux.

Phoenix Rising FC players celebrate after a goal versus Rhode Island FC. Image Courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC.

Damian Rivera had yet another chance for Phoenix in the 72nd minute but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Koke Vegas.

In the 73rd minute, Phoenix Rising head coach Pa-Modou Kah made his third change of the match by replacing Remi Cabral with Dariusz Formella.

In the 76th minute, Phoenix Rising defender Pape Boye was issued a yellow card.

In the 81st minute, RIFC head coach Khano Smith made his third and fourth change of the match by replacing Maxi Rodriguez & Clay Holstad with Joe Brito & Amos Shapiro-Thompson.

Jearl Margaritha looks to cross the ball during a match versus Rhode Island FC. Image Courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC.

In the 90th minute, Phoenix Rising head coach Pa-Modou Kah made his fourth and fifth changes of the match by replacing Hope Avayevu and Damian Rivera with Braxton Montgomery & Giulio Doratiotto.

RIFC’s next chance came in the 90+1 minute when JJ Williams’ header went wide of the net.

Phoenix had yet another chance in the 90+3 minute when Ihsan Sacko’s effort went over the net.

After the 90+8 minutes, the match concluded with the match ending in a 2-2 draw.

Fulltime between Rhode Island FC & Phoenix Rising FC.

Khano Smith and Rhode Island FC (0-1-1, 1 pts.) remain on the road to face Eastern Conference side Loudoun United FC (2-0-1, 6 pts.). The match will kick off at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia at 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 29th. For more USL Championship content, you can find it on ESPN+