Rhode Island FC Draws Monterey Bay F.C. 2-2 in Inaugural Away Match

Albert Dikwa brace helps provide crucial point on the road

SEASIDE, Calif. (March 24, 2024) – Rhode Island FC’s inaugural road trip kicked off with a 2-2 draw against Monterey Bay F.C. In a windy Seaside, California, the visitors led the match twice but were unable to hold on for the victory.

To ensure at least one point in the Eastern Conference standings, Rhode Island FC forward and reigning USL Championship MVP Albert Dikwa (“Chico”) capitalized on multiple scoring opportunities to give RIFC two goals on the night.

In the 41st minute of play, Chico made Ocean State history by scoring the first goal by a member of the club to give Rhode Island FC (0W-0L-2D) an early 1-0 lead. After taking a long central pass from forward Noah Fuson, Chico swiftly broke away from Monterey Bay’s defense to go one-on-one with goalkeeper Anthony Siaha. The Cameroonian striker took a right-footed shot from the center of the box that sped through the legs of Siaha and into the center of the net. The historic goal gave Rhode Island FC its first-ever lead in a USL Championship match.

Unphased by the notable moment, Monterey Bay (1W-0L-2D) didn’t take long to strike back. Four minutes later, defender Walmer Martínez launched a free kick into the penalty box to set up a close-range shot for defender Carlos Guzmán. Koke Vegas’ former teammate tapped in the cross with his right foot to the bottom left corner of the net to even the scoreline just before halftime.

Despite the loss of momentum going into the second half, Rhode Island FC found a way to rebound and regain the advantage in the 63rd minute of play. After a mis-timed defensive effort from Monterey Bay defender Morey Doner in front of goal, Chico secured his first brace of the 2024 season by pouncing on a loose ball and slotting it past Siaha to give RIFC its second lead of the night.

Rhode Island FC’s lead would once again not last long. In the 72nd minute of play, off of a Rhode Island FC turnover, a dangerous cross into the box by Monterey Bay’s Mobi Fehr would find the feet of Tristan Trager. The Monterey Bay forward wasted no time poking in what would be the final goal of the match.

Rhode Island FC returns to USL Championship action on Saturday, March 30 (7:30 p.m. ET) when the club travels south to Florida to take on Tampa Bay Rowdies. Fans can enjoy the match from the Official Rhode Island FC Watch Party at the German-American Cultural Society of Rhode Island or tune in live on ESPN+. Rhode Island FC will then return to Beirne Stadium on Saturday, April 6 to host defending Eastern Conference Champions Charleston Battery. Tickets to the next home match are available now at rhodeislandfc.com/tickets.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

RI – Chico (Noah Fuson), 41st minute: Chico calmly slots home Fuson’s through ball down the middle. MB 0, RI 1

MB – Carlos Guzmán (Walmer Martínez), 45th minute: Guzmán puts away a free kick by Martínez from close range. MB 1, RI 1

RI – Chico, 63rd minute: Chico takes advantage of a miscued defensive clearance in the box. MB 1, RI 2

MB – Tristan Trager (Mobi Fehr), 72nd minute: Trager gets in behind and pokes home Fehr’s cross from point-blank range. MB 2, RI 2

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Conor McGlynn got his first start for Rhode Island FC in his 100th USL Championship appearance. After making his RIFC debut off the bench last week vs. New Mexico United, McGlynn was the only change to Head Coach Khano Smith’s inaugural starting 11.

• 2023 Golden Boot winner and MVP Albert Dikwa (“Chico”) scored his 44th and 45th regular season goals in his 150th USL Championship regular season appearance.

• Chico became the first player in Rhode Island FC history to score a goal, and score a brace for the club.

• Prince Saydee also hit a career milestone by making his 100th USL Championship appearance.

• The Ocean State club never trailed throughout the game, taking its first two leads in club history and tallying its first multi-goal outing before eventually conceding equalizers.

• Goalkeeper Jackson Lee made his professional debut late in the second half, replacing Koke Vegas with just over ten minutes to play.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Albert Dikwa (“Chico”)