RIFC Wins El Clamico Rivalry 1-0 Over Hartford

A Fierce Early Clash

Rhode Island FC snapped a five‑game drought with a 1‑0 victory over Hartford Athletic on Saturday, July 18. The win marked the club’s first clean sheet since June 6 and celebrated the league’s 100th match. Early tension flared when Grant Stoneman pulled down Abdullah Taofeek, earning a yellow card in the second minute. Six fouls were recorded before the 20‑minute mark, setting a competitive tone for the “El Clamico” duel.

The Goal That Broke the Deadlock

After a series of missed chances, RIFC broke the deadlock on its sixth corner in the 20th minute. Jojea Kwizera delivered a cross that skidded past several defenders, likely due to intermittent rain, and found Frank Nodarse. Nodarse’s first‑touch finish slipped past Antony Siaha in the Hartford net. “We just felt like we were going to get one,” Kwizera said afterward. An image of Nodarse celebrating the strike is captured below.

Dominant First Half, Tense Second Half

RIFC controlled the opening 45 minutes with 15 shots, six on target, while Hartford managed just three attempts, none on target. Siaha made five saves, and the defense blocked six additional shots. Hartford’s aggression increased late in the half, collecting two yellow cards from Beverly Makangila and Taofeek. The second half saw 24 combined fouls and five yellow cards, but only one of RIFC’s seven attempts found the target. Hartford came closest in the 82nd minute when Barry Coffey’s curling effort just missed the right post.

Postgame Reflections

Coach Khano Smith praised his side’s early dominance but noted the need for a second goal to seal the win. He stressed the importance of a “winner’s mindset” when leading late in matches. The club’s backline held firm during six minutes of stoppage time, preserving the 1‑0 margin. The victory caps a memorable weekend for the franchise, marking its centennial game in the USL Championship.

Looking Ahead

RIFC now begins a two‑game road trip, visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds FC on July 25 before returning to Pawtucket to face Colorado Springs on August 8. The recent clean‑sheet win gives the squad confidence heading into these fixtures. Maintaining discipline and converting chances will be key as the season progresses. Fans can expect continued rivalry intensity as the team chases deeper playoff runs.