Rhode Island FC
Rhode Island FC (RIFC) is an American professional soccer club based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, that competes in the USL Championship, the second division of the United States soccer league system.[1][2]
Founded in 2019, the club entered the league in 2024 as an expansion team and quickly established itself by securing the Eastern Conference regular season title in its debut campaign, marking the first time an expansion side achieved this feat, before advancing to the USL Championship final.[3][4]
Rhode Island FC plays its home matches at Centreville Bank Stadium, a soccer-specific venue in Pawtucket that opened in 2025 following the club's inaugural season at the temporary Beirne Stadium.[5][6]
The club's stated purpose is to build a unified soccer entity representing all of Rhode Island, emphasizing community engagement and on-field competitiveness from inception.[7]
History
Founding and pre-launch development (2019–2023)
Rhode Island FC originated from a 2019 proposal to develop Tidewater Landing, a mixed-use project in Pawtucket anchored by a professional soccer stadium, spearheaded by investor Brett Johnson through his firm Fortuitous Partners.[8] The initiative sought to introduce USL Championship-level soccer to Rhode Island, capitalizing on the state's lack of a top-tier professional team amid the growing New England soccer market dominated by MLS's New England Revolution.[9] Johnson, who had prior experience co-founding USL's Phoenix Rising FC in 2015, positioned the club as a community-focused entity to fill this regional void.[10] In December 2020, the United Soccer League awarded Rhode Island an expansion franchise for the 2024 season, with Pawtucket selected as the home base and a new 7,500-seat stadium planned at the Tidewater site on a former industrial brownfield.[8] Groundbreaking for what became Centreville Bank Stadium occurred on August 12, 2022, following state approvals for environmental remediation and infrastructure. Co-founder and Rhode Island native Michael Parkhurst, a former MLS defender, joined Johnson in leadership to oversee organizational setup, including early executive hires and youth development partnerships.[11] Funding the $124 million stadium drew significant controversy, relying on $66 million in state-backed moral obligation bonds and tax incentives amid public wariness from the 2011 38 Studios collapse, where Rhode Island lost $75 million on a failed video game venture backed by similar government guarantees.[12] Critics, including fiscal watchdogs, argued the project lacked voter input and projected insufficient revenue from soccer events to service debt, with consultants estimating shortfalls even under optimistic attendance scenarios.[13] The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation approved the deal 6-5 in July 2022, with one abstention citing 38 Studios parallels, highlighting ongoing taxpayer risk without direct recourse if the club underperformed.[14][15] Pre-launch efforts included unveiling the club's crest, colors, and identity in November 2022, drawing from Rhode Island symbols like the sailboat and Independent Man statue to foster local pride.[16] Marketing initiatives, such as announcing mascot Chip in November 2023 and open tryouts in September 2023, aimed to build fan engagement ahead of the 2024 debut, though early affiliations focused more on regional youth soccer ties than formal academies.[17][18]Inaugural season (2024)
Rhode Island FC commenced its inaugural USL Championship campaign on March 16, 2024, with a 1-1 draw against New Mexico United at Beirne Stadium on the campus of Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, marking the club's first competitive match after playing home games at various temporary venues due to delays in the construction of its permanent stadium.[6][19] Under head coach Khano Smith, the team adopted a flexible 3-4-1-2 formation that emphasized blending physical pressing with technical ball progression and tempo variations to create space, enabling an adaptation to the league's competitive demands despite the challenges of expansion status.[20][21] The regular season saw Rhode Island finish fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 12-7-15 record and 51 points, highlighted by an eight-match unbeaten streak in mid-summer during which the team scored 22 goals at an average of nearly three per game.[4][22] Standout contributions came from forward Noah Fuson, who led the league with 10 assists to earn the Golden Playmaker award, scored eight goals, and secured All-League Second Team honors in his first full professional season.[23][24] In the playoffs, Rhode Island FC achieved a historic breakthrough as the first expansion team to claim the Eastern Conference title, defeating higher-seeded opponents including Louisville City FC in the semifinals before securing a 2-1 victory over Charleston Battery in the conference final on November 16, 2024, with goals from Zach Herivaux and Fuson.[25][26] This propelled the club to the USL Championship Final against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on November 23, 2024, at Weidner Field, where Rhode Island suffered a 3-0 defeat, with goals from Max Tejada, Luis Henriquez, and Devon Damus sealing the Switchbacks' victory before a sellout crowd of 8,023.[27][28] The postseason run underscored the team's resilience, having upset three of the top four Eastern seeds en route to the final.[29] Community engagement grew steadily, with average home attendance reaching 4,347 across 17 matches at Beirne Stadium, reflecting local enthusiasm for the Ocean State's first professional soccer club despite playing in a university facility.[30] Initiatives like signing Providence native Isaac Angking and partnering with KultureCity for sensory-inclusive matchdays fostered integration, positioning Rhode Island FC as a community ambassador while building momentum toward its dedicated stadium opening the following year.[31][32]Second season and recent developments (2025–present)
Rhode Island FC opened its 2025 USL Championship campaign with a 2-0 defeat to the Charleston Battery on March 15 at Patriots Point Soccer Stadium in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where goals from Cal Jennings highlighted early defensive vulnerabilities.[33][34] Despite the sluggish start, the team demonstrated improved form through the season, achieving a 10-12-8 record that yielded 38 points and clinched a playoff berth for the second straight year, positioning them for the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the same Battery side as of October 26.[35][36] The regular season ended on October 24 with a 2-1 road loss to New Mexico United at Rio Grande Credit Union Field, where Mukwelle Akale and Talen Maples scored for the hosts despite a late Rhode Island response, underscoring persistent challenges in closing out matches against playoff contenders.[35][37] Roster stability played a key role in the club's playoff push, with midfielder Amos Shapiro-Thompson emerging as a standout after re-signing prior to the season on January 2 and earning the team's 2025 Midfielder of the Year award for his contributions following an injury-plagued 2024 debut.[38][39] Rhode Island exercised Shapiro-Thompson's contract option for 2026 on September 15, alongside goalkeeper Koke Vegas, signaling confidence in core pieces amid broader adjustments to maintain competitiveness.[40] In regional rivalries, encounters with Hartford Athletic in the El Clamico series produced draws, including a 0-0 stalemate on July 19, fostering intense but inconclusive New England derbies that heightened fan engagement without decisive dominance.[41][42] Looking ahead, Rhode Island FC continues to prioritize youth soccer partnerships through its Student of the Game program, which supports local academies and aims to cultivate talent pipelines, though direct pathways to Major League Soccer remain tied to broader league affiliations rather than club-specific expansions as of late 2025.[43] The playoff matchup with Charleston offers an opportunity to reverse the season opener's result and build momentum toward deeper postseason runs, reflecting ongoing operational maturation in the club's second year.[36]Stadium and facilities
Centreville Bank Stadium
Centreville Bank Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, serving as the primary home venue for Rhode Island FC of the United Soccer League Championship (USL Championship). Situated along the Seekonk River, the facility has a seated capacity of 10,500 spectators and opened on May 3, 2025, hosting its inaugural match for the club against San Antonio FC, which drew an announced attendance of 10,700.[5][44][45] The stadium's naming rights were secured by Centreville Bank, a local financial institution founded in 1828 and headquartered in West Warwick, Rhode Island, through a multi-year agreement announced on April 8, 2025. Previously referred to as The Stadium at Tidewater Landing during construction, the venue represents a $124 million public-private development project completed after delays from its original timeline. Centreville Bank, with a branch in Pawtucket, emphasized community ties in the partnership, which includes co-branded fan initiatives like debit cards.[5][46][47] Designed as a multi-purpose facility, Centreville Bank Stadium supports professional soccer operations with features enhancing fan experience, including premium club seating, a cashless payment system, and limited on-site parking that encourages public transportation or rideshare use. The venue has hosted community events and is scheduled for University of Rhode Island football games starting in 2026, demonstrating its versatility beyond USL matches. No major expansions have been announced as of October 2025, though its infrastructure accommodates up to 10,794 total capacity with standing areas.[48][49][45]Club identity
Colors, badge, and crest evolution
Rhode Island FC's primary colors are navy blue and amber, selected to evoke the state's maritime heritage as the "Ocean State" and to align with symbolic elements of Rhode Island's flag and identity.[16][50] The navy blue represents the deep waters surrounding the state, while amber nods to the gold accents in the state seal's anchor, emphasizing resilience and historical seafaring prominence.[51][52] The club's crest, an anchor-motif badge, was unveiled on November 14, 2022, alongside the team name and colors, marking the culmination of extensive community input through listening sessions involving hundreds of Rhode Islanders.[16][53] Designed by Providence-based creative agency NAIL under design director Myles Dumas, the crest integrates the state's initials "RI" within a shield-like frame, with the anchor's flukes stylized as lightning bolts to symbolize energy and the dynamic spirit of the region.[52][54] This design prioritizes authenticity and local symbolism over commercial trends, incorporating motifs of water connection, diversity, and state pride to represent Rhode Island's cultural and geographic essence.[51][55] Since its adoption, the crest has undergone no major revisions, maintaining consistency in branding ahead of the club's inaugural 2024 season in the USL Championship, with minor adaptations like 3D variants appearing in kit-specific contexts but preserving the core anchor and color scheme.[16][56] The static evolution reflects a deliberate focus on enduring local resonance, as articulated by club co-founder Brett Johnson, who emphasized drawing from Rhode Island's unique symbols rather than iterative redesigns.[57]Kit manufacturers and primary sponsors
Capelli Sport serves as the official kit manufacturer for Rhode Island FC, having been appointed as the exclusive on-field apparel and equipment provider in a deal announced on May 23, 2023.[58] The partnership, spanning at least three seasons, encompasses custom matchday kits, training wear, and player bench apparel, supporting the club's launch in the USL Championship.[59] In July 2025, Capelli unveiled the club's "Wave Kit," an all-white alternate design featuring wave patterns inspired by Rhode Island's license plate and "Ocean State" branding on the collar, incorporating CS-Dry moisture-wicking technology.[56] Primary sponsorship deals have centered on jersey placements to bolster finances for the expansion franchise. Breeze Airways secured front-of-jersey rights in December 2023 as the club's exclusive airline partner, with the logo prominently displayed on home, away, and alternate kits starting in the 2024 season.[60] Centreville Bank, a local financial institution, joined as right-sleeve sponsor and "Anchor Partner" in November 2023, extending visibility through stadium naming rights at Tidewater Landing.[61] Rhode Island Energy holds the upper back-of-jersey position, announced prior to the 2024 debut.[62] These agreements, tied to the club's inaugural USL Championship entry, provide essential commercial revenue amid infrastructure investments, though specific financial terms remain undisclosed.[63]Organization and administration
Ownership structure and key executives
Rhode Island FC is principally owned by Brett M. Johnson, a California-based investor and founder of Benevolent Capital and Fortuitous Partners, who serves as the club's chairman and co-founder.[64][10] The club operates under a private investment model, with Johnson leading a group that includes Phoenix-based investors Berke Bakay and Mark Detmer, who also participate in Johnson's broader sports portfolio including Ipswich Town FC.[64] Co-founder Michael Parkhurst, a Rhode Island native and former MLS and USMNT defender, holds an executive board position with a focus on technical advisory roles.[15] The ownership structure prioritizes private equity, exemplified by Fortuitous Partners' closure of a $50 million equity raise in August 2023 for the Tidewater Landing stadium project, supplemented by letters of commitment for private debt but without direct public ownership of the club itself.[65] This approach aligns with Johnson's strategy of sports-anchored real estate development to support club sustainability and local economic growth in Rhode Island.[10] Key administrative executives include club president David Peart, appointed on May 31, 2024, with over 30 years of experience in sports management from roles with the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Sounders FC.[66] The front office experienced early turnover, including the January 2024 resignation of a senior executive amid pre-launch preparations, reflecting adjustments in leadership structure before Peart's arrival.[67]Coaching staff and technical team
Khano Smith, a Bermudian coach holding a USSF Pro License, was appointed as Rhode Island FC's inaugural head coach and general manager on March 8, 2023.[68] In this dual role, Smith oversees tactical implementation, roster construction, and overall soccer operations, emphasizing a high-pressing, transition-oriented style adapted to the USL Championship's competitive demands.[69] His leadership guided the expansion side to a playoff appearance in its 2024 debut season, earning him USL Championship Coach of the Month honors for August 2024 after a 3-0-1 record that month.[70] Smith signed a multi-year contract extension on March 13, 2025, reflecting continuity into the 2025 campaign amid ongoing roster refinements.[71] The assistant coaching staff supports Smith's vision through specialized expertise. Dave McKay, hired on July 19, 2023, serves as assistant coach, contributing to match preparation and player development with experience from Irish and North American leagues.[72] Marcos Ugarte joined as assistant coach in January 2024, bringing local Rhode Island ties and prior academy coaching background to aid in tactical drills and youth pathway integration where applicable.[73] Karl Spratt, appointed in September 2023, holds the dual role of assistant coach and director of goalkeeping, focusing on specialized training for shot-stoppers and set-piece organization.[74] The broader technical team handles operational and analytical functions critical to performance optimization. Jason Gove, as director of soccer operations, manages scouting networks and logistical support for talent identification, enabling data-driven recruitment ahead of the 2025 season.[75] Mykel Nayeri, director of video analysis, leads analytics efforts by processing match footage for opponent breakdowns and in-game adjustments, enhancing Smith's tactical adaptability.[75] Additional roles include Matt DelGreco as director of sports performance, overseeing fitness protocols; Langston Smith as head athletic trainer, handling injury prevention and rehabilitation; and Sean Carey as assistant general manager, assisting in administrative scouting coordination.[75] This structure remained intact through 2025, with no reported staff changes, supporting iterative improvements in high-intensity play following 2024's foundational successes.[71]Playing squad
Current roster
As of October 26, 2025, Rhode Island FC maintains a roster of 28 active players across positions, blending American-born contributors with international signings for depth in the USL Championship.[76] The squad emphasizes versatile domestic talent, such as forward Noah Fuson—who led the team with 3 assists alongside 4 goals in 28 appearances during the 2025 regular season—while incorporating experienced imports like goalkeeper Koke Vegas.[77]Goalkeepers
| No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Koke Vegas |
| 13 | Will Meyer |
| 22 | Jackson Lee |
Defenders
| No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 2 | Dani Rovira |
| 3 | Aldair Sanchez |
| 4 | Hugo Bacharach |
| 5 | Grant Stoneman |
| 6 | Aimé Mabika |
| 14 | Rio Hope-Gund |
| 15 | Frank Nodarse |
| 16 | Cole Dewhurst |
| 24 | Karifa Yao |
| 32 | Hamady Diop |
Midfielders
| No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 7 | Dwayne Atkinson |
| 8 | Taimu Okiyoshi |
| 12 | Clay Holstad |
| 17 | Jojea Kwizera |
| 18 | Joe Brito |
| 19 | Kevin Vang |
| 20 | Zachary Herivaux |
| 21 | Maxi Rodriguez |
| 23 | Marc Ybarra |
| 77 | Amos Shapiro-Thompson |
| 80 | Isaac Angking |
Forwards
| No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 9 | JJ Williams |
| 10 | Albert Dikwa |
| 11 | Noah Fuson |
| 27 | Mathieu Ndongo |
Notable players and transfers
Noah Fuson emerged as a standout performer in Rhode Island FC's inaugural 2024 USL Championship season, leading the league with 10 assists and earning the Golden Playmaker award, while also securing All-League Second Team honors for his contributions to the team's playoff run to the Eastern Conference title.[23][24] Forward JJ Williams, a pre-season acquisition with prior USL credentials including 12 goals and 9 assists in 2023, netted crucial goals late in the campaign, including four in October to claim Player of the Month honors and help secure postseason qualification.[78][79] Midfielder Zachary Herivaux, signed ahead of 2024 after injury setbacks, was voted the league's Comeback Player of the Year for his resilient performances that bolstered the midfield during the club's 12-15-7 regular season and playoff advancement.[80] Other impactful additions included defender Grant Stoneman, acquired via free transfer from the defunct San Diego Loyal, who anchored the backline with consistent starts, and forward Albert Dikwa, whose prior MVP recognition from lower divisions added proven scoring threat to the attack.[81][82] The club's transfer activity emphasized cost-efficiency, with most 2024 arrivals via free transfers from other USL sides or lower tiers, enabling a net squad value gain of approximately €300,000 per Transfermarkt assessments despite limited fees.[83] Postseason, defender Stephen Turnbull departed for Birmingham Legion FC on January 20, 2025, marking an outgoing transfer amid roster reshaping after the conference finals appearance.[84] This approach prioritized experienced, low-cost domestic talent over high-fee internationals, aligning with expansion-side fiscal prudence while building toward sustained competitiveness.[81]Players on loan
As of October 2025, Rhode Island FC has loaned out select squad members to affiliate and lower-division clubs to facilitate development through increased match experience and tactical exposure, aligning with the club's strategy for managing depth in the USL Championship.[85][86] Midfielder Isaac Angking, aged 25, joined Forward Madison FC in USL League One on July 25, 2025, where he contributes to midfield rotation amid the club's promotion push.[86] This move provides Angking, who previously featured for Rhode Island in limited capacities, with consistent minutes in a league emphasizing physicality and opportunity for Puerto Rican international call-ups.[87] Similarly, midfielder Taimu Okiyoshi, 24, was loaned to Westchester SC in MLS Next Pro on July 16, 2025, following 14 appearances and 299 minutes for Rhode Island earlier in the season.[85] The placement targets enhanced technical growth in a high-tempo environment, supporting reintegration for future first-team contributions upon return.[88] These outgoing loans reflect a deliberate approach to player pathways, prioritizing empirical playing time over bench roles to build resilience and performance data for long-term squad optimization.[83]| Player | Position | Loaned to | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isaac Angking | Midfielder | Forward Madison FC | July 25, 2025[86] |
| Taimu Okiyoshi | Midfielder | Westchester SC | July 16, 2025[85] |
Records and statistics
Season-by-season results
Rhode Island FC, as an expansion team entering the USL Championship in 2024, achieved a competitive regular season with a record of 12 wins, 7 draws, and 15 losses, accumulating 51 points and securing fifth place in the Eastern Conference.[89] In the playoffs, the team advanced by defeating Indy Eleven in the first round, upsetting top-seeded Louisville City FC 3-0 in the conference semifinals, and clinching the Eastern Conference title with a 2-1 victory over Charleston Battery in the final, before falling 3-0 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the USL Championship Final.[25][27]| Season | League | Regular season position (Eastern Conference) | W-D-L | Points | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | USL Championship | 5th | 12-7-15 | 51 | Eastern Conference Champions; USL Finalists (lost 3-0 vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC)[89][26][27] |
| 2025 | USL Championship | 7th | 10-8-12 | 38 | Conference Quarterfinalists (clinched playoff berth on October 18, 2025, with 0-0 draw vs. North Carolina FC)[90][91] |
Head coaches
Khano Smith, a Bermuda native and USSF Pro License holder, was named Rhode Island FC's inaugural head coach and general manager on March 8, 2023, ahead of the club's entry into the USL Championship for the 2024 season.[68][93] In this dual role, Smith oversaw player recruitment, tactical preparation, and on-field leadership for the expansion franchise's debut campaign, drawing on prior experience as an assistant coach with Birmingham Legion FC since that team's 2019 inception.[93] Smith guided Rhode Island FC through its first season without dismissal or interim appointments, achieving competitive positioning in the Eastern Conference.[71] On March 13, 2025, the club extended his contract for multiple years, affirming continuity in leadership amid preparations for the 2025 season.[71][94]| Name | Nationality | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khano Smith | Bermuda | 2023–present | Inaugural head coach and general manager; multi-year extension signed March 13, 2025[71] |
Attendance and financial metrics
Rhode Island FC's home attendance has demonstrated substantial growth since its inaugural 2024 USL Championship season at Tidewater Landing, a 10,500-capacity stadium. The team's average home league attendance in 2024 stood at 4,347 across 17 matches, with six sellouts recorded.[30] By 2025, this metric rose to 8,913 per home game, reflecting an increase of nearly 90 percent and positioning the club fifth in league-wide attendance rankings.[95][96] The highest single-game turnout in 2025 reached 10,734 on July 5, approaching stadium capacity during a period of heightened fan interest.[97]| Season | Matches | Average Attendance | Highest Attendance | Sellouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | 4,347 | 5,252 | 6 |
| 2025 | 15 | 8,913 | 10,734 | 3 |