Koke Vegas keeps first RIFC clean sheet as club collects valuable point on a rainy night in North Carolina
CARY, N.C. (May 4, 2024) – Rhode Island FC battled through the rain at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, fighting to a 0-0 draw against Eastern Conference foe North Carolina FC. Highlighted by the return of goalkeeper Koke Vegas to the starting lineup for the first time since March 24, RIFC kept its third clean sheet of the season as it picked up a valuable point on the road.
Despite Rhode Island FC controlling 63 percent of possession through the opening 45 minutes, the best chance of the half for either side came for the hosts in the 16th minute. With the first shot of the half, Rafa Mentzingen caught the end of a recycled corner kick at the top of the box. Connecting with his left foot out of the air, the striker unleashed a powerful strike that rose just wide of Vegas’ top left corner.
Rhode Island FC responded with a dangerous chance of its own less than 10 minutes later, when Prince Saydee sent in a long looping cross from the left wing in the 24th minute. The cross found the run of Mark Doyle in the box, whose curling effort under intense defensive pressure curled just beyond the far post.
In his return to the starting 11 for the first time in more than a month, Vegas was the first keeper called into action in the 41st minute. The captain got down quickly to deny Mentzingen’s low, central effort with four minutes to play in the half. The clubs combined for only two total shots on goal as they went into the break tied at 0-0.
The beginning of the second half told a similar story until the 56th minute, when Stephen Turnbull glided across the top of the 18-yard box to find an open look at goal. Utilizing quick footwork and speed, the 26-year-old evaded a pair of defenders before unleashing a left-footed shot, which was saved by Antonio Carerra.
Despite only making one save throughout the first 70 minutes, Vegas stayed sharp when he was called upon with a heroic save for RIFC in the 72nd minute to preserve the clean sheet. After Bryce Washington found himself through on goal in the box following a pass that broke RIFC’s defensive line, Vegas was quick to sprint off his line and make himself big, blocking the one-on-one opportunity with his body and denying Washington a clean look at goal.
Despite a slew of corners and set piece opportunities for the hosts following the chance, RIFC was able to remain resolute defensively as they left North Carolina with a point and its third clean sheet in club history.
Up next, RIFC returns home to Beirne Stadium on Saturday, May 11 for an interconference matchup with Sacramento Republic FC. Tickets are available now at rhodeislandfc.com/tickets.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Rhode Island FC kept its third clean sheet in club history against North Carolina FC.
- The 0-0 final score was the third such result this season for RIFC. The club’s previous two came in consecutive matches at Beirne Stadium against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Charleston Battery.
- Captain Koke Vegas returned from injury, making his first start since coming off late in the club’s 2-2 draw vs. Monterey Bay F.C. in its inaugural road match on March 24. The 28-year-old kept his 41st career clean sheet in the draw, and his first for RIFC.
- Providence native Isaac Angking made his RIFC debut after signing with the club on Tuesday, coming in as a substitute in the 81st minute.
- Prince Saydee made his first career start for Rhode Island FC. He was one of three changes to Head Coach Khano Smith’s starting 11 from RIFC’s 3-1 loss to Phoenix Rising FC.
- Mark Doyle was called to the starting lineup for the third time this season, and second in USL Championship play. His last start came in Rhode Island’s 5-4 penalty-shootout loss to Charlotte Independence in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on April 16.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Koke Vegas
Match stats and information available here.