JJ Williams scored a crucial goal in the 86th minute, helping Rhode Island FC secure a 1-1 draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in a rain-soaked match at Centreville Bank Stadium. The striker’s header from Nick Scardina’s cross marked his third goal of the season and was vital in earning Rhode Island its third home draw of the 2026 USL Championship season. Tampa Bay took the lead in the 29th minute through Pedro Dolabella’s header, following a missed opportunity by Rhode Island earlier in the match. Despite dominating the early chances, Rhode Island struggled in possession, leading to turnovers that hindered their scoring potential. The club will next face Portland Hearts of Pine on May 16 in the USL Cup group stage before returning to play Brooklyn FC on May 23.
Why It Matters
Rhode Island FC’s draw against the league-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies highlights the team’s ongoing struggle to convert scoring opportunities, as they remain tied for fourth in the league with 112 attempts but have only netted 12 goals this season. Historically, the club has faced challenges in securing points after the opposition scores first, with this being their first result in such circumstances since July 2025. The team’s performance under pressure and their ability to fight back late in matches may impact their upcoming games in the USL Championship and their quest for a playoff spot.
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