USL CHAMPIONSHIP: Miami FC finds a way to win, knocks off Rhode Island FC
- Dan Stickradt
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
MIAMI — Sometimes, teams just find a way to win. Miami FC did exactly that Saturday night.
The South Florida squad showed grit, unity and discipline to earn its first league clean sheet of the season — and it came at the expense of Rhode Island FC and in the form of a 1-0 Miami FC triumph.
Entering the match winless against Rhode Island, Miami leaned heavily on veteran goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who delivered a Man of the Match performance. The result improved Miami to 4-5-1 and lifted the club to seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings, with a game in hand.
Coming off a thrilling home win, head coach Juan Carlos Maddoni’s side was well-prepared to face the reigning Eastern Conference champions. Rhode Island came into the match known for dominating possession and averaging more than 500 passes per game. Miami, by contrast, looked to counterattack quickly and capitalize on turnovers.
The visitors started brightly. Captain Seba Blanco orchestrated several promising sequences early, including a chance for Lucas Melano that forced a save from RIFC goalkeeper Jackson Lee.
But the home team quickly settled into its rhythm. A fifth-minute corner nearly found the back of the net, but Hamid produced a reflex save on the initial header, and defender Dre Ricketts cleared the rebound off the line.
That sequence foreshadowed Miami’s resilient defensive effort throughout the night.
Rhode Island dominated possession and created 11 shots in the first half, but couldn’t solve Hamid. The veteran shot-stopper made multiple key saves, including back-to-back denials in the 38th minute — first stoning Albert Dikwa one-on-one, then denying Maxi Rodriguez from close range.
Miami’s midfield adjusted after the break, and the visitors began to find their footing. Blanco found Melano with a dangerous cross in the 50th minute, but the shot went just wide. One minute later, Player of the Month nominee Juan Bonfiglio forced a leaping save from Lee with a headed effort.
Momentum finally paid off in the 53rd minute when Miami earned a free kick just outside the area. Blanco stepped up and curled a low shot through the wall and into the bottom corner, notching his first league goal of the season to make it 1-0.
Miami remained compact and organized the rest of the way, with Hamid continuing to shine. He finished with six saves, including several in the final moments as RIFC pushed for an equalizer.
With the victory, Miami continued to show signs of growth under Maddoni’s leadership, and will aim to carry that momentum into a Florida derby clash with rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. For tickets and more information, visit miamifc.com/tickets.
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