Khano Smith's Rhode Island FC has secured a vital 1-0 victory over Eastern Conference rivals Detroit City FC, a win that lifts them above the playoff line. The result, their fifth consecutive positive result at Centreville Bank Stadium, was built on a heroic goalkeeping performance from Koke Vegas and a late penalty from substitute Maxi Rodriguez.
Detroit City started the stronger of the two sides, creating the first dangerous chances of the game. A long-range free-kick from Ates Diouf narrowly missed the target in the 23rd minute, before a moment of brilliance from Vegas. In the 35th minute, Darren Smith broke through the Rhode Island defence and was one-on-one with the keeper, but his close-range shot was brilliantly denied by a diving Vegas, who was returning from injury.
Rhode Island's attack began to grow into the game as the first half came to a close, with chances from Karifa Yao and Jojea Kwizera narrowly missing the mark.
The second half continued in the same vein, with Vegas once again called into action in the 54th minute, palming away a blistering shot from Diouf. The save proved to be a pivotal moment. Just six minutes later, Rhode Island earned a penalty when a Detroit defender handled the ball in the box.
Rodriguez, who had just entered the game as a second-half substitute, stepped up to take the spot kick against his former club. He coolly converted his sixth goal of the year, giving the homeside a 1-0 lead that they would hold onto for the remainder of the match.
The win is a huge boost for Smith's side, who will now look to build on this momentum as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
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