Khano Smith’s Rhode Island FC tore up the script at a rain-soaked Centreville Bank Stadium, using a newfound aerial threat to dispatch Hartford Athletic and march into the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32.
In a clinical display of dead-ball efficiency, the Ocean State side struck twice from corner kicks within the opening 30 minutes to secure a 2-0 victory and a high-stakes date with MLS opposition.
For a side that managed just one set-piece goal in the entirety of last season—a solitary strike against Westchester SC—this was a remarkable tactical evolution. Under the lights in Pawtucket, Smith’s men looked transformed, attacking the delivery with a hunger that left their regional neighbors reeling.
The breakthrough came early as Aldair Sanchez found the net, before JJ Williams doubled the advantage to effectively kill the contest before the half-hour mark. Despite the worsening conditions, a resilient crowd of 4,857 watched as Rhode Island managed the game with professional ease to ensure their passage into the next round.
The reward for their derby success is a mouth-watering tie against the New England Revolution. The fixture carries significant emotional weight for head coach Khano Smith, who enjoyed a storied playing career with the Foxborough-based MLS giants.
However, the draw also offers a chance for redemption. The Revolution ended Rhode Island’s cup run at the same stage in 2025, earning the distinction of being the first visiting team to win at the Pawtucket venue.
The Round of 32 clash is slated for April 14th or 15th, with the venue yet to be confirmed. For Smith, the objective is clear: prove that his side’s tactical maturity on set-pieces can bridge the gap against top-tier opposition.
Having already exorcised their dead-ball demons, Rhode Island will head into the mid-April showdown believing they can finally get one over on their illustrious neighbors.
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