Khano Smith’s Rhode Island FC made it two wins on the bounce in emphatic fashion, dismantling Charleston Battery 4-0 at a jubilant Centreville Bank Stadium.
The "Ocean State" club, led by the Bermudian head coach, produced their most complete performance of the season to move within touching distance of the Eastern Conference play-off spots. The night belonged to veteran striker JJ Williams, who provided a clinical display of finishing to secure a landmark personal achievement and lead his side to their largest victory of the campaign.
After a cagey opening forty-five minutes that saw both sides struggle to find a breakthrough, Rhode Island exploded into life shortly after the interval. The deadlock was broken six minutes into the second half when Williams reacted quickest to a deflected cross from Jojea Kwizera, nodding home from close range to spark wild celebrations in Pawtucket.
The momentum remained firmly with the hosts, and ten minutes later the lead was doubled. Jojea Kwizera, continuing his own sensational run of form, finished off a slick counter-attacking move for his team-leading third goal of the season. It marks the second time in his RIFC career that the forward has found the net in back-to-back regular-season fixtures.
However, the history books were ready for a rewrite in the 66th minute. Williams, picking up a long assist from goalkeeper Koke Vegas, unleashed a brilliant 20-yard strike to secure his brace and—more significantly—his 50th career regular-season goal in the USL Championship. The strike makes Williams just the 34th player in league history to reach the half-century mark.
The rout was completed in the 83rd minute when Dwayne Atkinson converted from the penalty spot, capping off a night where Smith's tactical setup left the Battery without an answer.
The victory earns Rhode Island crucial momentum as they prepare to transition into USL Cup action this weekend. For Khano Smith, the result is a clear indication that his squad is beginning to find its rhythm at exactly the right time.
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