Khano Smith’s Rhode Island FC closed out their 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating Brooklyn FC 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw at Centreville Bank Stadium.
In a match that had just about everything, it was RIFC goalkeeper Koke Vegas who stole the headlines, saving a crucial Brooklyn penalty before stepping up to bury the winning spot-kick himself to send the home crowd into raptures.
The Ocean State club looked to be on course for victory in normal time when Agustín “Pity” Rodríguez netted his first-ever goal for RIFC, breaking the deadlock with a clinical finish that ignited the stadium.
However, Brooklyn FC refused to go quietly into the night. The visitors ramped up the pressure in the second half and found their lifeline through Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., who curled a magnificent free-kick past Vegas to level the scores and ultimately force the match into extra time and penalties.
"To win it like this, in front of our own fans, is something truly special," said a beaming Khano Smith after the match. "Koke showed incredible composure. It's what cup finals are all about."
With nothing to separate the two sides after 120 grueling minutes, the final descended into the lottery of a penalty shootout.
The Save: With the shootout finely poised at 3-3, Vegas guessed correctly to pull off a stunning save, denying Brooklyn the advantage.
The Winner: Exhibiting nerves of steel, the Spanish shot-stopper then handed the ball to the referee, placed it on the spot, and confidently smashed home the decisive penalty to seal the championship.
The victory caps off a remarkable campaign for Smith’s side, ensuring the 2026 USL Cup heads to Rhode Island after a night that will live long in the memory of the Centreville Bank Stadium faithful.
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