Khano SmithRhode Island FC, Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith began his historic inaugural USL Championship match at Beirne Stadium came to a dramatic close in a 1-1 draw against New Mexico United.
The physical matchup from start to finish was highlighted by a sold-out atmosphere of fans and supporters coming together to witness the Ocean State’s only professional soccer team take the pitch for the very first time.
Despite being down 1-0 deep into second-half stoppage time, the sold-out crowd came alive when New Mexico defender Christopher Gloster recorded an own goal off a dangerous Noah Fuson cross for the first goal in RIFC history.
The late strike secured the 1-1 draw and earned Rhode Island its first-ever USL Championship point, sending fans across Beirne Stadium into euphoria as fireworks erupted.
David BascomeDavid Bascome’s Baltimore Blast defeated the Harrisburg Heat 7 – 5.
The Baltimore Blast held a 3 – 0 lead after the first period, they would hold a 3 – 2 lead at the half, both teams scored two goals in the third period as the Blast led 5 – 4, the Baltimore Blast would then outscore Harrisburg 2 – 1 in the final period top claim the victory.
Dom Alvarado would lead the Baltimore Blast with 2 goals, while Jamie Thomas, Victor Parreiras, Jereme Raley, Tony Donatelli, and Moises Gonzalez all added a goal each.
Leilanni NesbethLeilanni Nesbeth watched from the sidelines as her Chicago Red Stars teammates kicked off their 2024 campaign with a 2 – 0 win over Utah Royals FC in the Royals’ inaugural match back in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Ally Schlegel and Ava Cook provided the two goals for the Red Stars and were backed by an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
Nahki WellsTwo goals either side of half-time meant Nahki Wells and his Bristol City teammates fell to a defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
Goals from Tom Fellows and Jed Wallace proved the difference, taking Albion’s unbeaten run to six games.
Tommy Conway, Jason Knight, and Mark Sykes all came close for City but despite their best efforts could not convert their chances.
Reggie LambeReggie Lambe and his Braintree Town FC teammates edged Weymouth FC 1 – 0 at the Bob Lucas Stadium.
