Rhode Island FC got the better of their rivals Hartford Athletic in the teams’ first-ever showdown in the US Open Cup, winning 2-0 in a Second Round matchup at a rainy Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I on Wednesday night.
Set pieces were the key to RIFC’s victory. The home club struck first in the 12th minute, when a corner kick from Kevin Vang found the head of JJ Williams, who flicked it right to defender Aldair Sanchez for his first ever goal for RIFC.
Rhode Island added another in the 30th minute, again from a set piece. Agustin “Pity” Rodriguez’s corner cross into the box found the head of JJ Williams, whose effort squeaked through the arms of Hartford goalkeeper Enzo Carvalho.
*Join our Patreon team!
* 2026 USOC Schedule/Results
* 2026 USOC Stat Leaders
* Player of the Round (Rd 1): Ben Fall
* 2026 USOC Qualifying
* 1995 USOC Rewind Series
* Subscribe to our newsletter!
* Follow TheCup.us on X (@USOpenCup)
* Follow TheCup.us on BlueSky
* Follow TheCup.us on Facebook
* Follow TheCup.us on Instagram
* Contact us HERE
Hartford responded to open up the second half by subbing in some first-team firepower in the form of Adrian Diz, Augustine WIlliams, and Michee Ngalina, but it failed to have a serious impact on play.
A desperation goal line clearance in the 77th minute from RIFC sub Frank Nodarse kept Hartford off the scoreboard, deflecting Sebastian Anderson’s shot to safety.
It would be Athletic’s best chance of the game, as RIFC continued to apply pressure late despite their two-goal lead.
Hartford found one more chance in the dying minutes but couldn’t get the ball over the line, as an injury time shot from Junior Moreira was inadvertently deflected away by fellow Athletic player Sebastian Anderson, preserving the shutout for RIFC goalkeeper Koke Vegas.
RIFC outshot their opponents 10-8 in the contest, with Hartford committing 14 fouls compared to RIFC’s 8 in an effort to slow down the home team.
“It feels good,” goalscorer Aldair Sanchez said of defeating their southern New England league rival. “Hopefully we use this as momentum going forward. We accomplished our goal.”
JJ Williams’ goal was his 20th for RIFC, securing his spot as the young club’s all-time leading goalscorer. With an MLS opponent on tap for next round, he is relishing the upcoming challenge.
“Excellent, I love that.” Williams said of facing a top-division side next round, “I think that all of our guys should be up for that. That’s what we do it for, playing on the biggest stage we possibly can.”
RIFC Head Coach and General Manager Connor Smith was happy with his club’s efforts in the Rhode Island rain, in a rivalry between clubs from two seafood-loving states that’s become known as “El Clamico.”
“It was an organized, professional performance against a tough opponent,” Connor said.
With the victory, RIFC earned their spot in the third round, the round in which they entered the competition in their previous two cup runs.
A draw against New England Revolution seems to be their most likely opponent for next round, with the Revolution having knocked RIFC out of the cup last year with a 2-1 victory.