Miami FC picked up three important points on the road Saturday night, defeating Rhode Island FC 2-1 at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
The victory moves Miami FC to 6-9-10 on the 2026 USL Championship season and brings the club within five points of the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference with five matches remaining.
Miami came out with attacking intent and opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Harwan Al Zubaidi made an impressive run down the left side, beating multiple defenders before delivering a ball into the box for Arney Rocha. Rocha controlled the ball near the top of the six-yard box before finishing into the bottom corner to give Miami a 1-0 advantage.
The visitors nearly doubled their lead shortly after when Mason Tunbridge broke into the Rhode Island box and sent a low effort toward the far corner, but Rhode Island goalkeeper Koke Vegas made a diving save to keep the hosts within one.
Rhode Island responded in the 36th minute when Karifa Yao rose to meet a Yutaro Tsukada corner kick at the back post, sending a header into the roof of the net to level the match at 1-1 heading into halftime.
The second half remained tightly contested, with both sides battling for control. Miami eventually regained the lead in the 74th minute following a quick transition from its own half.
Denilson Milanés received a well-weighted through ball and raced into the box, getting around the onrushing goalkeeper before his initial effort was cleared off the goal line. Milanés reacted quickly to the rebound, finishing his second attempt to put Miami back in front, 2-1.
Rhode Island pushed forward in search of an equalizer late in the match, but Miami’s defense held firm through the final minutes. The hosts recorded eight total shots, while Miami finished with six shots on target and nine shots off target. Eloy Room also helped Miami secure the result as the club held Rhode Island scoreless after halftime.
With the final whistle, Miami FC secured its sixth victory of the season and an important three points away from home. The result also gives Miami its second win over Rhode Island FC in two meetings during the 2026 regular season, following a 2-1 victory in Miami on March 28.
Miami FC returns to action next Saturday, September 26, when the club travels to face Indy Eleven at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
