Rhode Island FC opens season with 1-1 draw against Sporting Club Jacksonville

RIFC Head Coach Khano Smith says team needs to be 'more clinical' despite outshooting opponents

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:33am

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Rhode Island FC's season opener against Sporting Club Jacksonville ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon. Logan Dorsey scored the lone goal for RIFC in his debut, but Rafferty Pedder's goal for Sporting Jax was enough to earn a point for the visitors. RIFC outshot their opponents 23-6, but Head Coach Khano Smith said the team needs to be 'more clinical' in front of goal.

Why it matters

This result is a disappointment for RIFC, who were hoping to start their season with a win at home. The draw highlights the need for the team to improve their finishing if they want to be successful this season in the highly competitive USL Championship league.

The details

RIFC dominated possession and chances, outshooting Sporting Jax 23-6, but were only able to find the back of the net once through a 79th minute goal from debutant Logan Dorsey. Sporting Jax goalkeeper Rafferty Pedder made several key saves to earn his team a point on the road.

  • The match was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Dorsey scored the equalizing goal for RIFC in the 79th minute.

The players

Khano Smith

Head Coach and General Manager of Rhode Island FC.

Logan Dorsey

Scored the lone goal for RIFC in his debut for the club.

Rafferty Pedder

Goalkeeper for Sporting Club Jacksonville, made several key saves to earn his team a point.

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What they’re saying

“One frustrating result. I think there was some positives from the game for sure, but at certain moments we need to be better, more clinical.”

— Khano Smith, Head Coach and General Manager, Rhode Island FC

What’s next

RIFC will look to bounce back when they take on CD Faialense in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, March 18th at 7 p.m.

The takeaway

Despite dominating possession and chances, RIFC's inability to convert more of their opportunities cost them two valuable points in their season opener. The team will need to improve their finishing if they want to be successful in the highly competitive USL Championship this season.