Khano Smith Leads Rhode Island to USL Final
Coach Khano Smith has guided Rhode Island to the final of the USL Championship Eastern Conference. A second-half brace from Albert Dikwa secured a 2-0 win over North Carolina in the semi-finals on Saturday. Rhode Island will face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the championship final on November 15.
“We are very pleased to advance to the final,” Smith told The Royal Gazette. “Sticking together and trusting each other was the key to victory. It’s going to be a normal week of preparation and we have a good rhythm.”
Bermudian Striker Cody Robinson Shines Despite Loss
Bermudian forward Cody Robinson scored for Thomas College in their 3-2 extra-time defeat to SUNY Delhi in the North Atlantic Conference Championship final, also on Saturday. Robinson came off the bench and headed in a cross from David Ivarsson in the 72nd minute, giving Thomas College a 2-1 lead.
Despite defender Brynjar Johannsson's sending off in the 87th minute, Thomas College held on to push the match into extra time. SUNY Delhi then equalized with four minutes remaining and scored again late in extra time to win the title.
“It felt unbelievable when I scored that goal,” said Robinson. “It brought back flashbacks from last year’s final. It meant a lot to make my family and grandpa proud, it was a very emotional moment for me.”
Author’s summary: Under Khano Smith's leadership, Rhode Island reached the USL final, powered by Albert Dikwa's goals, while Cody Robinson's determined performance in college highlighted Bermudian talent despite defeat.