Rhode Island
First meeting with Rhode Island ends all square – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
(April 13, 2024) — The Pittsburgh Riverhounds crossed paths with Rhode Island FC for the first time ever, and their initial visit to the newest USL Championship team finished as a 0-0 draw Saturday night at Beirne Stadium in Smithfield, R.I.
The match pitted the Hounds (0-3-2) against former striker Albert Dikwa, last year’s Championship Player of the Year, but it was the goalkeepers who had the best outcomes on the day. Eric Dick made three saves as the Hounds recorded their second straight shutout, while Rhode Island (0-1-4) goalkeeper Jackson Lee also had three stops, including two in a critical late flurry.
First half
Shots on target were tough to come by in the early stages until Langston Blackstock tried a left-footed attempt in the 21st minute that didn’t have enough pace to challenge Lee. Three minutes later, Luke Biasi was well-positioned to block a chance by Rhode Island’s Noah Fuson, and Dick made his first save by stopping a curling attempt on the rebound by Marc Ybarra, another former Hound.
Mark Doyle had one late chance in stoppage time after the ball ricocheted off Hounds defenders, but his off-balance stab at the ball went into the hands of Dick.
Second half
The intensity picked up in the second half, which saw eight yellow cards issued after none in the first half. Emmanuel Johnson entered as a halftime substitute, and he was involved early and often, beginning with a tricky cross that Rhode Island struggled to deal with minutes after the break.
The best chance of the night came in the 77th minute, as the Hounds made a sweeping move with numbers down the left side. Babacar Diene received the ball in the box and smartly cut a pass back to the front of goal, where Edward Kizza’s close-range effort was stopped by Lee. The rebound fell to Johnson, who struck the follow-up with power, but Lee recovered across goal to tip the ball over the bar and deny the Hounds with a highlight-reel save.
Dikwa had his most dangerous chance getting behind the Hounds in the 80th minute, but Dick was fast to advance off his line and deny the striker any angle to hit the goal from the left side.
The Hounds nearly had a golden chance deep into stoppage time as Johnson took a touch blowing past the defense after a turnover. Collin Smith opted to haul Johnson down with a two-armed tackle, and the Rhode Island defender’s gamble paid off by stopping the chance and earning only a yellow card for the last-man foul.
Modelo Man of the Match
Edward Kizza put on an excellent display of hold-up play as a forward for the full 90 minutes, connecting on 81.8 percent of his passes and winning possession five times. He also won a whopping seven free kicks; he was fouled more than double any other player on the pitch.
What’s next?
The Hounds will have a late-night tilt next Saturday, when they go on the road to face Phoenix Rising FC (1-3-1) in a 10:30 p.m. kickoff April 20. The defending USL Championship winners also play later tonight at home against Colorado Springs.
Riverhounds SC lineup (5-3-2) — Eric Dick; Junior Etou (Sean Suber 90’), Luke Biasi, Pat Hogan, Illal Osumanu, Langston Blackstock (Dani Rovira 75’); Kenardo Forbes (Bradley Sample 75’), Danny Griffin, Robbie Mertz (Babacar Diene 75’); Edward Kizza, Kazaiah Sterling (Emmanuel Johnson 46’)
Rhode Island FC lineup (4-5-1) — Jackson Lee; Gabriel Alves, Frank Nodarse, Clay Holstad, Jojea Kwizera (Karifa Yao 65’); Marc Ybarra, Joe Brito (Nathan Messer 79’), Mark Doyle (Prince Saydee 65’), Stephen Turnbull (Collin Smith 65’), Noah Fuson; Albert Dikwa
Scoring summary
None
Discipline summary
RI — Clay Holstad 50’ (caution – tactical foul)
PIT — Illal Osumanu 62’ (caution – reckless foul)
PIT — Langston Blackstock 68’ (caution – tactical foul)
PIT — Luke Biasi 88’ (caution – reckless foul)
PIT — Babacar Diene 90+2’ (caution – reckless foul)
RI — Head coach Khano Smith 90+4’ (caution – dissent)
PIT — Emmanuel Johnson 90+4’ (caution – unsporting behavior)
RI — Collin Smith 90+8’ (caution – tactical foul)
Last out for Tiverton in a Division III softball win over Rogers
Last out for Tiverton in a Division III softball win over Rogers, a 14-9 triumph on June 2, 2026.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Coaches are reminded to send in game results each weeknight by emailing pjsports@providencejournal.com from 6 to 10 p.m.
🥍Games of the Day
La Salle will play Moses Brown for the 2026 RIIL Boys Lacrosse State Championship, like there was ever any doubt.
Tuesday was semifinal day for the two best boys lacrosse programs in Rhode Island and turned into their annual victory party. The top-seeded Rams didn’t play their cleanest lacrosse, but that didn’t stop them from taking No. 4 Hendricken apart with a 19-6 win.
Across the city, the second-seeded Quakers didn’t get off to a quick start, but took advantage of a man-up situation in the second to build a comfortable lead that turned full reclining chair in the second half in a 14-2 win over No. 3 Barrington.
La Salle handled Hendricken with ease during the regular season and the playoff match was more of the same. The Rams didn’t light the scoreboard on fire – at least not by their lofty expectations – but Dylan Fitzgerald’s FOGO dominance never gave the Hawks a chance to climb back into the game. La Salle improved in the second half and turned a 9-2 halftime lead into a 13-goal victory.
Lachlan Got led the Rams with five goals and Quincy Marino scored four. Tanner Poirier and Kian Parker both scored two goals and Nick Loo, Charlie Rodehorst, Thayer Got, Tyler Loo and Reid Kelley also had goals. Fitzgerald won 18 of 21 faceoffs and Connor Kelley made six saves before giving way to Sam Melanson, who made three to close things out.
Max Casten scored twice in the loss for Hendricken, with Richie Sousa, Will Kornacki, Karlton Lough and Dom Vacca getting the other scores.
Over on the east side, it took a little longer for Moses Brown to get cooking.
The Quakers struck first on a Christian Smith bounce shot 1:22 into the game, but the Eagles tied the game with a Peyton Hillier goal with 2:08 left in the quarter. MB quickly responded, with a goal by Reece Chace with 1:32 left to take a 2-1 lead into the second quarter.
Barrington picked up a stick penalty between quarters and Moses Brown took advantage of the man-up situation, getting a goal from Chace 1:12 into the second and then another score from John Cerce 30 seconds later. Chace added his third goal of the game with 6:59 left to play and Hugo Harrell popped one home with 5:11 left that gave MB a 6-1 lead it took into halftime.
The Quakers didn’t let up in the third quarter, outscoring the Eagles 3-0, before playing out the fourth.
Chace and Harrell led Moses Brown with four goals apiece. Cerce and Smith both scored twice and Ben Magiera and Matt Azevedo had the other tallies.
Hillier scored both goals for Barrington in the loss.
Nothing has been made official, but if tradition holds La Salle and Barrington would meet in the state title game on Saturday morning at Brown University.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-II semifinals
Westerly 21, Cranston West 3
The Bulldogs showed why they were the top seed in the D-II tournament, putting together an unstoppable performance in a 21-3 win over fourth-seeded Falcons.
Westerly has scored in bunches all season, but it picked a great time to have its best offensive performance of the season. The Bulldogs owned possession and finished what seemed like every time up the field, leaving Cranston West in their wake.
Eight different players scored for Westerly, led by six goals from Casey Macera. The Bulldogs got three apiece from Ella Seltzer, Gianna Falcone and Sienna Fizzano, while Phoebe Brennan and Jenna Parker scored two apiece. Macy Antoch and Sienna Mathieu added one goal each and Vittoria Illiano made five saves in the win.
Ashley Budano scored two goals to lead the Falcons and twin sister Zoe Budano had the other tally.
Westerly moves on to the Division II title game and will play No. 2 Cumberland.
Cumberland 12, Burrillville 6
The Clippers offense made a statement in the opening quarter and kept their foot on the gas, beating the Broncos, 12-6, to earn a spot in the Division II championship game.
When the teams met on May 8, No. 2 Cumberland had too much firepower for No. 3 Burrillville to contain. The trend continued in the rematch, as the Clippers poured on five goals in the first quarter before going up 8-2 at halftime. Up 10-3 late in the third, Cumberland played a man down but the Broncos couldn’t take advantage.
Lucy Biggs led the Clippers with five goals and Brooke Tellier and Leanna Parrillo scored three goals apiece in the win. Cumberland moves on to the D-II final where it will play No. 1 Westerly.
Alexis Novicki and Gia Marini scored two goals apiece for Burrillville and Grace Doughty made 11 saves in the loss.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-III semifinals
Toll Gate 15, East Providence 5
It’s tough to beat a team three times in one season, but the Titans made it look easy as the offense played practically perfect in a 15-5 win over the Townies.
No. 2 Toll Gate beat No. 6 East Providence – the defending D-III champs – in a defensive battle, 6-5, on May 13, then outscored them 13-7 on May 20. That second game showed the Titans something and the offense was even better in the third meeting of the season.
Delanie Wheeler could not be stopped, scoring seven goals to lead all scorers. Aubrey Rubeira was also terrific, scoring four times. Jenna White had a pair of goals and Tate Payne and Stella Kraus had the other two scores. Olivia Napolitano made five saves in the win.
Alyssa Karalekas left it all on the field in her final game for EP, scoring four times. Sydney Olson added one goal in the loss.
Toll Gate moves on to Sunday’s Division III final and will take on the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between No. 1 Smithfield and No. 4 Pilgrim.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-IV semifinals
Scituate 7, Coventry 2
The Spartans offense owned the first half and the defense took care of business in the second as they pull out a 7-2 win over the Oakers and earned their spot in Sunday’s Division IV title game.
No. 3 Coventry beat No. 2 Scituate for the Division IV title last year and came away with a win in the regular-season rematch this spring, giving the Spartans plenty of motivation.
The offense was ready to put on a show and did in the first two quarters to take a 5-1 lead. Coventry tried to battle back, but the Scituate defense was too tough and didn’t let the Oakers find a rhythm,
Julianna Pimental led Scituate with seven goals and Grace Jacavone and Bella O’Leary scored two goals apiece. Maelie Bowden had three assists and Lainey Nelson made eight saves in the win.
Hailey Duggan and Addie DeMarzo scored the goals for Coventry, who hung tough despite an injury to star goalie Maddy Vorro in the third quarter.
Scituate will look to win a title that evaded it last season when it takes on the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between No. 1 Lincoln and No. 3 Tiverton.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-III semifinals
Lincoln 5, Narragansett 2
Jake Rousseau’s story on the third-seeded Lions’ upset over the second-seeded and defending Division III champion Mariners can be found here.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-IV semifinals
Rogers 9, Ponaganset 2
The Vikings gave up a goal early, then took over the game in a 9-2 win over the Chieftains, giving the defending Division IV champs a shot at winning another title.
No. 3 Ponaganset took the long ride to Newport and showed up ready to play, as Otto Pearson scored the first goal of the game 1:12 in, giving his team a boost of energy.
Rogers, the No. 2 seed, came back in a hurry, getting four goals from four different players before the quarter was over to go up 5-1 at halftime, then second the first four goals of the second half to put things away.
Luke Mathews led the way for the Vikings with four goals. Brady McCombe scored twice for Rogers and Quinaln Green, Aidan O’Connell and Jayvia Perez had the remaining goals. Rogers moves on to the Division IV final against top-seeded Scituate in a rematch of last year’s championship game.
Pearson scored the first goal of the game for Ponaganset and the last was scored by Owen Machan.
🏐BOYS VOLLEYBALL – D-II semifinals
West Warwick 3, Central Falls 1
The Wizards came in looking for revenge and got it while earning a title-game spot in the process, downing the Warriors 25-19, 22-25, 25-16, 25-23.
No. 1 West Warwick’s only loss to a Division-II team this spring came in four sets at the hands of No. 4 Central Falls on May 6. The Wizards took down the first set to gain momentum, but gave it back as the Warriors played great late in the second set.
West Warwick’s vaunted offense took over in the third set and the team rode that energy into the third, closing with a fury. Ian Degnan ran things to perfection and finished with 58 assists, with Colin Kelly leading the Wizards with 16 kills. Alex Osmena came through with 14 kills and Liam Sisson had nine kills and four aces in the win.
Emmanuel Tavares led Central Falls with 12 kills and Nicolas Goncalves had 10 kills in the loss. Daniel Rojo, did what he could in the back, coming up with 16 digs.
West Warwick advances to Saturday’s Division II title match and will take on No. 2 Westerly.
🏐BOYS VOLLEYBALL – D-III semifinal
EWG 3, St. Raphael 0
The Scarlet Knights weren’t going to let the Cinderella Saints pull off another upset, winning big points when it mattered most in a 25-21, 27-25, 25-22 win that sends them to the Division II title game.
No. 3 Exeter-West Greenwich knew what No. 7 St. Raphael was capable of after its 3-1 home win on May 20 and then seeing the Saints take down No. 2 North Providence in the quarterfinals.
The Knights had a balanced offensive attack, with setter Will Edwards finishing with 29 assists and using all the weapons at his disposal. Zoltan Libertini led the way with 10 kills, Derik Payette had eight kills and Casey Kretchman finished with seven kills in the win.
Jameson Taylor left it all on the court for the Saints, finishing with 19 kills. Joe Clifton had five kills and three blocks and Brighton Champagne finished with 32 assists in the loss.
🥎SOFTBALL – D-II losers’ final
Ponaganaset 5, Johnston 2
Bill Koch’s story on the seventh-seeded Chieftains’ upset over the second-seeded Panthers is coming soon.
🥎SOFTBALL – D-III winners’ final
Tiverton 14, Rogers 9
Bill Koch’s story on the top-seeded Tigers’ win over the second-seeded Vikings can be found here.
RIIL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE – Wednesday, June 3
🥎SOFTBALL – Division III losers’ final
No. 3 Exeter-West Greenwich vs. No. 2 Rogers at Rhode Island College, 5 p.m.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-II semifinals
No. 5 Prout at No. 1 Westerly, 6 p.m.
No. 3 Portsmouth at No. 2 East Greenwich, 7:30 p.m.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-III semifinals
No. 5 North Smithfield vs. No. 1 Mt. Hope at Roger Williams, 3:30 p.m.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-IV semifinals
No. 4 North Providence at No. 1 Scituate, 4 p.m.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-I semifinals
No. 4 La Salle at No. 1 Moses Brown, 5 p.m.
No. 3 Barrington at No. 2 East Greenwich, 5:30 p.m.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-III semifinals
No. 4 Pilgrim at No. 1 Smithfield, 6 p.m.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-IV semifinals
No. 4 Tiverton at No. 1 Lincoln, 4 p.m.
🏐BOYS VOLLEYBALL – D-I semifinals
No. 4 North Kingstown vs. No. 1 La Salle at RIC, 5:30 p.m.
No. 6 East Greenwich vs. No. 2 Hendricken at RIC, 7:30 p.m.
Rhode Island
Flight restrictions over World Cup sites: Unpermitted drones could be destroyed if they fly in certain areas – The Boston Globe
The drone restriction is centered around the soccer practice field adjacent to Beirne football stadium at Bryant University, and the Graduate by Hilton Providence hotel, which are being used by Team Ghana.
“The FAA exempts drone operations that directly support national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting or search-and-rescue missions,” Breitenfeldt said. “Commercial operators with a valid statement of work must submit requests at least 72 hours before operating within a restricted area to allow for coordination and approval.”
According to the notice, The Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of Justice may seize, damage, or even destroy drones that they deep to be a credible safety or security threat.
Providence law enforcement is handling safety efforts on the ground.
“This is unlike any event Providence has hosted in terms of duration and international reach, but our police, fire, emergency management, and city teams have been preparing extensively,” said Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez in a press release.
The PVD FanZone at Station Park, between the Providence Place Mall and train station, will host fans from around the world. According to the press release, the city will have a layered security plan throughout the FanZone and surrounding downtown area and police presence throughout the district. A mobile command center will be located nearby where the public can seek help.
There will be four staffed entryways with security screening, and alcohol service will end 30 minutes prior to the FanZone’s closing each night.
Guests will not be allowed to bring coolers or outside food and drinks, drones, or weapons of any kind, according to the press release.
Carlos Muñoz can be reached at carlos.munoz@globe.com. Follow him @ReadCarlos and on Instagram @Carlosbrknews.
2026 Day of Portugal Festival and Parade dates, lineup and more
Rhode Island’s Day of Portugal — June 5-7 in Providence: live music, food, dance & family fun; parade
Maria João “MJ” Albuquerque Martins and John Furtado will serve as the grand marshals of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade.
Martins, a longtime RI Day of Portugal volunteer, will be recognized for “her lifelong dedication to preserving and uplifting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Furtado will be recognized for his “lifelong dedication to volunteerism, cultural preservation, and service to the Portuguese‑American community.”
“This year we honor two of the most humble and hardworking individuals who have supported not only RI Day of Portugal, but many Portuguese organizations across Rhode Island,” said James Ferreira, president of the RI Day of Portugal Committee.
“These are the people who roll up their sleeves, the ones in the kitchen, cleaning up, setting up, and making things happen,” he added. “They represent the true spirit of service and community, and I’m deeply grateful for their dedication.”
The 49th Annual Rhode Island Day of Portugal Parade will step off Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m. from the Rhode Island State House. It will proceed to Smith Street Terrace, Canal Street, Memorial Boulevard and South Water Street, and end at 195 District Park.
From Clube Juventude Lusitana to RI Day of Portugal, Martins’ leadership, cultural preservation and community impact
Martins, a native of Maputo, Mozambique, has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island through leadership, education and the arts.
“Maria João’s lifelong commitment to service, cultural preservation, and community pride embodies the spirit of Portugal — resilient, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Martins joined the Clube Juventude Lusitana at age seven, later mentoring students and strengthening its cultural programs.
After studying at the University of Coimbra, she returned to Rhode Island and served the organization in multiple roles, including secretary, public relations officer and interim director of its Portuguese school, where she led a successful transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recognized photographer, Maria João has earned several awards, including honors from the Pawtucket Annual Mayor’s Calendar.
For more than 15 years, she has volunteered with the Rhode Island Day of Portugal, serving as art and culture coordinator and organizing exhibits across the state. Her 2025 exhibit at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket marked the first presentation of Portuguese history and culture at the Smithsonian-affiliated site.
Martins said she was grateful and honored to serve as grand marshal.
“Thank you to the RI Day of Portugal directors, members, and the community for this meaningful recognition,” Martins said. “Let us continue to stay united through our roots and traditions, preserving our heritage for future generations.”
Furtado honored for ‘quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action’
Born in Pawtucket, Furtado has spent more than 40 years dedicated to community service and preserving Portuguese traditions in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
“Those who know him speak of a man with a big heart, a gentle spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and traditions he serves,” RI Day of Portugal officials said, noting that he has never sought recognition for his efforts.
“His service has always been rooted in sincerity and a genuine desire to give back,” they added. “His lifelong commitment to service reflects the very best of our community — quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action.”
A second-generation Portuguese American, Furtado began volunteering at age 15 at churches and cultural organizations, including St. Anthony’s Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Rhode Island and the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England in Fall River.
He has also supported several Portuguese clubs, including the Pawtucket Social Club and Clube Juventude Lusitana, earning a reputation for reliability and quiet dedication.
In addition to his volunteer work, the Lincoln High School graduate built a lifelong career in construction, starting at age 16.
“Thank you to RI Day of Portugal, and thank you to the community,” said Furtado after learning he would be co-grand marshal of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade. “I’m grateful to be part of your families, and I hope our culture continues to grow for generations to come.”
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