It took a half-dozen matches, but Rhode Island FC has a victory to celebrate at Centreville Bank Stadium.
Maxi Rodriguez converted a penalty in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time, and RIFC beat North Carolina FC, 2-1, on Saturday night for its first USL Championship victory at its new home in Pawtucket.
The hosts had two losses and two draws in their opening dates on the shores of the Seekonk River (plus a US Open Cup loss to the New England Revolution on May 7), scoring just twice in the 450 minutes. They matched that Saturday, starting when Albert Dikwa put home a header in the 18th minute.
Rafa Mentzingen answered in the 35th for North Carolina, which had won a league-best four in a row. That appeared it would be enough for a draw despite a heavy push from Rhode Island, which was credited for 11 of the match’s 13 shots in the second half.
Frank Nodarse drew a penalty in the waning moments, however, and Rodriguez buried the spot kick despite netminder Jake McGuire guessing the correct direction.
The victory began a run of six straight home matches over the next seven Saturdays for Rhode Island (4-6-3), including visits from the expansion Portland Hearts of Pine on June 28 and Hartford Athletic on both July 19 and 26.