Highlights From Jack Panayotou's Rhode Island FC Debut

19-year-old Jack Panayotou looked comfortable in his Rhode Island FC debut.

On Friday, it was announced that Panayotou would join RIFC on loan from the New England Revolution. One day later, the midfielder contributed an 81-minute performance in a 2-2 draw against the undefeated Sacramento Republic.

The midfielder was dynamic, showing an ability to advance the ball up the field. He also displayed his set-piece prowess as he was responsible for six corners.

His best service came in the 42nd minute when his cross found the head of Karifa Yao to give the home side a 2-1 lead.

Panayotou had 36 touches, created four chances (the most in the game), and completed 16 of 20 passes. He was 2/3 on successful dribbles, 4/8 on successful crosses, and 4/6 on ground duels. He was also fouled twice.

Head coach Khano Smith praised Panayotou after the game.

“He’s clever,” Smith said. “He’s a smart player. He’s intelligent. He picks up good positions. He knows how to find space. Sometimes in a game where everybody is moving around, just stand still. He knows how to do that really well. He just knows how to arrive into open space when it’s available.

“He’s aware and he’s clever. Technically very good. You saw an improvement on our set pieces. The goal came from a set piece from his service. He just adds that extra little bit of quality.

“He’s an MLS player. He was in a position at that club where they had other quality players, so he’s finding playing time here. So we’re happy to have him.”

Panayotou signed a first-team contract with the Revolution on Jan. 10, 2023.

The Homegrown has since made 12 MLS appearances, including two starts. With the second team, he has 10 goals and four assists in 26 appearances (19 starts).

Smith noted that he’s been keeping an eye on Panayotou.

“We’ve been missing a player that can do the things that he does, so we’ve been tracking him,” Smith said. “Some of our staff has worked with him in the Revs Academy before so we know his qualities as a player and as a person.

“We want to help his development. It’s ultimately about helping him too.

“But he probably feels and they probably feel that he’s probably exceeded or mastered the Next Pro level, so to speak, so he needs something a little bit more and that’s playing against men. That’s playing against grown men. A lot of times in MLS Next Pro games, you’re playing against kids. For Jack’s development to keep going, he needs to play against men.”