Rhode Island

Rhode Island FC aims one day to give deep-pocketed Revolution a run for its MLS money – The Boston Globe

Published

11 months ago

May 9, 2025

Rhode Island FC aims one day to give deep-pocketed Revolution a run for its MLS money – The Boston Globe

There is no comparison in roster depth as the Revolution rested 11 starters, including Gil, from last Saturday’s game, a 2-0 win over Toronto FC, their fourth successive shutout victory in MLS play.

Along with a seasoned lineup of domestic and international players, the Revolution boast extensive support staff, and they are financed by billionaire owners, the Kraft family.

Meanwhile, RIFC, which has been competing for less than 14 months, has a sparkling new home; what appears to be a solid fan base; and a rich investor of its own.

For the May 3 home opener, while workers were putting finishing touches on Centreville Bank Stadium, the team attracted a sellout crowd of 10,700.

RIFC is filling a sporting void left not only by the Pawtucket Red Sox, who moved to Worcester in 2021, leading to the demise of McCoy Stadium; but several soccer teams, as well.

Local soccer history dates to the late 1800s, when the Pawtucket Free Wanderers, Olympics, Howard & Bullough FC, et al., were going at it. The Lonsdale Avenue Grounds played host to the first US Open Cup final in 1914 and seven more through to 1942. J&P Coats AAFC, which called Lonsdale Avenue home, captured the 1922-23 American Soccer League championship, and as the textile industry declined, the “Threadmen” were replaced by the Pawtucket Rangers, who won the 1941 US Open Cup and fielded a team at least into the 1970s.

Providence picked up the ball with the ASL Rhode Island Oceaneers performing at Pierce Memorial Field, succeeded by minor league teams such as the Rhode Island Stingrays.

The inaugural US Open Cup final, a 2-1 victory for Brooklyn FC over Brooklyn Celtic, banged out Lonsdale as 10,000 “New England soccer lovers poured into Pawtucket,” according to Spalding’s Soccer Football Guide. Judging from photos, many spectators stood throughout the 90-minute contest and the overflow included some perched on fences and the scoreboard.

Unlike their Lonsdale predecessors, the 9,539 spectators arriving on Wednesday enjoyed comfortable seating and extensive concessions. They included a supporter group, called Defiance 1636, complete with drums and smoke bombs.

“We wouldn’t have built it if we didn’t think it was a soccer haven in Rhode Island,” said Michael Parkhurst, an RIFC co-founder along with venture capitalist Brett Johnson, a Brown University graduate. “You see the television numbers in Providence for European games and national team games, and they are consistently high. We knew they were there and we were excited for [the crowd] Week 1, and now we are doing everything we can to keep interest strong.”

Parkhurst, 41, a Providence native, attended the Revolution’s inaugural game as a fan in 1996 and became one of the team’s all-time best players as a defender from 2005-08.

“It’s a melting pot in Rhode Island, a lot of nationalities,” Parkhurst said. “Because there’s not a ton of professional opportunities in Rhode Island, it’s an opportunity to grab casual sports fans, who like being around friends at a game. Also, there’s a ton of students, a lot of colleges, and we know the younger generation likes watching and playing soccer, and that level is growing nationwide.”

The potential for a rivalry between RIFC and the Revolution is limited by the teams’ competitive levels.

“I don’t want to lose any game, I especially don’t want to lose to a team 30 minutes down the street that plays in the USL,” Revolution coach Caleb Porter said. “We needed to make sure that everybody knows who’s the MLS team, at the end of it.”

Said RIFC coach/general manager Khano Smith: “He’s right. How many million dollar players did they have on pitch and how many did we have?”

Smith, 43, a former Parkhurst teammate who also competed at Maine Central Institute and Champlain Junior College, guided RIFC to last year’s USL title game, a 3-0 loss to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

“They should beat us, but sports doesn’t work like that, especially soccer,”” Smith said. “Unlucky to lose the game but that’s football. So, obviously disappointed but no reason to hang your head at all.

“Big picture, you couldn’t ask for a better opponent to play our second game in our stadium. Unfortunately, we only play them one time a year, unless we play them in a friendly.”

In fact, RIFC does not aspire to challenge the Revolution’s regional hegemony. Stadium plans allow for expansion to 15,000, below MLS requirements. And, lacking promotion/relegation, future matchups will be rare.

“We’re very happy with the USL and the league’s growth and building a niche in Rhode Island with our fan base,” Parkhurst said. “The only way I ever see it happening would be with [promotion/relegation], if MLS would ever entertain it. There is a possibility that maybe it will happen but probably not in our lifetime.”

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Rhode Island

This Local Restaurant in Rhode Island Is So Good, You Can Plan an Entire Day Around It

Published

1 hour ago

April 3, 2026

Press Room

This Local Restaurant in Rhode Island Is So Good, You Can Plan an Entire Day Around It

One of my favorite things to do on any trip, no matter the destination, is to stop at every point of interest along the way. It doesn’t matter if it’s a kitschy roadside attraction, a natural wonder, or a diner – I will stop. Growing up in northern Rhode Island, I’ve been to just about every corner of my tiny home state and, yet, always seemed to discover something new-to-me on every outing. While most Ocean State road trips are short (it is the smallest state in the country, after all!), there’s still so much to discover, including one off-the-beaten-path diner in Foster. Let’s discover one of the best road trip stops in Rhode Island you probably never heard of – Shady Acres Diner and Apocalypse Cafe.

Why This Stop Is Worth the Detour

If you’re looking for a classic American diner experience right here in the Ocean State, look no further than Shady Acres Diner and Apocalypse Cafe. Located on Danielson Pike, a scenic, rural stretch of Route 6, less than two miles from the Connecticut border, you probably never knew this place existed unless you were driving through Foster on your way to or from Connecticut. But road trippers who have stopped here rave about the menu, friendly service, and the eclectic decor.

Let’s first talk about the menu. While there are some “typical diner” menu items, such as omelets, French toast, and eggs Benedict for breakfast, and chicken tenders, BLT club sandwiches, and burgers for lunch and dinner, there are some elevated and creative takes on diner cuisine. For example, in addition to a standard selection of diner favorites, there’s a Monte Cristo breakfast sandwich of egg, ham, and Swiss cheese between two pieces of French toast, as well as several breakfast bowls with scrambled eggs, home fries, and a variety of toppings.

an open-face burger topped with onion rings at shady acres in foster rhode island

For creative lunch and dinner options, how about the Big Kahuna Tuna sandwich made with ahi tuna, greens, and chipotle mayo? Regular customers rave about it! There’s also a falafel plate, perfect for sharing, and a fried pickle burger topped with queso and house-made fried pickles. But one of the most talked-about menu items at Shady Acres Diner is the polenta fries. Growing up in the Ocean State, I had my fair share of polenta dishes, but I never had polenta fries – looks like I’ll need to make a stop here to try this standout appetizer.

Shady Acres is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Plan your road trip to this Rhode Island diner accordingly!

Nearby Road Trip Attractions

jerimoth hill, a rocky geological feature, and the highest point in the state of rhode island

Foster may be a small, rural Rhode Island town, but there are a few notable sites you may want to discover while here. First of all, did you know that Foster is home to Rhode Island’s highest point? Located off Route 101 close to the Connecticut border, Jerimoth Hill sits at an elevation of 812 feet and is open from dawn until dusk daily if you’re curious to see it yourself. A short 0.3-mile trail leads to the point, which is surrounded by trees.

If you love visiting historic sites, take some time to visit the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge. Built in the mid-1990s, yet evoking the charm of a historic 19th-century covered bridge, it’s the only covered bridge in Rhode Island.

Open seasonally on weekends starting in May, Nickle Creek Vineyard is a small, family-owned vineyard and winery with a tasting room. Reservations are not required to visit, and guests are welcome to stroll the grounds and bring a picnic to enjoy while sipping Nickle Creek wines. (Please note that those under 21 are not allowed on the property.)

Best Road Trip Stops in Rhode Island

Shady Acres Diner may be off the beaten path, but it’s absolutely worth it for its hearty dishes that will satisfy any hungry road tripper. Have you taken a detour or gone out of your way to have a meal at this family-friendly diner, one of the most unexpected places in Rhode Island? For a menu and location information, visit the Shady Acres Diner website, and check out the Facebook page for dinner specials.

What are some unexpected places in Rhode Island you would suggest road trippers visit? Please tell us why they are worth a stop when you fill out our nomination form. You can discover more exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations in Rhode Island when you use Only In Your State’s Travel Planner.

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Rhode Island

Release of rescued bobcats by the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island

Published

13 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Press Room

Release of rescued bobcats by the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island

The Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island rehabilitated two orphaned kitten bobcats starting last July and continuing through Monday, March 30, when the bobcats were released into the wild. Video from the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island and URI’s Quest Lab.

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