Khano Smith’s Rhode Island In Cup Thriller

Khano Smith’s Rhode Island FC were involved in an eight-goal thriller with Charlotte Independence in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup third round before losing 5-4 on penalties yesterday [April 16].

Rhode Island took the lead in the eleventh minute through Conor McGlynn before Juan Carlos Obregon Jr equalised for the visiting side in the 26th minute from the penalty spot.

Tresor Mbuyu gave Charlotte, who play in the USL League One, the lead with a close-range finish in the 35th minute; however, Rhode Island were back on level terms when Nathan Messer netted moments before the interval.

Smith’s side, who play in the USL Championship, took the lead through Clay Holstad in the 51st minute but Charlotte levelled again in the 71st minute when Luis Alvarez found the net to make it 3-3 and send the game into extra time.

Obregon scored his second in the 95th minute to give Charlotte a 4-3 lead but Stephen Turnbell ensured the tie would be settled by penalties when he made it 4-4 in the 115th minute.

Charlotte ultimately prevailed 5-4 in the penalty shootout.

Rhode Island face Les Vegas Lights in the league on Saturday [April 20].

Meanwhile, Bermudian Rick Wright’s Greenville Triumph lost their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup third-round match 3-1 away to Louisville City last night.

Greenville are back in action at home to Richmond on April 27.