PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Dwayne Atkinson scored his first goal for Rhode Island FC in just his second appearance for the club to lift the hosts to a 1-0 victory against Birmingham Legion FC at Centreville Bank Stadium on Wednesday night and into the Semifinals of the 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup.

Rhode Island carried more of the play in the opening half, but neither side tested the opposing goalkeeper until early in the second half when RIFC’s Jojea Kwizera’s low shot from the top-left edge of the penalty area was parried wide by Legion goalkeeper Matt VanOekel.

VanOekel came up with another crucial stop for the visitors with 20 minutes to go, keeping out a one-on-one chance for Albert Dikwa. Four minutes later, however, Rhode Island found the breakthrough as recent arrival Dwayne Atkinson won possession on the left in the final third and stepped into the penalty area before shooting home at the near post.

Legion almost created a late chance to equalize when Samuel Shashoua had an effort blocked by RIFC’s Clay Holstad, but on the ensuing counterattack the visitors were reduced to 10 players when Edwin Laszo was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Birmingham was subsequently unable to find a reply in stoppage time as RIFC closed out the result.

Takeaways

Rhode Island FC: Rhode Island has been looking for an attacking spark and Atkinson provided it, battling tremendously to win possession before delivering a composed finish that proved decisive.

Birmingham Legion FC: Legion’s attack didn’t fully come to life until the side fell behind, with five of its eight shots coming in the 90th minute or later.

Key moment

Atkinson’s finish gave Rhode Island the reward they’d been working toward in the second half and gave the hosts the goal they needed to advance.

Key stat

11 – Rhode Island FC center back Aime Mabika won 11 of 13 duels overall including 6 of 6 aerial duels to help the hosts lock down defensively on their visitors.

USL Jägermeister Cup Player of the Match

Dwayne Atkinson, Rhode Island FC – Atkinson made a decisive impact off the bench, scoring the only goal of the game after coming on with 19 minutes to go.

Scoring Summary
RI – Dwayne Atkinson (Zach Herivaux) 74’