CARY, N.C. – Koke Vegas recorded a three-save shutout as Rhode Island FC played to a 0-0 draw against North Carolina FC to clinch its berth in the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs at First Horizon Stadium on Saturday night.

Rhode Island had the first two clear chances of the game either side of the halftime break as Karifa Yao had a powerful head go over the crossbar off a corner in the final minute of the first half before Dwayne Atkinson had an effort from eight yards blocked away to safety inside the opening minute of the second half.

North Carolina went close 11 minutes into the second half when Pedro Dolabella’s near-post finish off Oalex Anderson’s cross was turned wide by Vegas. The visitors also threatened with nine minutes to go but Albert Dikwa was unable to get full purchase on a header that slid wide of the left post, but the game ended deadlocked.

Takeaways

North Carolina FC: The hosts were unable to boost their chances of a top-four finish as they were held scoreless for a third consecutive outings as their winless streak reached four games.

Rhode Island FC: The visitors clinched a postseason berth for a second consecutive season but without JJ Williams lacked the attacking spark they had shown in recent weeks to move into position to claim that berth, and can now finish no higher than seventh in the East.

Key moment

Koke Vegas’ final save of the night early in the first half denied North Carolina’s Pedro Dolabella to preserve his 11th shutout of the season.

Key stat

North Carolina FC won 12 of 13 tackles as they limited a Rhode Island attack that had scored 10 goals over its past three league outings to its first scoreless league outing since September 6.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Thomas Roberts IV, North Carolina FC – Roberts was diligent in midfield for the hosts, winning 11 of 14 duels overall and making six recoveries and one interception.

Scoring Summary
No Scoring