Rhode Island Football Club (RIFC) is entering their third year in the USL Championship league and second at homebase Centreville Bank Stadium. The first two seasons have had some exciting, and some rocky moments on the field, but ended in surprising deep playoff runs that keep expectations high.
The offseason brought about some changes that will give the team a different look on March 7 when they kick their season off to a rowdy home crowd. Gone are fan favorites Albert “Chico” Dikwa, Maxi Rodriguez, and Joe Britto (among others). Also departing in a surprising move is Team President David Peart, which is an interesting announcement so close to the start of the season. Sean Carey is the interim President as they search for a replacement. Joining the team are Leo Afonso (former MSLS player), and Nick Scardina.
“After a successful first year at Centreville Bank Stadium that brought in more than 166,000 fans, we are working to enhance gameday experience even more in 2026,” the team says, when asked what fans can expect this coming year. “Throughout the year, we will be bringing back several fan-favorite theme nights from last season, adding new food and beverage options, and releasing new club and themed merch.”
Last season saw home games average close to 9,000 people with five sellouts. Stadium staff put together an enjoyable experience for attendees, and the resounding crowd, led by Defiance 1636, the enthusiastic supporter section, loved the home team. Amber and blue was everywhere as those in attendance seemed to bask in the experience of a new-to-the-state professional team in a new stadium. Mascot Chip would either be pumping up the crowd when on the field or walking the grounds taking pictures with adoring fans off the field. The team stayed after each game to sign autographs for the (mostly) kids.
“I think what brought people to the stadium is the freshness of it,” says Defiance 1636 President Ervin Vargas. “Losing McCoy Stadium was something that many people still find sad, but this team and stadium makes for a new chapter in this city.”
“Our fans brought the energy,” the team says. “They showed out in force to give Rhode Island FC a true home advantage.”
Centreville Bank Stadium is located in a Pawtucket neighborhood. Walking by houses on the way to the game brings a sense of community and family. Most neighbors seem to enjoy the noise, party, and thousands of people roaming their streets on game days. Vargas says that Defiance 1636 plans to work with the community this season to get them more involved in events and activities.
“We’ve seen many people from their apartments near the stadium on game days,” Vargas says. “They join in on the festivities, especially once they hear the drums and singing from our group during our parade march to the stadium. Many of them are also season ticket holders so they end up joining us once we reach parts of their neighborhood. Our goal is to always show people that we are not just the Hooligans in the stands, but we are the proud residents of this beautiful city.”
Fans can expect a similar game-day experience as last season, which helped the stadium win Best New or Renovated Stadium award from SportsTravel. They cater to the die hard, hard-drinking fan as much as a family bringing children to their first game. The Fan Fest, which starts once gates open, features activities for the kids, vendors and plenty of chances for photo opps. All of the food vendors are coming back, with Green Line Apothecary and Saugy Hot Dogs joining them on the riverside.
“Our production team will continue to work tirelessly to make the gameday experience at Centreville Bank Stadium unforgettable,” the team says. “Pawtucket natives The Bucket Boys, DJ Mike D (in-house DJ), Josh Flanagan (on-field host), and Justin DeCosta (in-stadium announcer) will all return to provide live music and entertainment. RIFC’s Official Supporters Group, Defiance 1636, will continue to bring the noise and create what has been one of the USL Championship’s premier atmospheres at Centreville Bank Stadium. Before the game, fans will be able to enjoy RIFC’s complimentary Fan Fest, bringing fans of all ages together along the scenic riverwalk. Additionally, halftime competitions and performances will give fans a chance to win prizes and stay entertained throughout the game!”
“On our side of things, fans can expect everything they love about Defiance the drums, the smokes, the pyro, the community that comes with being a part of this Barra Brava. Whether it’s in the stands or out in the community, they can expect Defiance to be there!”
Vargas notes that, as much as he loves the sport and team, it’s Defiance 1636 and the fan community that he and many others are most looking forward to this season. Most were strangers that bonded over their passion for soccer and love of the Rhode Island FC, but many true friendships developed over time.
“This community is something that many people are excited to be back with,” Vargas says. “We have grown such a tight family that when we’re away from each other, it’s like being away from family or being homesick. So we’re all eagerly awaiting that home opener where we can kick back again, cheer for our boys, drink some beers and sing “Dale Rhody.”
They invite all to join their parking lot tailgate before the march to the stadium and/or wave flags or bang drums in their supporter section. They welcome everyone and hope to grow Defiance 1636 and Rhode Island FC.
“Our goal has been to be the best supporter group in New England and also put our stamp in American soccer,” Vargas says. “Our culture is strong, ruthless, and it is something that many other groups have said that they are amazed to see. When we’re home, we’re non-stop passion and when we’re away, even if we’re outnumbered, we are stronger than the rest.”
The team expects to be competitive again this year in USL play and also Prinx Tires USL Cup and Lamar Hunt US Open Cup (two in-season tournaments where they will host at least two games). Their 34-game regular season features them playing half of those games at Centreville Bank Stadium. While difficult to expect a third consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, hosting their first home playoff game would prove to be a major accomplishment.
“We’re expecting some exciting soccer,” Vargas says. “New players are coming in and ready to show their talent and familiar faces are returning to show that they still have grit to win the cup. I think this year will be something special for us as we start off our second campaign in the new stadium for our third season in the league. We always believe in our boys because our motto is always Forever Faithful.”
“Our fans have been nothing short of incredible and their support drives our team forward. We are looking forward to another great season in 2026 and cannot wait to welcome them back to Centreville Bank Stadium!”