Rhode Island got its revenge. 

Rhode Island FC prevailed 2-0 over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Saturday in a rematch of the USL Championship final from 2024. 

While Rhode Island fell short of claiming a league title in its first year of operation in downtown Colorado Springs two seasons ago, things were different in Pawtucket, R.I. Following a scoreless first half, a pair of defensive miscues for Colorado Springs (7-7-4) paved the path to victory for the hosts. 

Deep in his half the field in the 69th minute, Switchbacks midfielder Devon “Speedy” Williams made a poor pass, leading to an easy turnover. Rhode Island forward Yutaro Tsukada scored moments later inside the box on a second-chance attempt after his first shot ricocheted off the foot of Switchbacks defender Isaiah Foster. 

Rhode Island leading scorer J.J. Williams put the match out of reach for Colorado Springs with his eighth goal of the season on a shot from the top of the 18-yard box in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.  

Moments before the goal, Switchbacks keeper Colin Shutler, under pressure from a Rhode Island forward, sent a bad pass that was intercepted by Williams. 

The Switchbacks didn’t showcase their usual attacking dominance Saturday. Colorado Springs and Rhode Island (7-6-4) were level in terms of shots (12), shots on target (4) and corner kicks (2).

Colorado Springs seemed poised to take the lead in the first half in the 30th minute. Midfielder Aidan Rocha was open on the right side of the 18-yard box and put a shot on goal but it was saved by Rhode Island keeper Koke Vegas. The ball bounced off Vegas to the foot of Colorado Springs forward Joans Fjeldberg, who immediately sent it back toward goal, but Vegas skillfully made a second save from a prone position. 

Saturday’s result marks the second straight loss for Colorado Springs. The Switchbacks have a quick turnaround as they’ll travel across the country to USL League One’s Spokane Velocity FC for the Prinx Tires USL Cup quarterfinals Wednesday.