Ria Carroll Appointed as Reds WPSL Head Coach

Ria Carroll Appointed as Reds WPSL Head Coach Providence, RI (January 27, 2016) – The Rhode Island Reds, celebrating their 5th year as a club, announced today the appointment of Ria Carroll as the new head coach for their WPSL team.

Growing up in Luton, England, Ria Carroll began crafting her love of soccer while watching her father play at the semi-pro level. Her soccer career began at the age of 5 where she would play the field before finding her niche as a goalkeeper. Coming to the United States, Carroll played on Rhode Island’s first female premiere team at the age of 12. Carroll then went on to play for the Rhode Island Rays, a team ranked 11th in the nation. At Toll Gate High School she was named first team all-state in her sophomore, junior, and senior years. Her other accolades in high school included first team all division, all-city, and secret deodorant athlete of the month.

Following high school, Carroll went on to play two seasons at Pace University. Her time at Pace would see her break numerous team and individual records while garnishing awards such as: goalkeeper of the year, first team all-conference, all New England goalkeeper of the week, rookie of the week, and Adidas first team all-region. After two seasons, Carroll transferred to the University of Rhode Island. While at URI, she was named All-Atlantic 10 as well as earning all tournament honors. Carroll finished her playing career with the Rhode Island Stingrays WPSL team where she was named to the WPSL all-star team. Her time on the Stingrays would see her play against future Women’s National Team players.

As her playing career was nearing its end, Carroll began to carve out her path in coach, first at Bryant University and later Providence College. At this time she also served as the goalkeeping coach for the RI Rays for 6 years. Currently, Carroll is the head coach at The Prout School where she has been at the helm for the past 8 years.

“I have been told that my love for the game and coaching, and more importantly, my unwavering dedication to the sport of soccer is contagious. I will, without a doubt, be investing 110% in this team. I have been a part of Rhode Island soccer in many different capacities for the majority of my life, and it feels great to be a part of another piece of Rhode Island soccer history. I’d like to thank Kabba Joof and the board for this opportunity.” – Ria Carroll, Reds Head Coach WPSL

While this is her first time coaching at this level, Carroll is confident she can take the team down the path of success while developing the areas top female soccer players.

”I want to progress each year I’m here. I think Rhode Island has a lot of talent and we have the capability of making a name for ourselves as long as we have the right mindset. We are a small state with big talent and my goal is to come together in order to compete; to bring the top players together and play at a competitive level in order to show people what we are capable of.” – Ria Carroll, Reds Head Coach WPSL

Reds Owner and Director of Football Kabba Joof is confident that Carroll is the right person to lead the club in to the future saying “Ria is the embodiment of soccer in Rhode Island. As a player she achieved so much playing at the highest levels and as a coach she is on the path to surpassing it all. I know that Ria will help propel this club to new heights in the WPSL while continuing our focus on developing the regions top players.”

The Rhode Island Reds 2016 WPSL schedule will be released within the coming months. To stay up to date with all Rhode Island Reds including tryouts news visit www.RIRedsFC.com

ABOUT THE RHODE ISLAND REDS
The Rhode Island Reds, founded in 2012, are an amateur men’s and women’s adult soccer club competing in the NPSL and WPSL. The club prides itself on sportsmanship and the development of player skills. For sponsorship opportunity, contact kjoof@riredsfc.com

Mario Pereira appointed as Reds NPSL Head Coach

PROVIDENCE, RI. (January 27, 2016) – The Rhode Island Reds FC, celebrating their fifth year in the NPSL, announced today the appointment of Mario Pereira as the club’s new head coach.

Mario Pereira was an East Providence High School All-State, All-New England, and First Team NSCAA McDonald’s All-American. He was named as the Providence Journal’s Co-Athlete Of The Year In 1975. While playing at the University of Rhode Island, he was a two time All New England forward and still holds the record at URI for the most goals scored in a half.

Pereira began his coaching career as an assistant at Brown University from 1982-1989. After his time at Brown, Pereira became the head coach for LASA league team Lusitania from 1989-1994. During his time with Lusitania, Pereira won the LASA championship in 1991,1992, and 1993 where he was also named coach of the year during those seasons. In the year 1995, Pereira went on to coach the Rhode Island Stingrays. Pereira’s Stingrays competed in the USL Pro from 1995 to 2001. From 2002 through 2009 the Stingrays competed in the USL PDL which saw Pereira coach future United States Men’s National Team player Geoff Cameron. Currently, Pereira is the head coach for La Salle Academy in Providence, RI where he has won 9 Boys Division 1 Championships since the year 2000.

“We are proud to have Mario Pereira join the Reds for what will be a milestone year in the club’s history. As we look to increase our focus on developing talent from the Southern New England area, we know that Mario is the right candidate for the position. Mario has been a huge part of Rhode Island’s soccer history and we are glad he will now be a part of the Reds future.” said Kabba Joof, Reds owner and Director of Football Operations

“The Reds are a club that have made great strides in the Rhode Island soccer community since they were founded in 2012. I’m honored and excited to be given this opportunity to be the head coach for the 2016 season and am hoping for a great year. I am confident that my experience at this level will help propel the club to new heights as we look to continue developing the area’s top players.” Mario Pereira, Reds Head Coach NPSL.

With the appointment of Mario Pereira, the Reds are looking to build a comprehensive grassroots development system for soccer players in the Southern New England area.

“The landscape of soccer in our country is experiencing rapid growth and the Southern New England area has always displayed a unique passion for the game. We believe that Mario is the one capable of finding and developing the top players in the area as we, the backroom staff look to grow the sport and bring the many different soccer enthusiasts in our region together.” Kabba Joof, Reds owner and Director of Football Operations

The Rhode Island Reds 2016 NPSL schedule and tryout dates will be released within the coming months. To stay up to date with all Rhode Island Reds news visit www.RIRedsFC.com

ABOUT THE RHODE ISLAND REDS
The Rhode Island Reds, founded in 2012, are an amateur men’s and women’s adult soccer club competing in the NPSL and WPSL respectively. The club prides itself on sportsmanship and the development of player skills. For sponsorship opportunity, contact kjoof@riredsfc.com

Kabba Joof Steps Back From Head Coach Position

Providence, RI. (January 23, 2016) – Rhode Island Reds FC head men’s soccer coach Kabba Joof has announced he is stepping back from coaching after 4 seasons at the helm of the Reds NPSL program.

The Rhode Island Reds, currently in their fifth year competing in the National Premiere Soccer League (NPSL) have begun the year with a coaching change. Reds owner Kabba Joof was also the team’s first head coach overseeing the first 4 years of competition in the NPSL before announcing today that he will be stepping back from the position.

“Thanks to many people in the State of Rhode Island, The Rhode Island Reds are now stronger than ever. We have made great strides in player development and have become a club that amateur, collegiate, and former professional players look to in order to help further their career and we take great pride in that. Now that we have laid the groundwork for the type of club we want to be, I can begin to focus on other aspects of the club.”
– Kabba Joof, Reds Owner and Director of Football.

Although he is no longer coaching the NPSL team, Joof is far from done with the Rhode Island Reds. Taking on the Director of Football position, Joof is looking to expand the club’s reach in the community while growing the game of soccer in Rhode Island.

“Stepping away from coaching will allow me to spend my time focusing on building the club operations, management, and marketing. I’m excited with my new role and am determined to make the Rhode Island Reds the premiere soccer club in the state.” – Kabba Joof, Reds Owner and Director of Football.

Stepping away as the men’s head coach, Joof had to be certain that the next person to hold the position would be able to take the club to the next level.

“I knew the next coach had to be someone who had the experience at this level and also someone synonymous with Rhode Island soccer. When you think of soccer in Rhode Island there is always one name on everyone’s lips. I’m happy to say that we have found the next coach for the Reds and that it is a perfect fit. I firmly believe the next coach will take us to a higher level and we are all looking forward to the coming season!”  – Kabba Joof, Reds Owner and Director of Football.

The Rhode Island Reds will be naming the person to fill the NPSL head coach position in the coming days. You can keep up to date on the Rhode Island Reds at www.RIRedsFC.com.

Alex Rozkov Resigns as WPSL Coach

Providence, RI. (January 23, 2016) – Rhode Island Reds FC head women’s soccer coach Alex Rozkov has announced his resignation after 2 seasons at the helm of the Reds WPSL program.

Alex served as Red’s first head coach of the women’s soccer program, which had its inaugural season in 2014.

“It has been an honor to coach such quality young women over the past two seasons, Together we have created a program that has honored the State, and the community. We have been blessed with meeting people all over the New England, and most importantly, creating a sense of family within our team.” said Rozkov.

Prior to taking the lead of the women’s soccer program at the Rhode Island Reds, Alex served as an Assistant coach with the Men’s program for 2 years.

“We appreciate the foundation that Coach Rozkov has built for the women’s soccer program at the Rhode Island Reds, His teams have done a tremendous job during his tenure, and we thank him for all he has done for our program and wish him the best in the future.” said Kabba Joof owner of the Reds.

The Rhode Island Reds will be announcing a replacement in the coming days. To stay up to date visit http://www.RIRedsFC.com

Game Recap: Reds x NYAC 6/14/15

Providence, R.I. — After an incredible 5-2 victory against Seacoast Mariners on Friday night, The Rhode Island Reds FC (Reds) finish the weekend play with a 1-1 record after falling short to New York Athletic Club (NYAC) 3-1 on Sunday afternoon. With the victory, NYAC improves to an overall record of 4-2-1, while the Reds finish the weekend with 3-0-4 overall record.

It did not take long for NYAC to open up the scoring. After dominating possession for the first five minutes of play, full back John Perter serves a ball into the 18 yard box in the ninth minute, in which forward George Stannard finishes with a shot to the opposite corner after the Reds backline failed to clear the cross.

In the 22^nd minute, midfielder Brajan Huyke plays a lovely through ball forward but it was intercepted by NYAC’s goalkeeper Zachary Carr who failed to clear the ball out. Reds forward Lenik Spencer was later fouled on that same play that set-up a set piece for the Reds, in which Huyke’s shot from 25 yards out comes close to an equalizer.

NYAC continued to dominate possession in the first half, however, the Reds backline recovered from their early mistake and stood strong for the rest of the first half, holding NYAC to only five shots to end the half.

In the second half, the Reds came out more aggressive. They were a different Reds team from the first half.

After Reds midfielder Brajan Huyke and NYAC’s Noah Kossoff were sent off, NYAC’s Robert Cabrera is denied by Reds center back Joshua Jess in the 52^nd minute. Reds forward Dallas Donovan is later fouled in the box in the 56^th minute. Donovan ties the score up with a lovely left corner finish from the 12^th yard spot.

However, in the 70^th minute NYAC goes up 2-1 after second half substitute Chuong Tran plays a through ball inside the 18, which Cabrera is able to finish.

The Reds continued with the second half momentum and nearly tie the score in the 77^th minute, when Bernard Yeboah’s shot results in a corner kick after making a tremendous run on the left flank. Off the corner kick, center back Jess makes a great effort and stretches out for the ball but the shot goes slightly wide.

In the closing minutes, NYAC goes up 3-1 after Cabrera curls in a shot from the corner of the 18 that hits the cross bar that later finds NYAC’s John Nolan alone for the finish.

After the game, Head Coach Kabba Joof talked about the team’s performance.

“I think we played well, especially in the second half. Give them respect, they played 90 minutes and we didn’t.”

Asked about the injuries before the match coach Kabba said, “No injuries, tough to play a double header especially against a very good NYAC team. We will be missing one of our holding mids, but other people have to step up.”

Coach Kabba and the Reds will be back to training on Wednesday as they prepare to face a very good Brooklyn Italians team on Saturday June 20^th in New York.

Article written by Reds reporter Servi Barrientos
To read Barrientos’ blog Click Here

To learn more about the Rhode Island Reds visit www.RIRedsFC.com

 

Hi Neighbor! Reds Partner with Narragansett Beer

The Rhode Island Reds would like to announce the partnership between Narragansett Beer for the remainder of the 2015 season.

“We are thrilled to have Narragansett on board with us and are excited by their commitment to grow the sport in this state. You can’t get much more of an iconic brand in Rhode Island than Narragansett, so to have them associated with us is a step in the right direction. We are confident that they will ”
– Jonathan Fonseca, Reds President

Narragansett will be sponsoring the Reds player of the game as well as provide raffle packs for Reds home games and events.

“We have put a big focus on cementing our place as Rhode Islands soccer team and this is the first in many major announcements to come. This next year is going to be action packed for all of us as we look to grow the game in Rhode Island and hopefully Narragansett will be a big part in that.”
– Jonathan Fonseca, Reds President

To learn more about the Rhode Island Reds and stay up to date visit our website www.RIRedsFC.com

Visit the NarragansettBeer.com

Reds NPSL Beat Lowell for the Second Time

It was a gorgeous night at Cawley Stadium in Lowell, Massachusetts as the Reds took on Lowell United for the second and final time in the 2015 season. After a two game slump losing to the Seacoast Phantoms and the Brooklyn Italians, the Reds were determined to get the win against their bitter rivals.

The Reds began play much smoother than in all of their previous games and looked as if they were all playing for the badge on their jersey. Thrusting forward the Reds were attacking wave after wave but could not find the final killer ball. Then from a freekick, breakout first year player RJ Aprile gave the Reds the lead. The ball dipped and swerved past the Lowell keeper, a truly unbeatable shot that gave Aprile his first goal of the season and the Reds a confidence boost. Lowell managed to come back and tie the game due to a moment of confusion between the defense. It would be the only time the Reds lost their concentration in the game as defender Josh Jess forced the defense to step up and not give away any balls.

Throughout the second half the Reds continued to pile on the pressure but still could not find the back of the net. Lowell did have a few opportunities but nothing could phase the solid defensive line or keeper Aidan Abolfazil. As the Reds surged forward looking for a second goal, defender Casey Hamill lofted a perfect cross into the box. Second year forward Komla “Fabrice” Dobbey rose to the ball and cooly headed it into the back of the net. It was now 2-1 Reds with only a couple of minutes left to play. Nothing more came from the Lowell attack and after some more attempts on goal by the Reds the game was over. You could see the relief and enthusiasm on the face of Head Coach Kabba Joof and all the players. They were now back on track.

Head to Head Match-Up
Reds 3 wins
Lowell 1 win

The next Reds NPSL home game is against Seacoast Mariners on June 12. Click here for the full schedule.

www.riredsfc.com

Reds Women Searching For a Win

The 2015 season saw the Reds WPSL team move to a different division, a division notorious for being one of the toughest in the WPSL. The Northeast Division of the WPSL features top D1 soccer players as well as a slew of internationals. A lot of the women in the division will go on to appear for their respective national teams.

The tougher division is definitely taking its toll on the young Reds team as they have conceded 23 goals in 4 games. However it hasn’t been all bad news for the women as they have managed to score 7 goals, 5 of them scored by second year forward Mariah Gonzalez. The Reds being mostly comprised of local talent sprinkled with college players are beginning to find their footing in the league and match the pace of their counterparts.

With six games remaining, the Reds are looking to grab their first win of the season and give themselves a solid platform for next year.

Comes see a game. Click here for the schedule

www.riredsfc.com

Reds Down Lowell to Start Season With a Win!

Reds Celebrate Yeboah’s Fantastic Goal. Photo credit: Non League America

It was a foggy night that saw two rivals go head to head. For the Reds it was the first game of the season and the first time many of the players stepped on the same filed. Never the less, the Reds were eager to get the season underway against a team that had been practicing since the winter. Lowell losing to the New York Athletic Club the week before by a scoreline of 4-0 were eager to get a win.

1st Half
With the sound of the whistle Lowell began taking the game to the Reds. The new central defensive pairing of Josh Jess and Pedro Alves were forced to come up big in the opening minutes. Quickly the Reds began to find their legs in the game and the tide began to change. In the 7th minute new Reds player Richard Aprile launched Wilfred Ghanyea with a beautiful through ball. Both Ghanyea and the Lowell keeper were making a run for the ball when Ghanyea attempted to poke the ball past the keeper. Unfortunately things did not work out for the midfielder and he collided with the Lowell keeper causing the referee to produce a yellow card. Both teams had chances from that point on with the Reds looking more likely to score. Reds all-time leading goal scorer Dallas Donovan had a few opportunities on net but could not get them to punch the back of the net. In the 43rd minute Lowell defender Olf Leyinda-Mouyaka was shown red after he took down Reds player Dallas Donovan who was on a breakaway. Halftime.

2nd Half
The second half began with the eventual goal scorer and former Lowell player Bernard Yeboah coming in for Wilfred Ghanyea. Yeboah brought with him a spark to the team crossing up the Lowell defense left and right. It was only a matter of time before a goal was to come. 10 man Lowell continued to create chances and test the Reds rookie goalkeeper Alex Padilla. Then in the 70th minute Bernard Yeboah took the ball down the right side of the field. Two Lowell defenders immediately crowded Yeboah but there was only one thing on his mind, putting the ball into the net. Yeboah showed off his footwork skills juking past the two defenders causing one of them to fall down. Now with a great angle, Yeboah calmly and easily toe poked the ball past the Lowell keeper making it 1-0 Reds! The Reds players went crazy with enthusiasm as Yeboah made it know that he is now a Rhode Island Red. The game was far from over as Lowell were determined not to let their former player be the deciding factor in the game. Lowell punched forward and forced Alex Padilla to make a point blank save from a Lowell header. Padilla knew that these next 30 minutes were all his and he was going to keep the clean sheet. The Lowell players began to get chippy but the cool heads of the Reds players prevailed as they continued to create chances. With the game coming to an end and Lowell desperate for a tie they pulled their goalie for a corner kick. Nothing came of it and the game ended with the Reds heads held high. It was the first win of the season, a home win, and the first time these players met each other.

Reds Players
GK: Alex Padilla, D: Pedro Alves, D: Josh Jess, D: Issifou Kankarfou, D: Ivan Boaventura (61′ Casey Hamill), M: Richard Aprile (90′ John Lochhead), M: Joshua Butler, M: Brajan Huyke, M: Jason Garcia (67′ Tyler Peckham), M: Wilfred Ghanyea (45′ Bernard Yeboah), F: Dallas Donovan (84′ Edgar Lopez)

Unused Subs:
GK: Jonathan Anderson, D: Raniel Isaac

Goal Scorer: Bernard Yeboah

Rhode Island Legends: Billy Gonsalves

For those of you who follow the Reds, you might have noticed the name Billy Gonsalves before. Each year starting in 2014 the Reds hold the Billy Gonsalves Memorial Cup, which is designed to showcase top amateur talent in the state. But who is Billy Gonsalves and what did he mean to soccer?

Born Adelino William Gonsalves on August 10, 1908 in Portsmouth, RI. His parents, Augustine and Rose, moved to the United States from the Portuguese island of Madeira. Although soccer was the sport that captivated Gonsalves, he was also an amateur boxer and baseball player. He was given the nickname “Billy” by the Scottish and English players he would share the field with.

At the age of 14 Gonsalves began his career in soccer and quickly became known for his cannon-like shot. It took very little time for Gonsalves to establish himself at the semiprofessional level and lead his team to Boston and District League titles in 1927.

At the age of 19 Gonsalves signed a professional contract with the Boston Wonder Workers of the American Soccer League, the top division at the time. The signing of a 19-year-old was met by a lot of skepticism but Gonsalves quickly silenced the doubters,  scoring a goal within two minutes of his debut on Christmas Eve. Gonsalves would go on to score six goals in 20 regular season appearances with Boston that year, including a two-goal game versus Providence. Playing alongside some of the top talent in the world allowed the young Gonsalves to hone his skills. He quickly became known as a playmaker in an era where assists were not recorded.

In the 1828-1929 season, Gonsalves continued to improve, scoring 10 goals while appearing in 32 matches. On November 19, 1928, Billy netted the first hat-trick of his professional career, in a 5-2 win over Brooklyn. Although Gonsalves was improving, the team was in a downward spiral. As a result, the Wonder Workers’ management decided to clean house. At the end of the 1928-29 season Gonsalves was transferred, to the powerful Fall River Marksmen.

At the Marksmen Gonsalves was paired with Bert Patenaude, to form what would be the most lethal American scoring tandem ever seen. During a truncated fall season, Gonsalves scored 14 goals, and assisted on many of Patenaude’s 25 while leading Fall River to a championship.

In late 1929 the American Soccer league and the United States Soccer Federation were in a head to head battle causing a new league to form. The Fall River Marksmen along with Billy Gonsalves joined the Atlantic Coast League where they established themselves as the best club, going 19-1-7 and claiming another division title. Gonsalves had his best season to date, scoring 22 goals. The Fall River Marksmen also went on to win the U.S. Open Cup in 1930 with Gonsalves playing a large part in the championship.

At the end of the Atlantic Coast League’s schedule, Gonsalves made his way to Uruguay where he would represent the United States in the first World Cup.

When Gonsalves returned to the USA he would learn how quickly professional soccer was taking a turn to the worst with the Great Depression looming. In the 1931 season the owner of the Fall River Marksmen moved the team to New York. Gonsalves netted another 10 goals that year and guided the team to a U.S. Open Cup victory.

At the end of the season the team was moved again, this time to New Bedford. Gonsalves went on to score 10 more goals and secured another division title. In 1932 Gonsalves would add yet another U.S. Open Cup to his collection with the New Bedford Whalers. After winning the cup, Gonsalves decided to leave the team and join the newly reconstructed Fall River Football Club where he would win another division title. The league however ceased to exist after a short season and Gonsalves would find himself as a free agent.

Gonsalves would move to St. Louis to join the Stix, Baer & Fuller Club. He would add two more U.S. Open Cups to his trophy cabinet in 1933 and 1934.

After winning the 1934 U.S. Open Cup, Gonsalves again joined the U.S. National Team during the 1934 World Cup. After upsetting Mexico 4-2 in the opener, the Americans drew the powerful host club, Italy, for its second match. Even though the U.S. was beaten by the Azzuri 7-1, Gonsalves was impressive, and received several offers from professional Italian teams. However, Gonsalves elected to return home.

Gonsalves joined a different St. Louis team in his return home and won his sixth straight U.S. Open Cup. Although Gonsalves would reach the U.S. Open Cup final the following year (1937) the team would not win. After the loss Gonsalves would move to the Chicago Manhattan Beer Club where he would lead the team to the 1939 U.S. Open Cup final, however the team would not win.

In 1942 Gonsalves joined Brooklyn Hispano, where he would close his “major league” career. Gonsalves’ abilities improved the play of all those around him, and Brooklyn won both the league and the U.S. Open Cup in 1943. Brooklyn would repeat as U.S. Open Cup champions in 1944, and would go on to win the ASL’s Lewis Cup in 1946.

After the 1946-47 season, Billy retired from ASL soccer, and signed on as player-coach of the German-American Soccer League’s Newark club. Billy stayed with that club until 1952, and remained in the Newark area until his death in Kearny, New Jersey on July 17, 1977.

Gonsalves was a member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of 1950.

Check out more Rhode Island Legends at www.RIRedsFC.com