Rhode Island FC cruised to a 3–1 victory over Monterey Bay FC on Saturday, with goals from Leonardo Afonso, Hugo Bacharach, and Grant Stoneman sealing a comfortable home win in USL Championship play.

The hosts struck first through Afonso in just the fifth minute, catching Monterey Bay cold early. The visitors responded well, though, and Sebastian Lletget equalized in the 16th minute, finishing off a Paul Gindiri assist to level things at 1–1.

From there, the match turned scrappy. Zackery Farnsworth picked up a yellow for Monterey Bay in the 22nd minute, with Aldair Sanchez booked three minutes later for Rhode Island. Diego Otoya joined Farnsworth in the referee's notebook before halftime, earning a caution in the 42nd minute. The teams went into the break level, but the tone had been set — this one had an edge.

Rhode Island FC regained control in the second half. Quinton Elliot was cautioned in the 59th minute for Monterey Bay, and seven minutes later, Bacharach put the hosts back in front, converting from a Yutaro Tsukada delivery in the 66th minute. Stoneman then put the result beyond doubt in the 83rd minute, making it 3–1 and effectively killing the contest.

The yellow cards kept coming late on. Amos Shapiro-Thompson and Fidel Barajas were both booked within a minute of each other around the 77th mark, while Eric Klein and Wesley Leggett received cautions in stoppage time. Eight yellows in total reflected a match that never settled down, even after the outcome was decided.

The win strengthens Rhode Island FC's position in the standings as the season enters its stretch run.