Rhode Island FC edged Loudoun United FC 1–0 in a USL Championship clash on Wednesday night, with Nicholas Scardina's early strike proving the difference.

It took just three minutes for Rhode Island to find the breakthrough. Hugo Bacharach picked out Scardina, who finished to give the hosts a lead before Loudoun had time to settle. From there, Rhode Island controlled much of the first half without adding to their advantage.

The second half grew increasingly fractious. Loudoun's James Murphy was cautioned in the 59th minute, and Rhode Island midfielder Yutaro Tsukada followed two minutes later with a yellow of his own. Tsukada then picked up a second booking in the 78th minute, leaving Rhode Island to see out the final stretch with ten men.

Loudoun sensed an opportunity but couldn't capitalize. Abdellatif Aboukoura was booked in the 81st minute, and Pacifique Niyongabire joined him in the referee's notebook five minutes later as frustration mounted for the visitors. Despite their numerical advantage, Loudoun failed to create enough to trouble Rhode Island's backline, and the hosts held firm through the closing minutes.

The scrappy nature of the final half-hour — five yellows were shown across both sides after the break — underlined the intensity of a match that mattered for both clubs at this stage of the season.

The result strengthens Rhode Island FC's position in the standings as the USL Championship season enters its final weeks, while Loudoun United's struggles on the road continued.