It's Open Cup Night Y'all

RIFC head up to Lewiston to take on Portland Hearts of Pine

Author

Ryan Healey
April 15, 2025

RIFC are BACK in America’s oldest soccer competition tonight, facing the Portland Hearts of Pine in the third round of the Us Open Cup. As some of you will recall, Portland advanced to this round by defeating none other than H*rtford Athletic in PKs. You love to see it.

I’m incredibly excited about this one. Since their launch, I’ve been openly very complimentary of basically everything Portland has done. Their branding, their kits, the marketing around the team. Just 10/10 so far. But, that all gets put to the side Tuesday night.

Last year, RIFC had a disappointing showing in the cup, losing in their first match against League One side Charlotte Independence. With The Tide moving to Pawtucket this season, it’s only right that they make a run in the competition originally hosted in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

All I know is that I can’t wait to finally see the 2025 incarnation of this team in person. There’s going to be a strong Rhode Island contingent in Lewiston and I can’t wait to make a hell of a lot of noise with you all.

Watch Parties

For those of you making the trip to the match, The Defiance will be joining the Dirigo Union for a Pregame Boogie at Craft Brew Underground starting at 4. As we always say on the Away End, we’re enemies during the 90 minutes on the pitch but party together before and after.

For those of you who are holding down the fort, The Defiance will be at The Guild, per usual. Get over there to cheer on the boys.

To The Content:

Matt Hands is back to preview this one. Honestly an incredibly bold move to attempt to predict the eleven for this one. It could be anyone out there

The Prematch Lookout: Portland Hearts of Pine vs RIFC - 4/15/2025 - Tide Talk

After a 10 day break, RIFC are back at it on Tuesday night for a meeting with Portland Hearts of Pine in the US Open Cup. With a strong contingent of RIFC fans heading up to Lewiston, it’s shaping up to be a brilliant day out. But what about on the field? RIFC are coming […]

tidetalkri.com/2025/04/14/the-prematch-lookout-portland-hearts-of-pine-vs-rifc-4-15-2025

The 🐐 doesn’t take tournament time off. Give the Pre Match Essentials an 🔼 

Pre-Match Essentials | U.S. Open Cup Third Round | Rhode Island FC @ Portland Hearts of Pine | Tue Apr 15, 2025 | 7 PM ET

The U.S. Open Cup holds a special place in the heart of U.S. soccer, embodying the sport's ethos of inclusivity, opportunity, and the chance for underdogs to shine.

www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIslandFC/comments/1jz3hpf/prematch_essentials_us_open_cup_third_round_rhode

Finally, Matt and I were joined by Mitchell from the Dirigo Union to learn more about Hearts of Pine’s inaugural season so far and to preview the match

Up the Tide!

Ryan & the Tide Talk Team