USL Championship Finals. That’s it. That should really be the full newsletter. But I wouldn’t be doing my duty if I didn’t take up more of our time so that Saturday is here faster.

Rhode Island FC travel to Colorado Springs to take on the Switchbacks at 12pm EST this Saturday. The Tide come into this one in fantastic form, soundly beating the #1 and #2 seeds in all of the USL. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs rides a five match winning streak with just one goal conceded to make it to the Finals. This should be a phenomenal match.

Folks, quite frankly, I’m a mess going into this one. The mix of excitement, grief, joy, love, anxiety and gratitude are doing a number on me. I’ve been constantly reflecting throughout this playoff run knowing that each weekend could be the last that we see of RIFC until next March. Now, we know that for sure.

Writing and podcasting about this team has given me so many things that will go away in a few days time. The rhythm of the podcast and newsletter twice a week. The constant deliberating around next match’s lineup. Worrying about how our next result could impact our standings in the table.

But it has also given me things that will never go away. Friendships, a community and a sense of belonging that has gone far beyond the team or the sport. Thank you to everyone who has spent even one second of their time watching or reading anything we’ve done all season. It’s been such an honor to get to know you all and I can’t wait to celebrate with you all win or lose.

And to the 500 or so of you traveling - be loud, be proud and shower this team in the love they deserve. Vamos, Rhode Island!

Watch Party @ Providence Brewing

We’ll be back at our second home this Saturday. Doors open at 10:30am with the match kicking off at 12pm. There is no live show scheduled but don’t you worry, I have slides locked and loaded in-case that changes.

To the content:

Matt Hands had me on the verge of both tears and running through a brick wall in his last Prematch Lookout of the season. Don’t think, just click.

Patrick the 🐐 gives us a Championship-level final Pre-Match Essentials of the season. Give him one final upvote folks!

I sat down with Ben from the Trailheads to preview this one and get all of the inside info on Colorado Springs, the atmosphere and prepping for altitude (drink your water, travelers!). You’ll be shocked to hear that we had different score predictions.

Up the Tide!

Ryan & the Tide Talk team