Veteran defender becomes second RIFC player to earn postseason accolade
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (Nov. 10, 2026) – Rhode Island FC announced today that defender Frank Nodarse has been named to the 2026 USL Championship All-League Second Team. The veteran defender had a standout season in his third campaign with the Ocean State club, becoming the second player in club history to earn postseason recognition behind Noah Fuson (2024).
Nodarse anchored Rhode Island FC’s back line in 2026, making 32 starts in 36 appearances across all competitions. He was the only player to appear in all 30 regular-season games for the club and finished second with 28 regular-season starts, playing 90 minutes in all but four games. Through 30 regular-season games, Nodarse led the team with 1,070 completed passes, 130 clearances, 22 blocks and 49 interceptions.
“Frank has been a critical piece of our squad from the very beginning, and was a reliable and consistent defender for us all season,” said Rhode Island FC Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith. “He is incredibly deserving of this honor, and we are extremely proud of his development throughout the season.”
The dynamic defender showed versatility all season, playing a critical role in advancing from defense to attack. Nodarse leads all RIFC defenders and ranks sixth all-time with nine career goals, netting a crucial game-winner vs. Hartford Athletic on July 18 to lift RIFC above the playoff line en route to its third-straight playoff berth.
Nodarse also led RIFC with five selections to the USL Championship Team of the Week in 2026, most recently earning the honor in Week 31 after leading RIFC to back-to-back victories vs. Indy Eleven (1-0) and Brooklyn FC (3-1) that clinched RIFC’s spot in the postseason. Nodarse’s five selections marked a career high, bringing his total to eight with RIFC.
Nodarse has been a regular presence for the Ocean State club since its inception, and is the club’s all-time leader with 97 starts, 3,036 complete passes and 128 interceptions. He also ranks second all-time in appearances (107) and minutes (8,492), becoming the second player in club history to reach 100 appearances in Amber and Blue on Sept. 26. Across three seasons, Nodarse has missed just 11 of the club’s 118 games across all competitions.
Roster announcements and further team updates will be made in the coming weeks as Rhode Island FC prepares for its fourth USL Championship season in 2027. To stay up-to-date with Rhode Island FC news, visit rhodeislandfc.com, subscribe to RIFC’s monthly newsletter, follow the club on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, X and LinkedIn, and download the official team app.
