Duo recognized after making club history with first victory in Las Vegas
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (April 23, 2024) – Rhode Island FC defender Stephen Turnbull and Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith have been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week following the club’s historic first-ever victory Saturday night at Las Vegas Lights FC. With the 26-year-old scoring the opening goal of the match and Smith’s leadership at the forefront of the 2-1 win, both individuals proved to be deserving of the honor.
For Smith, who was named Rhode Island FC Head Coach and General Manager on March 8, 2023, the victory was his first-ever as a head coach in the USL Championship. The former Bermuda National Team captain and New England Revolution winger’s leadership and experience has proven to be invaluable in the Ocean State’s inaugural campaign. After four draws in RIFC’s first five matches, Smith wisely managed his personnel and tactics to check off another milestone achievement in Las Vegas. The match capped off a demanding week that saw RIFC travel from Rhode Island to Charlotte to Las Vegas to compete in three matches over eight days. Smith has instilled a team-first mentality with his squad as the USSF Pro License holder continues to create a winning culture on and off the pitch.
Contributing one goal and two chances created while also winning six of seven ground duels and two of three tackles, Turnbull was a major factor against Las Vegas. The Holtsville, New York native’s most impactful effort came midway through the first half. After Albert Dikwa “Chico” took advantage of an interception to send Noah Fuson streaking down the left wing, Fuson carried the ball towards the goal line and cut back a cross into the box that found Turnbull. The defender slammed his first career USL Championship goal into the back of the net to give RIFC a 1-0 lead.
Turnbull continued to make his presence felt throughout the match and made another critical contribution at the end of the first half. Cutting into the right side of the box, Turnbull set up a close-range attempt for Chico, who’s attempt was blocked. The rebound landed at the feet of Fuson, who powered the ball past Las Vegas goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena for what would end up being the match-winner.
Turnbull and Smith are the fifth and sixth Rhode Island FC honorees named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week in 2024:
| WEEK | DATE | NAME | HONOR |
| 2 | March 19 | Clay Holstad | Team of the Week |
| 3 | March 26 | Albert Dikwa | Team of the Week |
| 5 | April 9 | Jackson Lee | Team of the Week |
| 6 | April 16 | Jackson Lee | Team of the Week |
| 7 | April 23 | Khano Smith | Coach of the Week |
| 7 | April 23 | Stephen Turnbull | Team of the Week |
Rhode Island FC returns to USL Championship action on Friday, April 26 (7:30 p.m. ET) when the club returns home to Beirne Stadium to take on reigning USL Championship title winners Phoenix Rising FC as the club aims to claim its first home victory in front of the fanbase. Tickets to the next home match are available now at rhodeislandfc.com/tickets.