Parfitt Scores & Smith's Rhode Island out of US Open Cup
IslandStats.com
A tale of two Bermudian footballing stories unfolded on the European and North American stages. While Djair Parfitt celebrated a goal and a comfortable cup victory with his FC Haka teammates in Finland, Khano Smith's journey in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with Rhode Island FC came to a heartbreaking end.
Parfitt on Target in Finnish Cup Rout
Djair Parfitt was on the scoresheet as his FC Haka side emphatically progressed to the next round of the Finnish Cup with a dominant 4-0 away victory over Huima/Urho. Haka, who fielded a significantly altered lineup, controlled the match from the outset.
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute, and it was the Bermudian international Parfitt who opened the scoring. Following an Elías Romero corner kick into the back post area, Nikolas Talo headed the ball down into a dangerous position in front of the goal, and Parfitt was well-placed to direct it into the net, giving Haka a deserved lead.
The experienced Kalle Multanen then took centre stage, effectively deciding the tie before half-time with a clinical hat-trick. His three goals left the home side with a mountain to climb, and ultimately, no way back into the contest, ensuring Parfitt and FC Haka booked their place in the next round against Äänekoski in commanding fashion.
Smith's Cup Run Ends in Late Heartbreak
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Khano Smith's Rhode Island FC saw their promising run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup cruelly ended by Major League Soccer side New England Revolution. Despite a resilient second-half performance, Rhode Island fell to a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat, conceding a late winner.
Playing at their home ground, Centreville Bank Stadium, Rhode Island showed great spirit after going behind. They found an equaliser early in the second half when Maxi Rodriguez scored the club's first-ever goal at the stadium, bringing the vocal home crowd to life.
However, despite their determined efforts to force extra time, the Revolution had the final say. With just two minutes of regulation time remaining, the MLS outfit struck the decisive blow, snatching a 2-1 victory and bringing Smith's Rhode Island FC's cup journey to a disappointing conclusion. While the result will sting, Smith can take pride in leading his side to a competitive showing against top-tier opposition.
