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Rhode Island FC signs USL MVP Albert Dikwa to multiyear deal

Jacob Rousseau, Providence Journal
·1 min read

Rhode Island FC is already making waves in the United States Soccer League.

The club, which is to debut in March, landed free agent Albert Dikwa, the USL’s reigning MVP, a source close to the team said on Thursday. The signing will be formally announced on Friday.

New England Revolution midfielder Jack Panayotou and then-Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC forward Albert Dikwa battle for the ball during a game in May at Gillette Stadium.
New England Revolution midfielder Jack Panayotou and then-Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC forward Albert Dikwa battle for the ball during a game in May at Gillette Stadium.

The 6-foot-1-inch, 185-pound forward scored 20 goals in 28 games to win the league’s Golden Boot award last season for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which had the best overall record in the USL Championship.

Then-Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC forward Albert Dikwa stands during the national anthem before a game in Cincinnati in June.
Then-Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC forward Albert Dikwa stands during the national anthem before a game in Cincinnati in June.

The 26-year-old, who hails from Cameroon, signed a multiyear agreement with the club, pending league and federation approval, after accounting for 40% of Pittsburgh’s goals last year. Dikwa also scored 11 times in 35 games in 2022.

The signing marks the 17th overall for RIFC and fourth of 2024. The club's first signing was goalkeeper Koke Vegas, which was announced in November.

RIFC is scheduled to open the 2024 season at home against New Mexico United on March 16. All home games will be played at Beirne Stadium on the campus of Bryant University.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island FC signs USL MVP