Rhode Island FC kicked of the 2025 USL Championship campaign in Charleston, losing 2-0 to the Battery in a rematch of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. While the boys in Amber and Blue showed some rust to start the season, Clay Holstad put in a strong performace and completed the most passes in the match with 51 total. Holstad featured at right back instead of his usual midfield position, and played the full 90 minutes and stopped an early goal scoring chance from Charleston with a header off the line.