With Rhode Island FC holding a 1-0 lead after an early goal in Matchday 19, Karifa Yao prevented a potential tying goal by marking back and clearing a cut-back pass in the 6-yard box in the 24th minute against Birmingham Legion. Yao played the full 90 minutes in central defense blocking 1 shot and compiling 10 clearances on the night as RIFC secured the 3-1 victory.