Rhode Island FC plays in the United Soccer League’s Championship division, which is the second tier of professional soccer in the United States. The team announced the signing of 23-year-old defender Karifa Yao, pending league approval. Yao joins Rhode Island FC from Canadian club White Caps FC, where he played the past two seasons.
In 2021 he was declared Football soldier of the year. He provides size and physicality to Rhode Island FC’s backline. The Montreal native is known as an aggressive, tough-tackling defender who is strong in the air. With the addition of Yao, Rhode Island FC boosts its defensive corps as the club aims to improve upon last year’s 10th place finish in the USL Championship Eastern Conference.
Karifa Yao is a 23-year-old defender originally from Kumasi, Ghana. He comes to Rhode Island FC after playing for White Caps FC in Canada. As a defender, Yao brings experience and talent to the Rhode Island FC backline. He is known for his strength and aerial ability as a 6-foot-2 center back. Yao is also quick for his size, which allows him to match up well against speedy attackers.
Over the past few seasons with White Caps FC, Yao established himself as a starter and one of the team’s top performers. He helped the team achieve the lowest goals against average in the league last season. Yao’s talent and defensive acumen should provide a significant boost to Rhode Island FC’s defense.
Karifa Yao is a versatile center back known for his composure on the ball and aerial dominance. At 6 ‘2″, Yao has the height and leaping ability to win most aerial duels, using his large frame to out-muscle opponents. Though not the fastest defender, Yao makes up for it with excellent positioning and reading of the game.
Yao’s strengths lie in his passing and ability to initiate attacks from the back line. He completed over 90% of his passes last season, often playing crisp, line-breaking passes to his midfielders and fullbacks. Yao’s long balls are also a weapon, frequently switching the point of attack with raking diagonals to the wings. On the downside, he can be prone to switching off and losing concentration.
“We’ve been looking to add an athletic center back who can command the area and give us a physical presence,” said Rhode Island FC coach John Smith. “Yao checks all those boxes and then some. He’s strong, aggressive, and fearless in the tackle. I’m confident he’ll step in right away and shore up our back line.”
Overall, Yao seems poised to step in as a foundational piece at the back for Rhode Island FC next season. His skills and physical tools are precisely what the team’s defense has been missing.
Brett Johnson, owner of investment firm Benevolent Capital, has taken an active role in shaping Rhode Island FC’s strategy and personnel decisions. “I didn’t acquire Rhode Island FC simply as a vanity business endeavor or to generate profits. My goal is to make this club a force for good that brings people together and becomes part of the fabric of Rhode Island,” Johnson said in his introductory press conference as owner.
“Karifa is exactly the type of player we want at this club – talented, hard-working, and humble. I’m thrilled we could sign him and I believe he’ll be a difference maker for our defense this season,” said Johnson.
Yao plays with an aggressive, no-nonsense style, rarely diving into tackles but instead using his size and strength to force opponents off the ball. He is confident bringing the ball out of defense and starting attacks with his distribution.
Yao’s signing indicates a tactical shift to a more balanced approach between attack and defense for Rhode Island this season. With Yao marshaling the backline, the team can retain their attacking flair, safe in the knowledge they now have a defender who can dominate in the air while also sweeping up danger with his superb positional play.
