Rhode Island head coach Khano Smith is eyeing victory away against North Carolina in the USL Championship Eastern Conference semi-finals today.

Rhode Island defeated Charleston Battery 5-3 on penalties in the previous round after the match concluded 0-0 in regulation time.

As his players gear up for North Carolina, a side they played to a goalless draw with on October 18, the Bermudian is targeting victory this time around.

“We were pleased to advance versus a very good Charleston Battery team,” Smith told The Royal Gazette.

“It was a full group event in a very difficult game and every player played their part.

“We have been preparing for North Carolina as we normally would. We have had a pretty normal week. We played them three weeks ago, so it helps our preparations to have that match as a reference.

“All players are fit for the most part. Our approach hasn’t changed — we go into every game doing our best to try and win.”

Last year, in their maiden season in the USL, Smith guided Rhode Island to an historic run to the USL Championship final, where they went down 3-0 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Meanwhile, glory beckons today for six Bermudian footballers at Thomas College.

Cody Robinson, Tre Burgess, Stefan Simmons, Justin Sukdeo, Adio DeShield-Tankard and T'syi Showers, face Suny Delhi at home in the North Atlantic Conference Championship final.

Showers, one of the scorers in the 3-1 semi-final triumph over Maine Maritime Academy Mariners last Saturday, was elated to contribute to the team’s success.

“It was a great feeling to help the team get one step closer to our goal,” the 21-year-old said.

“I’ve been putting in the hard work at training. The team look sharp and I feel we are ready.”

Burgess, who is on the verge of his second consecutive NAC title with Thomas College, is delighted to be playing the final on home turf.

“It feels amazing playing in another final, as the expectations were very high,” the 20-year-old said.

“We’re back where we wanted to be from last year and this time will be playing at home, so the support will definitely be there.

“I feel great about my contribution playing every game; that's a dream for any player. It's taken a lot of hard work and responsibility.”

Showers has played three finals at home with PHC, winning two.

“It’s a new location and new team but ultimately it’s the same goal and requires the same focus to get the job done,” the two-times Friendship Trophy winner said.

“Back home, I’ve won trophies before so I know how it feels to be in this situation.”