Rhode Island FC's Grant Stoneman reaches 150 USL Championship appearances

Grant Stoneman reached his 150th USL Championship regular-season appearance in Rhode Island FC’s 1-1 draw with Orange County SC on July 4 at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, a marker that underscored how quickly he has become one of the club’s most trusted veterans. On a warm, rainy Independence Day, Rhode Island FC controlled the first half by outshooting Orange County SC 9-1, but the match still finished with the teams splitting points.

For Rhode Island FC, the milestone says as much about stability as it does about longevity. The club said the 30-year-old center back is entering his seventh USL Championship season and third with Rhode Island FC in 2026, after signing on November 14, 2023. In a league where rosters can change fast, Stoneman has given Rhode Island a dependable presence in the middle of the back line, and the timing of his 150th appearance fit the club’s own view of his role: a veteran who has been part of its core from the start.

Khano Smith, Rhode Island FC’s head coach and general manager, has described Stoneman as “an important part of our club and a proven leader since day one,” adding that he brings “consistency and poise” and gives the back line stability. That reputation was reinforced during Rhode Island’s inaugural 2024 season, when Stoneman helped anchor the run to the USL Championship Eastern Conference title and played every match in the 2024 playoffs. The club extended his contract on June 18, 2025, keeping a defender whose value has been measured as much in organization and communication as in tackles or clearances.

His numbers in Rhode Island back up the reputation. Stoneman has made 49 appearances across all competitions for the club in his first two seasons, including 25 appearances and 1,508 minutes in 2025 and 24 appearances and 1,807 minutes in 2024. He has also produced one goal, one assist and 143 clearances in that span. Before arriving in Rhode Island, he spent four seasons with San Diego Loyal SC, where he started 93 of 99 regular-season matches and became the club’s all-time leader in regular-season minutes with 7,928. He also played for Lansing Ignite FC and Chicago FC United, a path that helps explain why 150 USL Championship appearances now reads like the résumé of a defender built for the league’s grind.