Ryhan Stewart’s goal secures FK Riteriai’s first win in over two months

In the final match of Round 16 in the Lithuanian A Lyga, FK Riteriai ended their six-game losing streak with a narrow 1–0 victory over FA Šiauliai. The winning goal came early in the second half and was scored by Singaporean international defender Ryhan Stewart.

This marked Riteriai’s first league win in over two months—their last coming in the 6th round against FK Banga Gargždai. Since then, Nikola Vitorović’s team had gone winless with a (0-2-7) record. FA Šiauliai, on the other hand, had been unbeaten in three games, including a scoreless draw against champions FK Žalgiris and a successful advancement to the Lithuanian Cup quarterfinals.

It was the third official meeting between the two sides this season. Earlier in the campaign, within a two-week span, they played to a 2–2 league draw—when Riteriai erased a two-goal deficit late on thanks to Axel Galita. However, just 13 days later, Šiauliai knocked Riteriai out of the Lithuanian Cup with a 2–1 victory.

Šiauliai were without 29-year-old midfielder Domantas Šimkus, who recently transferred to Maltese champions. His place in the starting lineup was taken by Martynas Dapkus, making his first appearance since May 11.

Šiauliai started the match aggressively, testing Riteriai’s young 17-year-old goalkeeper Arnas Šankin. However, Riteriai responded with intent. Kaušinis nearly capitalized on a defensive error in a one-on-one, and further efforts from Latvyš and Kaulinis forced Baliutavičius into action. Despite chances on both ends, the first half ended goalless.

Riteriai’s persistence paid off just three minutes into the second half. Stewart received the ball inside the box, controlled it well, and finished calmly with his left foot to give Riteriai the lead.

Šiauliai pushed for an equalizer but struggled to break through Riteriai’s disciplined defense. The visitors were limited to long-range efforts that posed little danger, and the Riteriai defense remained solid until the final whistle.

With this much-needed win, Riteriai remain in ninth place but create a slight gap over bottom-side Dainava Alytus. Šiauliai, despite the defeat, hold onto fourth place with 25 points.

FK Riteriai vs FA Šiauliai – 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Stewart 48′
RIT: Šankin, Stewart, Stankevičius, Stanulevičus, Latvyš, Mulahalilovic (Gumbaravičius 90+3′), Fernandez, Civilka (Usavičius 83′), Šveistrys, Kaulinis (Rimpa 76′), Mikulenas (Alekna 76′ Galita 90+3′)
ŠIA: Baliutavičius, Mandic, Gašpuitis, Dapkus, Sadzoute, Komissarov (Kubilinskas 59′), Zebrauskas (Jaseliunas 81′), Micevičius, Romanovskij, Šesplaukis, Djokic

A Lyga Matchday 16 games:

• 19.06.2025 – FK Paņevežys vs DFK Dainava Alytus – 2:0
• 19.06.2025 – FK Sūduva vs FK Žalgiris – 2:2
• 19.06.2025 – Džiugas Telšiai vs FK Banga Gargždai – 0:1
• 19.06.2025 – FK Riteriai vs FA Šiauliai – 1:0
• 19.06.2025 – FC Hegelmann vs FK Kauno Žalgiris – 1:2