The little-known lobbyist who brought pro soccer to Rhode Island

From right to left, Peter Baptista, Brett Johnson, Michael Parkhurst, and Dan Kroeber, all members of Rhode Island FC's leadership team, celebrate following the team's victory in the USL Eastern Conference championship. Rhode Island FC

If Rhode Island FC goes on to win the United Soccer League final in its first season on Saturday, there will be plenty of people who get to take a victory lap.

It starts with team chairman Brett Johnson and co-founder Daniel Kroeber, who pieced together the financing to bring Rhode Island FC to the state. Certainly Coach Khano Smith — who has the team in remarkable form after a slow start — deserves much of the credit. And yes, Governor Dan McKee and Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien, who were willing to risk whatever political capital they had to make this project a reality, will be front and center at the parade.