April 20, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release
Hartford Athletic were unable to complete a come-from-behind effort after a first half equalizer, falling to San Antonio FC 3-1.
San Antonio struck first in tonight’s match, finding the back of the net on their first shot of the match in the seventh minute. Patient build up play created space for Lucas Silva to fire a cross into the box, and Matchup Chol headed the ball with pace down and past Paul Walters to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The goal was the earliest that Hartford have conceded this season.
Hartford weathered the early storm from San Antonio, bringing themselves level in the 28th minute. Michee Ngalina sent a teardrop pass over the midline to a streaking Marcus Epps, who raced into the box and beat Pablo Sisniega to the bottom right corner of the net.
Tied 1-1, the final 15 minutes saw no true scoring threats for either team. San Anotonio took seven more shots, but only one forced a save from Paul Walters. The match became increasingly more physical, as 14 fouls were given out in the opening 45 minutes.
Hartford had the first scoring chance of the second half in the 62nd minute. Deshane Beckford made a quality run up the left side and into the box, then centered the ball for Romario Williams. The striker took a touch to his left, but the San Antonio back line quickly swarmed the ball and Williams’ shot was blocked by Trova Boni. The visitors took command of the match from this point on, taking four more shots before benefitting from a Hartford own goal in the 78th minute. Shannon Gomez played a cross into the six-yard box that Joey Akpunonu headed his clearing attempt down and past Walters to give the opposition a 2-1 lead.
San Antonio applied the final blow after Kameron Lacey drew a penalty on Joe Farrell in the box. Luis Solignac took the PK in the 85th minute and beat Walters to the bottom left side. Hartford couldn’t find an answer over the final minutes, and San Antonio took the 3-1 win.
Epps’ goal was his first of the season and Deshane Beckford had another active match for Athletic, recording four shots. Paul Walters made three saves. Hartford Athletic fall to 3-2-0, and hit the road for matchups with Louisville City FC on April 27th, and Charleston Battery on May 4th. They return home on May 11th against Colorado Springs.
FAST STATS
Shots (On-Target): Hartford 13 (5) San Antonio 18 (5)
Corners: Hartford 4 San Antonio 5
Fouls: Hartford 11 San Antonio…