Comeback falls just short as Hartford falls to North Carolina FC
Two first-half goals from the home side proved to be too much for Hartford Athletic to overcome as the club lost its first game of the season on Friday night against North Carolina FC. Hartford had kept two clean sheets in the season’s first two matches but were unable to carry that momentum into tonight’s road contest.
In the 26th minute, Beverly Makangila, who made his first start of the season, tried to play a ball into the right flank, but had it deflected by Louis Perez. Oalex Anderson beat him to the ball for a one-on-one heading to goal. Rushing in to defend the play, Hartford midfielder Anderson Asiedu shouldered him in the box and was given a yellow card. Perez slotted home the PK attempt to give North Carolina an early 1-0 lead.
During another North Carolina run, Anderson. got a leading pass in the 35th minute. In an uncontested one-on-one, he shot it into the top right of the goal to double the lead. North Carolina led 2-0 just 36 minutes in and took that lead into halftime.
Hartford generated chances early in the second half and signs were pointing towards a comeback for the visitors, despite being unable to break through. In the 72nd minute, midfielder Jay Chapman stood over a free kick on the left side of the attacking third. Chapman sent what looked to be a cross, but somehow bounced the ball off the post and in for an unlikely goal to cut the lead in half..
Trying to complete the comeback, Hartford nearly found glory once again. After back-and-forth possession for ten minutes, Ngalina got upfield on a chance in the 84th, which was knocked out by Armstrong. Triston Hodge lined up for a corner and sent a cross, which floated right into a deflection by the goalie. The deflection rolled to the feet of Emmanuel Samadia, who shot from outside the top of the box, deflected by a slew of defenders. Ngalina somehow got the ball from defenders again on the left side, crossing it into Mamadou Dieng at full speed, who headed it right off the left post.
In the 92nd after frequent Hartford possessions and chances, Enoch Mushagalusa collected a pass in murky waters just outside of the box. He turned and took a great attempt on goal, curling right into a diving save by McGuire. This would be Hartford’s last attempt at goal, and the comeback fell just short.
Hartford returns to Trinity Health Stadium next Saturday at 2 PM to take on Miami FC. For tickets and more information, visit hartfordathletic.com.
Fast Stats
Shots (On-Target): Hartford 14 (4) North Carolina 15 (4)
Corners: Hartford 6 North Carolina 5
Fouls: Hartford 16 North Carolina 17
Offsides: Hartford 5 North Carolina 4
Possession: Hartford 52.6% North Carolina 47.4%
Passing Accuracy: Hartford 79.5% North Carolina 77.7%
Saves: Hartford 3 North Carolina 3
Disciplinary Summary
Yellows:
Hartford:
Anderson Asiedu 25’
Jay Chapman 31’
Deshane Beckford 69’
North Carolina:
Lamar Batista 44’
Rafael Mentzingen 71’
Michael Maldona 80’
Hartford Athletic Starting Lineup
25 (GK) Paul Walters, 5 (DF) Triston Hodge, 23 (DF) Thomas Vancaeyezeele, 6 (DF) Beverly Makangila, 3 (DF) Joey Akpunonu, 8 (MF) Jay Chapman, 12 (MF) Anderson Asiedu (Ian Shaul 67’), 11 (FW) Michee Ngalina, 7 (FW) Marcus Epps (Enoch Mushagalusa 67’), 31 (FW) Deshane Beckford (Emmanuel Samadia 69’), 9 (FW) Romario Williams (Mamadou Dieng 67’)
North Carolina FC Starting Lineup
1 (GK) Jake McGuire; 7 (DF) Lamar Batista, 2 (DF) Paco Craig (C), 4 (DF) Justin Malou; 42 (DF) Ezra Armstrong, 17 (MF) Collin Martin (Jacori Hayes 86’), 15 (MF) Michael Maldonaldo, 14 (FW) Rafael Mentzingen (Shaft Brewer Jr. 71’); 8 (MF) Louis Perez (Jaden Servania 79’), 16 (MF) Rodrigo Da Costa (Julian Placias 86’), 9 (FW) Oalex Anderson (Evan Conway 71’)
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