In a tense season opener within the United Soccer League, Reggae Boy Romario Williams made an impactful debut for his new membership, Hartford Athletic, scoring the decisive objective in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over El Paso Locomotive.
The match, held at Southwest College Park, noticed Williams make his mark early on. Within the fifth minute, he narrowly missed the goal with a curled shot from 19 yards out. Nevertheless, his alternative to shine got here simply minutes later.
Within the thirteenth minute, Williams capitalized on a defensive lapse from El Paso. After Jay Chapman performed a well-weighted ball excessive from midfield, Williams surged into the field. He was initially introduced down by defender Bolu Akinyode however rapidly regained his footing, solely to be fouled once more by Akinyode, leading to a penalty.
Williams, displaying composure below strain, confidently dispatched the penalty previous his Jamaican compatriot and El Paso goalkeeper Jahmali Waite, giving Hartford the lead.
Hartford practically prolonged their benefit
Shortly thereafter, Hartford practically prolonged their benefit when Williams arrange Michee Ngalina within the six-yard field, however the probability went abegging as Ngalina did not convert from shut vary.
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El Paso responded with a collection of attacking strikes, however the Hartford protection held agency. Regardless of El Paso’s efforts, they had been unable to seek out an equalizer, with a 58th-minute strike by Justin Dhillon dominated out for offside.
In the end, Hartford secured an important victory of their season opener, with Williams’ objective proving to be the difference-maker. The workforce will look to construct on this constructive begin as they face Birmingham Legion FC of their subsequent fixture on March 23 at Trinity Well being Stadium.
