PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Two early strikes with JJ Williams of Rhode Island FC picking up a goal and an assist lifted the club to a 2-0 victory over Hartford Athletic in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
· Rhode Island FC pushed the pace early, resulting in a corner kick in the 12th minute. Off of the corner, Williams headed the ball back across the box to Aldair Sanchez who punted the rock into the goal to give the hosts a 1-0 edge.
· Off of an ensuing corner kick, Rhode Island FC was able to double their lead as Williams headed the ball just barely over the goal line off of a launch from the corner in the 30th minute.
· After taking back much of possession in the second half, Hartford nearly cut the deficit to one in the 78th minute as Sebastian Anderson sent a shot cross-crease that ricochetted off of a Rhode Island FC defender, keeping the host’s shutout bid alive.
· Rhode Island FC had a handful of grade-A chances in the late going to push their lead to three but Enzo Carvalho stood tall between the pipes for Hartford who ultimately fell 2-0 in full time.
NOTEWORTHY
· Rhode Island FC owned advantages in shots on goal (4-2) and corner kicks (4-1). However, Hartford owned the edge in possession (58.6%-41.4%).
SERIES NOTES
· The two teams have tied three times in six all-time meetings between the two clubs.
NEXT UP
· Hartford Athletic hops back into United Soccer League Championship play on Saturday, April 4th against Miami FC. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m.
For the latest on the Hartford Athletic, follow the club via social media on ‘X’, Facebook, and Instagram @hfdathletic.
