HARTFORD, Conn. – Thanks to a goal and an assist from Emmanuel Samadia, Hartford Athletic battled back to top regional rival Rhode Island FC by a 2-1 score in each club’s final United Soccer League Championship regular season contest, respectively.
Hartford finishes the regular season with a 10-7-13 (W-L-D) overall mark in league play, officially finishing in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Rhode Island FC caps their regular season with a 12-12-6 overall mark.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Rhode Island FC opened the scoring in the 25th minute as a corner kick from Jojea Kwizera ricochetted off the backside of Karifa Yao, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.
- The two sides battled physically neck-and-neck heading in into the break with three corner kick tries aside.
- Hartford found the tying tally in the 68th minute as Samadia sent a long pass towards the box to Sadat Anaku, who headed home the rock to tie the score at one-all.
- In the 78th minute, Athletic took their first lead of the night as Samuel Careaga fed Samadia high above the box with Samadia then firing a long shot that rippled twine, giving the hosts a 2-1 edge.
- Hartford stood pat to hold on for a 2-1 win with a 2-1 edge in shots on goal and a 4-3 edge on corner kicks.
SERIES NOTES
- Tonight marked the ninth all-time meeting between the two sides.
NEXT UP
- Hartford turns their attention to the first round of the USL Championship playoffs, kicking off next Friday, October 30th, at Detroit City FC.
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