MATTHEWS, N.C. – In the Prinx Tires United Soccer League Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday night, Hartford Athletic used a four-goal onslaught, featuring a first-half brace by Sadat Anaku, to take down Charlotte Independence of USL League One by a 4-2 score.
With the win, Hartford advances to the semifinal of the tournament for the second straight season looking to repeat last season’s Championship run.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Boys in Green broke the ice in the 23rd minute as a tic-tac-toe play in the box ultimately landed at the feet of Anaku, who ripped the rock home to give Hartford the early edge.
- In the 36th minute, Anaku chipped one by the stranded Charlotte goalkeeper to double Athletic’s lead to 2-nil. Adewale Obalola pushed Hartford’s advantage to 3-0 in the 52nd minute, deflecting in a beautiful ball from the edge of the pitch.
- Just 15 minutes later in the 67th minute, Hartford cushioned their lead further to 4-nil as Augi Williams sent home a header to give Athletic their largest lead of the night.
- Charlotte Independence responded twice in the late going, being rewarded on an own goal in the 72nd minute before Reudd Manin reduced the hosts’ lead to 4-2 in the 85th minute.
- Hartford held on for a 4-2 win with a 9-3 advantage in shots on target and a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks.
NOTEWORTHY
- Beverly Makangila became the third player in club history to make 100 appearances across all competitions.
SERIES NOTES
- Tonight marked the seventh all-time meeting between the two clubs and first since 2021.
NEXT UP
- Hartford returns to USL Championship action for the first time at Trinity Health Stadium since early July, taking on Miami FC on Saturday, August 12th, at 7:00 p.m.
For the latest on the Hartford Athletic, follow the club via social media on ‘X’, Facebook, Tik Tok, and Instagram @hfdathletic.
