USL Hartford Athletic

Back-To-Back Goals Propel Hartford to 2-1 Win Over New Mexico

Published on August 5, 2023 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


Goals scored three minutes apart by Beverly Makangila and Antoine Hoppenot in the second half of tonight's match gave Hartford a 2-1 win over New Mexico United in front of a sold-out crowd at Trinity Health Stadium.

The action in tonight's match began early when Antoine Hoppenot found the back of the for Hartford in the sixth minute, but the goal was called off due to Andre Lewis being offside earlier in the play. Seven minutes later, New Mexico's Nicky Hernandez scored to give his team the lead. Modesto Méndez headed a cross away from the Hartford goal line and the ball fell to Hernandez, who bounced his shot off a volley up and over the diving Joe Rice.

Hartford nearly tied the game just five minutes after conceding, when Edgardo Rito flew up the right flank and found Antoine Hoppenot in stride. Hoppenot scampered past the charging Alexander Tambakis and tapped his shot into the open goal. However, the goal was wiped out for a second time due to an offsides call.

Joe Rice had an active half, making four saves. He came up with crucial back to back saves to keep Hartford's deficit at one in the 41st minute, denying Amanda Moreno's shot from distance and diving to block Santi Moar's rebound attempt.

Hartford remained down a goal until second half substitute Beverly Makangila unleashed a beautiful strike to equalize for the home side in the 72nd minute. He received a pass from Andre Lewis outside of the New Mexico box, took a touch, and fired a sizzling shot into the top right corner of the net. A highlight-reel goal, bringing a packed Trinity Health Stadium to life. Just two minutes later, Antoine Hoppenot broke loose to chase down a perfect ball from Conor McGlynn in New Mexico's third. Racing to the top of the box, Hoppenot booted his shot low and past the onrushing Tambakis to give Hartford the lead.

The Green and Blue defended well the rest of the way, staving off seven New Mexico shots. The final whistle blew after seven minutes of stoppage time, and Hartford captured an emphatic 2-1 victory.

Hartford Athletic broke their 27-game streak of failing to win when conceding first, a streak dating back to October 14th, 2021 against Loudoun United. That was also the last game that Hartford won when losing at half time.

Defender Modesto Méndez made his first appearance for Hartford tonight, playing all 90 minutes after being acquired on Tuesday. He had a match-high 6 duels won (tied with two players). Daniel Bloyou also made his first appearance for the club, being subbed on in the 63rd minute.

Goalkeeper Joe Rice made six saves tonight, his third straight game doing so.

Hartford Athletic travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Riverhounds next Saturday, August 12th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.

FAST STATS

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 6 (3) New Mexico 18 (7)

Corners: Hartford 7 New Mexico 8

Fouls: Hartford 12 New Mexico 8

Offsides: Hartford 2 New Mexico 2

Possession: Hartford 45.3% New Mexico 54.7%

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 81.9% New Mexico 83.7%

Saves: Hartford 6 New Mexico 1

SCORING SUMMARY:

13' - Hernandez

69' - Makangila (Lewis)

72' - Hoppenot (McGlynn)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

58' - Seymour (Yellow)

87' - Lewis (Yellow)

90' - Lewis (Second Yellow)

90+7' - Rice (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Joe Rice, 5 (DF) Triston Hodge, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn, 2 (DF) Modesto Méndez, 21 (MF) Kembo Kibato (Merrill, 45'); 77 (MF) Andre Lewis, 8 (MF) Juan Pablo Torres (Makangila, 63'); 10 (MF) Danny Barrera (Bloyou, 63'); 72 (DF) Edgardo Rito, 29 (FW) Antoine Hoppenot (Sheldon 82'); 7 (FW) Prince Saydee (Lapert, 90 + 2')

NEW MEXICO STARTING LINEUP:

1 (GK) Alexander Tambakis, 22 (DF) Kalen Ryden, 5 (MF) Josh Suggs, 16 (DF) Will Seymore, 43 (MF) Justin Portillo, 10 (MF) Amando Moreno, 33 (DF) Harry Swartz, 7 (MF) Sergio Rivas, 8 (MF) Nicky Hernandez (Colonna, 88'); 11 (MF) Santi Moar (Reyes, 75'); 25 (FW) Daniel Bruce (Hurst, 75')

Check out the Hartford Athletic Statistics

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