Hartford Athletic Punches Ticket to Prinx Tires USL Cup Semifinal Round
USL Hartford Athletic

Hartford Athletic Punches Ticket to Prinx Tires USL Cup Semifinal Round

Published on August 12, 2026 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


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.

Check out the Hartford Athletic Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 12, 2026


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