Athletic drop heartbreaker

Saturday night in Charleston, South Carolina Hartford Athletic had a golden opportunity to get their first win of the 2023 season. That opportunity was snatched from them when a 94th minute Arturo Rodriguez free kick hit a slick rain soaked pitch and snuck by Hartford keeper Richard Sanchez to give the Battery a 3-2 victory. Hartford opened the scoring when in the 13th minute Prince Saydee snuck in a left footed shot that found its way into the net. The goal set up from Jeciel Cedeno was a lovely bit of intricate 1 touch play which found Saydee getting on the end of the through ball from Cedeno. Conceding goals has been a problem all year noted by Hartford gaffer Tab Ramos. Hartford has conceded 11 goals which is most in the USL Championship. That problem showed it's ugly head once again when Nick Markanich was able to get his head on the end of a cross from Dodson equalizing the game 1-1. That's where the game stood at the half. Charleston was the better team most of the second half and that is when Augi Williams struck from the top of the box. The goal took Charleston up 2-1. Not to be deterred Hartford showed some resilience when Antoine Hoppenot crossed a ball into a swirling wind, the ball found the head of Nial Logue who found Conor McGlynn who side footed the ball into the side of the net evening up the game 2-2. The balance of the game took a huge swing when in the 78th minute Dante Palvara from Charleston on loan from Aberdeen of the Scottish Premiership was sent off with a second yellow. Hartford looked to pick up the tempo but was unable to get the go ahead goal. That is when Arturo Rodriguez was fouled 30 yards to the keepers right of the 18 yard box. What happened, happened and Hartford needs to right the ship. Winless so far through 5 games and on 2 points Hartford travels to Oakland next Saturday night to take on the Roots.