Hartford Athletic drop home opener 1-0

The Birmingham Legion came to Hartford and played spoiler as they defeated the Athletic 1-0 in Hartford Athletic's home opener at Trinity Health Stadium. Cold, wet weather also put a damper on the opening day festivities as a crowd of approximately 1,500 turned up to cheer the home team. Hartford started on the front foot and we're the better team as Prince Saydee and Matt Sheldon were exposing Birmingham left back Gabriel Alves defensive positioning. Against the run of play Birmingham right winger Tyler Pasher was able to penetrate the Hartford defense and find Alves near the left corner of the 18 yard box. Alves tough times defending early on had no affect on his rocket shot which hovered inches off the pitch and found its way off the post into the net beating Hartford keeper Richard Sanchez far post. A big chance from Hartford forward Antoine Hoppenot went stray and the half ended 1-0. The rest of the game saw half chances for both teams with multiple shots flying over the net into the concessions area and VIP seating areas at Trinity Health Stadium. Former USMNT and New England Revolution player Juan Agudelo was strong in moments for Birmingham with his driving runs and hold up play. Hartford coach Tab Ramos brought on fan favorite Danny Barrera and newcomer Jeciel Cedeno with a quarter of an hour to go chasing a goal. Cedeno proved dangerous cutting in on the left and Barrera was his usual good on the ball self. Unfortunately Hartford was unable to equalize and Birmingham escaped with a 1-0 win. Post game Hartford coach noted that Kyle Edwards and Andre Lewis were missed due to injury and international duty. Hartford will look to rebound next week when they host Orange County.