Siaha and Hartford Athletic 🤫 RIFC and CBS@TL

El Clamico, the Derby between USL Championship rivals Hartford Athletic and Rhode Island FC now has that Derby feel. After last week's post game shenanigans from players and supporters, fuel was added to the fire and finally, the on field product looked like a rivalry.

Hartford Athletic keeper Athony Siaha has embraced his role and will forever live rent free in the heads of RIFC. Siaha shushed the crowd post last week's 0-0 draw and came back for Match day 4 of the Jagermeister Cup unfazed and ready for more.

Siaha shushing the RIFC faithful. Photo courtesy of Hartford Athletic

The first half was extremely physical and cagey as yellow cards were handed out early and often. Hartford midfielder Beverly Makangila saw his 2nd yellow in the 28th minute reducing Hartford to 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Nevertheless, Hartford found the opener late in the half when former Yale Bulldog TJ Presthus side volleyed home the corner kick. No doubt Presthus effort will be up for Goal of the week in and around USL programming.

Celebrations after the Presthus Golazo. Photo courtesy of Hartford Athletic

RIFC wasted no time equalizing to start the 2nd half. Spark plug Amos Shapiro-Thompson found himself unmarked and buried a left footed shot in the back of the net in front of RIFC 's supporters section sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

This led us to minute 75-85, which turned out to be can't miss Footy. Hartford center back Adrian Diz Pe, ran through the back of Albert Dikwa giving Rhode Island a penalty kick. Maxi Rodriguez stepped up and calmly gave the home side the lead. With Hartford playing with 10 men, I thought the match was over.

Diz Pe did not let his misfortune just minutes prior, deter him from leaving his imprint on the match. The wiley veteran found himself in the box and slotted the tying goal in the 83rd minute giving Hartford hope.

Some gamesmanship and clock management saw the full time whistle blow and to PK's the match went. Diz Pe, Joe Farrell, Mamadou Dieng, and Kyle Edwards converted for the Athletic. Aldair Sanchez and Mark Ybarra did not for Rhode Island.

Insert Siaha, Siaha then ran the length of the field shushing CBS@TL home supporters, while thanking the traveling support from Connecticut.

With the PK win Hartford advanced to the quarters of the Jagermeister Cup. They will travel to San Antonio the week of August 20th.

RIFC also advanced and hosts Birmingham that same week.