Hartford draws 0-0 at home against Phoenix

July 26, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Press Release Hartford Athletic

Hartford Athletic picked up a point in their 0-0 draw against Phoenix Rising FC tonight.

Although the match ended goalless tonight, there was no shortage of scoring opportunities. Hartford wasted no time in setting the tone for a strong offensive presence, immediately crushing Phoenix’s attacking third. The Green and Blue saw their first chance at an early lead with less than 10 minutes left on the clock when they were awarded a free kick just outside Phoenix’s penalty area. Mamadou Dieng connected with the kick, sending a powerful header that deflected off a Rising defender and earned Hartford a corner. The home side came close again when Emmanuel Samadia’s dangerous high corner struck the top post of Phoenix’s goal and bounced off the woodwork into Rising’s penalty area.

The midfield saw most of the action in the final minutes of the half, as both teams battled to be the first to score. The two teams traded scoring chances, but both Hartford’s two shots and Phoenix’s four failed to challenge either goalie. Phoenix saw an opportunity to end the half in the 43rd minute of the game with a free kick in front of Hartford’s penalty area. The kick went wide, and the two teams went into halftime with the score locked at 0-0.

Rising FC created their first real scoring opportunity of the second half when Renzo Zambrano fired a high ball into space for Juan Carlos Azócar. The Phoenix forward’s one-touch shot towards Harford’s goal forced Renan Ribeiro into a diving save in the 55th minute of the match.

The Green and Blues took control of the game on the offensive and broke into the Rising defense in the latter stages of the half. From the 70th to the 90th minute, Dieng headed a ball over the bar, Michee Ngalina shot on goal and Kyle Edwards created a dangerous chance in the first minute of injury time, taking contact in the penalty area. Despite a number of offensive chances for both clubs, neither Hartford nor Phoenix managed to equalize. The final whistle blew and the game remained 0-0.

Emmanuel Sammadia had an active night for Hartford, leading the team with 17 offensive third downs, five tackles and six crosses. Joey Akpunonu had four clearances and Renan Ribeiro had two saves in his first game back in net for Hartford.

Tonight’s draw against Phoenix Rising FC moves Hartford to a 5-11-3 record. The team will remain home for their upcoming match against Detroit City FC next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets/.

QUICK STATISTICS

Shots (on target): Hartford 6 (1) Phoenix 7 (3)

Corners: Hartford 3 Phoenix 3

Errors: Hartford 11 Phoenix 8

Offside: Hartford 6 Phoenix 3

Ownership: Hartford 44.4% Phoenix 55.6%

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 84.6% Phoenix 86.5%

Rescues: Hartford 2 Phoenix 1

DISCIPLINARY OVERVIEW

Phoenix:

9′ – Wyke (Yellow)

45 +1 ‘ – Torres (Yellow)

68′ – Barker John (Yellow)

Hartford:

74′ – Dieng (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

40 (GK) Renan Ribeiro, 29 (DF) Emmanuel Samadia, 4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett, 3 (DF) Joey Akpunonu, 2 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 23 (DF) Thomas Vancaeyezeele (Hairston 86′), 6 (MF ) Beverly Makangila, 7 (MF) Marcus Epps (Beckford 61′), 12 (MF) Anderson Asiedu (Danny Barrera 61′), 11 (FW) Michee Ngalina, 33 (FW) Mamadou Dieng (Edwards 80′)

PHOENIX RISING FC STARTING LINEUP

1 (GK) Rocco Ríos Novo, 17 (DF) John Scearce, 4 (DF) Pape Mar Boye, 27 (DF) Laurence Wyke, 14 (MF) Emil Cuello (Fuenmayor 75′), 26 (MF) Renzo Zambrano (Hernandez 75′), 10 (MF) Federico Varela, 12 (MF) Charlie Dennis (Doratiotto 83′), 16 (FW) Gabi Torres (Damien Barker John 62′), 29 (FW) Dariusz Formella, 77 (FW) Juan Carlos Azócar (Edgardo Rito 62′)

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