On Saturday, Emmanuel Samadia, a Sierra Leone International, made his first start in the USL Championship as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Charleston Battery.
It was his eighth appearance in all competition for the Sierra Leonean defender, who is working hard to capture regular first-team football under boss Brendan Burke.
They failed to equalize with the first-place team in the Eastern Conference after conceding a goal early in the first half.
Charleston took control of the game, scoring the first goal in the 11th minute through Nick Markanich who delivered a left-footed bicycle kick off a corner kick.
Hartford kept the score at 1-0 by blocking three of Charleston’s next five shots and holding the back line.
In the final minutes of the first half, Hartford almost scored an equalizer when Romario Williams hit the post after a pass from Michee Ngalina.
Charleston threatened throughout the game, but Hartford improved their attacking play after the 55th minute.
Marcus Epps had three attempts, but only two were on target. In stoppage time, Hartford nearly equalized, but Anderson Asiedu’s pass to Michee Ngalina was saved.
Hartford lost, dropping to 3-4-0. Renan Ribeiro made his Athletic debut, allowing only one goal and making five saves. The next game will be held on May 11th at 7:00 PM against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Trinity Health Stadium.
