Hartford Athletic Drop Close Game to New Mexico United

A late-night fixture in New Mexico ended in disappointment for the visitors as a Daniel Bruce goal in the 87th minute condemned the Latics to their fifth straight road defeat. The shutout loss was the third time this season that Hartford have failed to score in a road game, as they only have three goals in their six games away from Trinity Health Stadium.

Hartford started the game brightly and through the first quarter of an hour were roughly on level terms as both teams carved out chances. Marcus Epps had two good efforts from outside the box and Thomas Vancaeyezeele also put the ball just wide following a corner, giving the Latics one of their most enterprising starts to a game in some weeks.

New Mexico began to exert more control as the first half progressed and limited the visitors to zero shots after the first 15 minutes while taking six of their own. The hosts were a little unfortunate not to head down the tunnel with the lead, particularly after Chris Gloster hit the bar in the 28th minute; but there was no breakthrough to be had and the score remained deadlocked at the break.

The second half was more balanced as both teams attempted to find a way through, but there was no joy until Bruce found the back of the net. Marco Micaletto attempted a long-range shot that Bruce deflected past Renan Ribeiro to give his side the lead. The Latics had one more chance from a corner but a tame Beverly Makangila header didn’t trouble New Mexico keeper Alex Tambakis and the game finished with all three points going to the home team.

Still searching for a way to make things click, Hartford heads back home for a matchup with Pittsburgh Riverhounds next Saturday night at Trinity Health Stadium.