Loudoun United’s first half misses add up in 2-1 loss

Loudoun United were more than familiar with Hartford Athletic coming into tonight, with 3 of their last 8 games against the club, all of which were at Hartford’s home field at Dillon Stadium over the last six weeks. They played well the last time the two teams played but had to leave sharing the points and were playing well Saturday, but eventually a late second half goal made them the 2-1 losers.

Due to injuries and absences, coach Ryan Martin was only able to dress 17 for the game following Tuesday’s 3-0 loss at Pittsburgh. The roster included Gabriel Gomez, son of D.C. United star Christian, along with Ally Ng’Anzi, an offseason acquisition from Minnesota United FC (both would appear as substitutes in the 89th minute). Loudoun started the game in fine style as a Alexxon Saravia long ball found Christian Sorto, whose ball into the box found Joshua Fawole, putting it past Parfait Mandanda for the 1-0 lead and Fawole’s first professional goal. Later in the first half, a Hartford attack found Arthur Rogers with little resistance around him, and he fired from 25 yards, beating Simon Lefebvre on the right side to level the game at 1, where it would go into the half.

In the second half, Hartford found themselves the aggressors with more chances, and a collision between Saravia and Lefebvre outside the box found Hartford forward Ever Guzman with an open net, but his shot was blocked by Adam Lundegard. Later in the half, Alejandro Lara’s cross in the box found Gabriel Torres, whose shot went past Lefebvre for the 2-1 lead. Saravia remained down and Loudoun’s contention that substitute Markus Naglestad running into Saravia deserved a foul, but it was not called. Defender Timmy Mehl received a 77th minute yellow card for his dissent to referee Christian Centeno, and later fouled Guzman in the 87th, warranting a second yellow and his expulsion but by then, the damage had been done and Loudoun had scarce serious chances to test Mandanda.

Loudoun (1-7-2) next host Philadelphia Union II on September 12 at Segra Field.

USL Championship Group F - Game 10
Hartford Athletic 2 (Rogers 17, Torres 76)
Loudoun United FC 1 (Fawole 4)

Lineups:
Hartford (442): Parfait Mandanda; Alejandro Lara, Sam Strong (Kevin Politz 67), Matheus Silva, Gabriel Torres; Danny Barrera (C) (Mads Jorgensen 90+7), Arthur Rogers, Nicky Downs, Tyreke Johnson (Aiden Mesias 67); Alex Dixon (Markus Naglestad 72) Ever Guzman

Loudoun (4231): Simon Lefebvre; Alexxon Saravia, Adam Lundegard (Shane Wiedt 73), Timmy Mehl, Tyler Gabarra (Erumuse Momoh 89); Nelson Martinez (Gabriel Gomez 89), Elvis Amoh (Ally Ng’Anzi 89); Christian Sorto, Joshua Fawole (Ronald Fuentes 64), Michael Gamble (C); Alioune Ndour

Bookings:
Hartford - Silva 6, Strong 43, Rogers 56, Guzman 70
Loudoun - Ndour 30, Mehl 77, 87 (2nd)