Hartford, Conn. – Birmingham Legion FC fought back twice Saturday night at Trinity Health Stadium, but Hartford Athletic found the deciding goal in the second half as the Black and Gold fell 3-2 on the road.
Romario Williams gave Birmingham an early spark, scoring twice in the opening 39 minutes to put Legion in front on two separate occasions.
The first came in the 21st minute, when Dawson McCartney found Williams, who finished to give Birmingham a 1-0 lead. Hartford responded just before halftime, with Barry Coffey finding the equalizer in the 42nd minute.
Williams wasn’t finished.
Just three minutes before halftime, Peter-Lee Vassell connected with Williams, who found the back of the net for his second goal of the night and restored Legion’s lead heading into the break. ” Romario really stepped up for us tonight” Coach Heaps says.
Hartford answered quickly after the restart. Michee Ngalina scored in the 48th minute to bring the match level at 2-2.
The hosts then found the decisive goal in the 74th minute, when Jordan Scarlett put Hartford ahead 3-2. Birmingham continued to push for another equalizer, but Hartford held on for the home victory.
Despite the result, Birmingham controlled more of the ball throughout the night, finishing with 55.1 percent possession and completing 475 passes. Samuel Shashoua led Legion with 113 touches and 82 completed passes, while Peter-Lee Vassell and Williams each recorded three shots.
Williams’ two-goal performance was the highlight of the night for the Black and Gold, marking his fourth and fifth goals of the season.
Birmingham Legion FC will look to regroup and respond as the Black and Gold continue their push through the final stretch of the USL Championship regular season.
