TAMPA, Florida (CMC):
Jamaica striker Romario Williams was named to the United Soccer League (USL) Championship Team of the Week for the first week of the new season.
The 29-year-old was a threat in the attacking third for Hartford Athletic from start to finish in their 1-0 win against hosts El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday.
Williams scored the only goal in the contest in the early stages when he converted from the penalty spot after being brought down in the box to earn the fifth Team of the Week selection of his career.
He chased down a quality pass from Jay Chapman into the box, and he did well to protect the ball while drawing contact from Bolu Akinyode to force a penalty.
Williams stepped up to take the penalty kick himself, and the veteran confidently buried his try into the bottom right corner of the net to give Hartford the lead in the 13th minute.
He nearly followed up his goal with an assist only two minutes after scoring, creating a chance for Michee Ngalina.
Williams looped a cross into the six-yard box for his teammate, whose one-time shot zoomed just over the crossbar.
Overall, Williams had a productive night that included two shots on goal, two chances created, and the match-winning goal for the Green and Blue.