Reggae Boy opens account for Hartford in nervy win

EL PASO, Texas (CMC):

Reggae Boy Romario Williams scored his first goal for new club Hartford Athletic as El Paso Locomotive battled to a 1-0 win in their United Soccer League season-opener on Saturday.

Playing at Southwest University Park, Williams’ 13th -minute penalty settled the affair, with both sides thereafter spurning chances to get on the scoresheet.

Williams, who spent last season at Colorado Springs Switchbacks, threatened in as early as the fifth minute when he curled a shot from 19 yards narrowly past the uprights.

His moment came soon afterwards, however, the 29-year-old racing into the box after Jay Chapman caught the El Paso defence napping, with a ball played over the top from midfield.

Williams went down under the first challenge from defender Bolu Akinyode but quickly got to his feet before being brought down a second time by the Nigerian, this time earning the spot kick.

Williams then calmly sent Jamaica teammate, goalkeeper Jahmali Waite, the wrong way to put the visitors ahead.

Moments later, Hartford nearly doubled their lead when Williams picked out Michee Ngalina in the six-yard box only for the former Congolese youth international to miss from close range.

El Paso countered, producing a flurry of attacks, but the Hartford defence held firm, and they also dominated possession in the second half, leading to a 58th minute strike by Justin Dhillon, which was flagged for off-side.

Hartford face Birmingham Legion FC in their next game on March 23 at Trinity Health Stadium.