Brooklyn Cools Off Hartford City’s Hot Start

By Patrick Geary/Hartford City FC

In a game that was played mostly in the visiting Brooklyn Italians’ favor, there was a fleeting moment, when it seemed like Hartford City were going to fight back from an early two-goal deficit to continue their impressive start. That moment however, came and went after an errant attempt at saving a goal backfired off of the foot of Hartford’s Andrew Geres into his own net. The own goal in the 34th minute would prove to be the game winner en route to a 5-2 victory for the visiting Brooklyn Italians. The win marks Brooklyn’s first victory in Hartford and first of their season.

The scoring started early for Brooklyn who certainly looked eager to begin their 2019 campaign, netting goals in the seventh minute off an early corner kick, put away by Adrian Gahabka and then just nine minutes later by a strike from Thomas Suchecki, giving Brooklyn the early lead.

Hartford City’s Luke Alvaro struck quickly afterward for his fifth goal of the young season following a beautiful run and a swift strike that passed the diving goalkeeper in the 21st minute. The momentum seemed to be swinging in Hartford’s favor before the aforementioned and unfortunate own goal. While it was a valiant effort to save a header from Suchecki that had beaten goalkeeper Hami Kara, the ball nonetheless found its way to the back of the net.

It was a spirited effort from Kara as he racked up save after save, finishing with nine on the contest, which felt like it could have been much more. Kara, who seemed to be a part of the action for the majority of the game, did all he could for his team but the effort proved futile, following a few defensive miscues. After a well-hit strike, resulting in a brace for Brooklyn’s Jordan Jowers in the 66th and 77th minute, the damage was done and the Colts’ undefeated season came to an end while Brooklyn’s season began in the win column.

Sebastian Stezewski contributed a goal for Hartford City, making it his third in three games versus Brooklyn. Following a creative assist from super sub Ryan Taylor, Stezewski was able to find the back of the net on a well-placed strike, that found its way toward the far corner in the 61st minute.

For Brooklyn, they open at home against Boston City FC, Saturday, May 18th at 7:00 pm. Hartford City must bounce back quickly as they return home on Sunday, May 19th to face the reigning North Atlantic Conference champions New York Cosmos B. That match is set for a 4:00 pm kickoff at the Central Connecticut State University soccer field.

Photo Credit: Alex Serbetzian