Loudoun United secured a 2:0 victory over Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship Group Stage on Friday night. The hosts found the net twice through A. Aboukoura and T. Ulfarsson to claim all three points. The result keeps both sides in their respective positions within the table.
The breakthrough came in stoppage time of the first half when Aboukoura struck at 45+3'. The goal gave Loudoun a slight advantage heading into the break. Yellow cards were shown to J. Scarlett and A. Diz before the interval. Hartford had been the more active side in terms of attacks but could not break through.
Ulfarsson extended the lead in the 73rd minute to put the game beyond doubt. Both managers made changes in an attempt to shift momentum. Hartford brought on C. Torres and later double substitutions for P. Niyongabire and B. Coffey. The visitors could not find a way back into the contest.
Loudoun controlled possession at 57 per cent while Hartford registered more attacks with 103 compared to 100. The hosts were more clinical, creating two big chances and shooting with 44 per cent accuracy. Hartford managed only one big chance and hit 36 per cent accuracy from their efforts. The visitors had more corners and throw-ins but could not convert.
The win leaves Loudoun United in 10th place with 20 points from 22 games. Hartford remain in 6th position with 31 points after their fifth defeat of the campaign. Both teams have shown inconsistency in recent weeks with mixed results. The result maintains the gap between the two sides in the standings.