EL PASO, Texas, CMC—Reggae Boy Romario Williams scored his first goal for new club Hartford Athletic on Saturday as El Paso Locomotive battled to a 1-0 win in their United Soccer League season-opener.
Playing at Southwest University Park, Williams’ 13th-minute penalty settled the affair, with both sides after that spurning chances to get on the scoresheet.
Williams, who spent last season at Colorado Springs Switchbacks, threatened as early as the fifth minute when he curled a shot from 19 yards narrowly past the uprights.
However, his moment came soon afterward: the 29-year-old raced into the box after Jay Chapman caught the El Paso defense 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 again 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 defense held firm. They also dominated possession in the second half, leading to a 58th-minute strike by Justin Dhillon that was flagged for off-side.
Hartford faces Birmingham Legion FC in their next game on March 23 at Trinity Health Stadium.
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