HARTFORD – Jeff Caldwell is no stranger to strong performances in a Hartford Athletic jersey. He entered the game on Saturday with four shutouts a year.
But against Miami FC on Saturday, Caldwell was like a human highlight film.
He finished with five saves when Athletic beat Miami 2-0 at Dillon Stadium.
“The way we prepare for the week,” Caldwell said of what worked for him on Saturday. “I have a phenomenal goalkeeping coach here in Jake Davis. We are prepared for situations like this and we only care about business.”
It only took Hartford eight seconds to generate his first chance of the game. Immediately after the opening kick, Danny Barrera shot a long pass from midfield to Sebastian Elney, who was approaching the penalty area. Elney shot with his right foot, but the ball went over the net.
That started 45 minutes with constant pressure from Hartford (7-3-2). In the 11th minute, Younes Boudadi sent a cross to Barrera in the penalty area. Barrera fired a shot from close range, but goalkeeper Connor Sparrow was there for the save. Barrera fired a shot from outside the box two minutes later, but Sparrow was back.
Athletic finally achieved the breakthrough in the 30th minute. After his free kick was blocked by Miami’s wall just outside the box, Barrera got the ball back and volleyed it into the box. Team mate Alex Lara was there to give the tip.
Miami had their chances in the closing minutes of the first half, including a shot from Paco Craig after a corner kick in added time. But Caldwell was there for the Save. Although Hartford lost 55.7 percent to 44.3 percent, Hartford defeated Miami 7-4, including 2-1 in shots on goal.
Miami (7-6-2) continued to exert pressure in the early stages of the second half. But Caldwell kept everything out, including a jump kick to a free kick from outside the box in the 58th minute.
But Hartford rallied in the 67th minute. Substitute four minutes earlier, Conor McGlynn found the back of the net after a Barrera pass from outside the box.
“As high as possible,” said technical director Luiz Silva, who was acting head coach on Saturday as Harry Watling tested positive for COVID-19, of Barrera’s performance. “Not just in his specific stats, we’re looking for his presence on the field. His leadership was really important.”
Miami ended up having more possession (59.5% vs 40.5%), more accurate passing (84.1% vs 79.9%), and shots (13-12), but Hartford had a 5-4 lead on shots the gate.
Four of Caldwell’s five saves came in the second half. Meanwhile, Sparrow ended the defeat with three saves.
Hartford returns on July 31st and travels to Pittsburgh to play the Riverhounds in an Atlantic Division game.
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