FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Junior Nadav Datner put Hartford ahead just before halftime, but Sacred Heart answered back just minutes after the break, as the Hawks and Pioneers played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Park Ave Field.
 
Datner controlled a cross from Pablo Basarte and headed it past Pioneers goalkeeper Justin Siegal to give the Hawks (0-3-2) the lead in the 43^rd minute, ending a two-game drought for Hartford.
 
Just minutes later, Pioneers (0-4-1) freshman defender Nick Kirby netted his first career goal on his first career shot, in the 48^th minute, to tie the game at 1-1. The score would stand as Hartford narrowly missed converting on a few strong chances in the second half.
 
Goalkeeper Rotem Fadida finished with five saves for the Hawks, while defenders Nick Benjamin, Nir Gvili and Basarte provided solid protection on the defensive end.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
Datner, named to the America East All-Conference Second Team as a sophomore, led the Hawks in scoring with three goals during Hartford's abbreviated season this past spring. He led the Hawks in shots (13) entering Saturday's matchup before converting on Basarte's assist.
 
The Pioneers took advantage of a free kick just outside the box early in the second half. Lucas Miguel-Castrillo put the ball off the far post and Kirby, who came in off the bench for SHU, redirected the rebound past Fadida.
 
Hartford controlled play during both overtime periods, managing a pair of strong scoring chances in the second overtime, but couldn't break through.
 
 
INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES

• Hartford outshot Sacred Heart, 25-18, including an 11-6 advantage in shots on net
• The Hawks outshot the Pioneers 7-1 combined during the two overtime periods
• It marked the third time in five games the Hawks have outshot their opponents
• Hartford led in corner kicks (7-4) and fouls (15-19)
• It was the Hawks' second double-overtime game this season (Holy Cross, Aug. 26)

 
NEXT ON TAP
The Hawks will visit Sacred Heart on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. Hartford leads the all-time series with a 3-2-1 record, including a 1-1-1 road mark.
 
The Hawks will return home to host Central Connecticut on Al-Marzook Field on Tuesday (Sept. 14) at 7 p.m. The Blue Devils represent Hartford's final non-conference matchup before kicking off America East play, at UMBC, on Sept. 18.
 
The Blue Devils represent a familiar foe for the Hawks. Tuesday marks the 25th meeting between the two sides. The only non-conference foe the Hawks have faced more frequently is UMass (29 meetings). Hartford owns the all-time series against CCSU with a 16-6-3 record, including a 7-0-1 mark in the past eight matchups.

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