SAN JOSE, California (Saturday July 30, 2022) - RSL Unified continues to have a perfect season after a dominant 2-4 victory over San Jose Earthquakes Unified (0-1-0) which included a hat trick from captain and All-Star Jaden Hartman. The Claret-and-Cobalt improve to 2-0-0 even though three of their top players were called away for national team duties.
Midfielder Dominic Ramirez opened the scoring in the first half with a far-post shot slipping past the keeper. After San Jose scored the equalizer, Hartman netted his first of three goals just before halftime thanks to an assist from Jayden Jensen. Hartman scored two more goals in the second half, including a long-distance bomb from roughly 35 yards out.
With key players like Radoslava “Radi” Papadopolous, Dominique DeHererra and Kyle Karren gone for the Special Olympics 2022 Unified Cup Tournament, RSL Unified had to completely change their formation against San Jose. Assistant Coach Luis Silva said they chose 2-3-1 formation which allowed Hartman to get into space more effectively.
“I think everybody, from the defense to the forward line played really well and we passed the ball really well,” said Silva. “Jaden put in the work. He took a lot of shots, and he got his hat trick and we’re all super happy and proud for him.”
UP NEXT: Silva, Hartman and Kylie Wilson will travel to Minnesota for the Special Olympics Unified All-Star game on August 10. Papadopolous, DeHererra and Karren are currently in Detroit to represent Team USA in the Special Olympics 2022 Unified Cup Tournament, along with Head Coach Jenna Holland and Assistant Coach Bryan Karren.
