HARTFORD – The Hartford Athletic lost its top striker to the MLS this week but more than made up the difference in Saturday night’s edition of “El Clamico,” the tastefully named rivalry with Rhode Island FC.

With Mamadou Dieng , the club’s all-time leading scorer and a catalyst of its current hot streak, seated just off to the side of the team’s bench after he was signed by Minnesota United Friday afternoon, Hartford netted its first goal early and continued to have its way in the bitter New England rivalry. Saturday’s 3-0 victory added some cushion between the teams that sat neck-and-neck in the USL Championship standings, both clawing for a playoff spot.

Hartford, now 7-8-5 for 26 points to Rhode Island’s 21 in the standings, hasn’t lost since July 16.

“(The win) was important f

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