ATHLETIC visit memphis with round of 32 berth on the line
Hartford Athletic, unbeaten in its last three matches, is set to take a trip down south for a midweek clash with Memphis 901 FC. Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen’s squad looks to progress out of the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, but must avenge its lone home defeat in order to do so. Here's what you need to know:
HARTFORD ATHLETIC at MEMPHIS 901 FC
Date: Wednesday, May 29
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Mike Rose Soccer Complex, Memphis, TN
Streaming: ESPN+
Local TV: None
WHERE TO WATCH:
Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, 140 Huyshope Ave., Hartford
City Steam Brewery and Cafe, 942 Main St., Hartford
TK's American Cafe, 255 White St., Danbury
2nd Bridge Brewing Co., 642 Hilliard St., Manchester
Lakeview Restaurant & Bar, 50 Lake St., Coventry
V's Trattoria, 280 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103
LAST TIME OUT:
Hartford Athletic earned a hard-fought, 1-1 draw against Ottawa Fury F.C. on Saturday evening at Pratt and Whitney Stadium. Despite ceding the majority of possession and attacking opportunities, Hartford battled back from a 1-0 halftime deficit and salvaged a point at home. Ottawa’s Mour Samb struck first in the 22nd minute, finding space in the center of the Hartford penalty area and volleying teammate Kévin Oliveira’s deflected header past Athletic goalkeeper Frederik Due’s outstretched gloves. Hartford Athletic equalized less than two minutes into the second half, with forward Sebastian Dalgaard scooping up a deflected Ottawa clearance on the left wing and driving a low effort into the far corner of the Ottawa net. The two sides played to a stalemate for the rest of the match, and the scoreline remained unchanged at the sound of the final whistle.
HOW WE GOT HERE:
Hartford Athletic advanced in the U.S. Open Cup with a 2-1 victory over New York Cosmos B on May 14th. Hartford scored twice in the first 45 minutes, first on a goal from Harry Swartz on a beautiful touch and turn, and later from Mads Jørgensen on a free kick. Cosmos would answer in the second half on an incredible strike from Bljedi Bardic, but ultimately it wasn't enough.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Hartford Athletic – Jose Angulo, F
Angulo is clearly Hartford’s most threatening attacker thus far, recording exactly one-third of the side’s goals (3 of 9). Though the 31-year old Colombian was held scoreless against Ottawa on Saturday, he was a force to be reckoned with in the previous weekend’s match at Loudoun United FC. Angulo scored both of Hartford’s goals in the 2-1 victory, opening the scoring in the 59th minute and netting the winner in the 68th. Hartford must provide Angulo with good service if they hope to progress to the Fourth Round.
Memphis 901 FC – Adam Najem, MF
Najem is Memphis’ lead playmaker, operating effectively on either wing. He has appeared in all but one league match and leads the side with 18 chances created. He has also made a direct impact on the scoresheet, recording a goal and an assist this season. The 24-year old was especially impactful the last time Hartford and Memphis met, completing 42 of his 50 pass attempts and creating 3 chances for the visitors. Hartford must close Najem down quickly in order to minimize his influence and take the teeth out of Memphis’ attack.
ABOUT THE OPPONENT:
Memphis 901 FC is currently riding a four-match unbeaten run, recording two wins and two draws in the month of May. The squad most recently obtained a road point at Swope Park Rangers last Wednesday, earning a come-from-behind, 2-2 draw. Memphis has not won a USL Championship match at home, with its only victory at AutoZone Park coming against New York Red Bulls U23 in the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup.
FOLLOW ONLINE:
Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @hfdathletic or by following #MEMvHFD
ATHLETIC visit memphis with round of 32 berth on the line
Hartford Athletic, unbeaten in its last three matches, is set to take a trip down south for a midweek clash with Memphis 901 FC. Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen’s squad looks to progress out of the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, but must avenge its lone home defeat in order to do so. Here’s what you need to know:
HARTFORD ATHLETIC at MEMPHIS 901 FC
Date: Wednesday, May 29
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Mike Rose Soccer Complex, Memphis, TN
Streaming: ESPN+
Local TV: None
WHERE TO WATCH:
Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, 140 Huyshope Ave., Hartford
City Steam Brewery and Cafe, 942 Main St., Hartford
TK’s American Cafe, 255 White St., Danbury
2nd Bridge Brewing Co., 642 Hilliard St., Manchester
Lakeview Restaurant & Bar, 50 Lake St., Coventry
V’s Trattoria, 280 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103
LAST TIME OUT:
Hartford Athletic earned a hard-fought, 1-1 draw against Ottawa Fury F.C. on Saturday evening at Pratt and Whitney Stadium. Despite ceding the majority of possession and attacking opportunities, Hartford battled back from a 1-0 halftime deficit and salvaged a point at home. Ottawa’s Mour Samb struck first in the 22nd minute, finding space in the center of the Hartford penalty area and volleying teammate Kévin Oliveira’s deflected header past Athletic goalkeeper Frederik Due’s outstretched gloves. Hartford Athletic equalized less than two minutes into the second half, with forward Sebastian Dalgaard scooping up a deflected Ottawa clearance on the left wing and driving a low effort into the far corner of the Ottawa net. The two sides played to a stalemate for the rest of the match, and the scoreline remained unchanged at the sound of the final whistle.
HOW WE GOT HERE:
Hartford Athletic advanced in the U.S. Open Cup with a 2-1 victory over New York Cosmos B on May 14th. Hartford scored twice in the first 45 minutes, first on a goal from Harry Swartz on a beautiful touch and turn, and later from Mads Jørgensen on a free kick. Cosmos would answer in the second half on an incredible strike from Bljedi Bardic, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Hartford Athletic – Jose Angulo, F
Angulo is clearly Hartford’s most threatening attacker thus far, recording exactly one-third of the side’s goals (3 of 9). Though the 31-year old Colombian was held scoreless against Ottawa on Saturday, he was a force to be reckoned with in the previous weekend’s match at Loudoun United FC. Angulo scored both of Hartford’s goals in the 2-1 victory, opening the scoring in the 59th minute and netting the winner in the 68th. Hartford must provide Angulo with good service if they hope to progress to the Fourth Round.
Memphis 901 FC – Adam Najem, MF
Najem is Memphis’ lead playmaker, operating effectively on either wing. He has appeared in all but one league match and leads the side with 18 chances created. He has also made a direct impact on the scoresheet, recording a goal and an assist this season. The 24-year old was especially impactful the last time Hartford and Memphis met, completing 42 of his 50 pass attempts and creating 3 chances for the visitors. Hartford must close Najem down quickly in order to minimize his influence and take the teeth out of Memphis’ attack.
ABOUT THE OPPONENT:
Memphis 901 FC is currently riding a four-match unbeaten run, recording two wins and two draws in the month of May. The squad most recently obtained a road point at Swope Park Rangers last Wednesday, earning a come-from-behind, 2-2 draw. Memphis has not won a USL Championship match at home, with its only victory at AutoZone Park coming against New York Red Bulls U23 in the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup.
FOLLOW ONLINE:
Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @hfdathletic or by following #MEMvHFD
