Hartford Athletic will face off against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in a midweek matchup tomorrow night for the second ever meeting between the two clubs.
PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT
Tickets: HERE
Local TV: WCTX MyTV9
Streaming: ESPN+ or hartfordathletic.com/watch
HARTFORD ATHLETIC (3-9-3) vs COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC (11-3-0)
LAST TIME OUT
Hartford Athletic are coming off a 2-0 loss to Louisville City FC at home this past Saturday afternoon. Hartford created two quality chances through Joel Johnson in the first half, who recorded a shot on target and nearly found Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. on a cross that was deflected away. Prince Saydee also hit the post for Hartford early in the second half. The Green and Blue could not find consistency on the offensive end, as they fell offside 11 times. It was a header from Sean Totsch in the 64th minute, and a right-footed finish from Paolo DelPiccolo 15 minutes later that buried Hartford.
A VACANCY AT HEAD COACH
Hartford Athletic announced last Saturday evening that Harry Watling had resigned as Head Coach of Hartford Athletic effective immediately to attend to family matters in England. Assistant Coach Jake Davis also resigned from his position. It is disappointing and unfortunate news for the club, who loses Watling midway through his second season with Hartford Athletic. Technical Director Ray Reid will serve as Interim Head Coach and has begun the search for a new head coach.
CHALLENGING STRETCH
Four of Hartford’s last five opponents have been at the top five of the Eastern or Western Conference table, a five-game stretch in which they earned five points. The Green and Blue welcome yet another top five opponent on Tuesday in Switchbacks FC, who sit in second place in the Western Conference with 33 points. It will be quite the test for Hartford, who will be playing just three days after the resignation of Harry Watling. The team has yet to lose consecutive home games in League play this season.
A FAMILIAR FACE
Switchbacks goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell will make his first return to Trinity Health Stadium on Tuesday night. The 26-year old had the best campaign of his professional career with Hartford Athletic in 2021, making a club record 108 saves, recording nine clean sheets, and earning a Goalkeeper of the Year Award nomination. This year across 13 starts, he’s made 26 saves and is sixth in the league in clean sheets with five.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Hartford Athletic, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr, FW #9
Obregón returned to the pitch two weeks ago for the first time since suffering a knee injury on April 7. He entered the game for 20 minutes in San Diego on June 11 and then re-earned his starting spot in the next contest on June 15. In his first game back in the starting lineup, Obregón found the back of the net, scoring Hartford’s only goal in a 1-1 draw with Memphis 901 FC. The striker was a welcome addition back to Athletic, bolstering the front line. Despite only appearing in 7 of 15 possible matches this season, Obregón has two goals on nine shots, with five of them on target.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Hadji Barry, FW #10
Appearing in every game this season, Barry has been the heart and soul of Colorado Springs’ offense. The forward is among the leaders of his team in nearly all offensive categories. He ranks first in assists with six, second in goals with six, second in shots with 27 and second in chances created with 24. Barry gets up close and personal in the attacking third, with five of his six goals coming from inside the box and leading Colorado with 18 shots on target. If there is a scoring opportunity for the Switchbacks, Barry is most likely involved.
ABOUT THE OPPONENT
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC are coming off a 1-0 loss to San Antonio FC at home last Friday the 24th. A rare game without a goal for Colorado, as they’ve scored 11 goals over their last five matchups. They are also sixth in the league in total goals scored with 31 so far this season. Michee Ngalina leads Colorado offensively with seven goals, and midfielder Cameron Lindley leads the team with 42 chances created. Tuesday will be the first ever matchup between the two clubs.
INJURY REPORT
Hartford Athletic:
Out: Logan Gdula (Groin)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC:
Out: King (L Knee), Mines (L Ankle)
Questionable:
Rayyan (R Thigh), Lindley (R Knee), Wheeler (R Thigh), Zandi (R Knee), Erdmann (L Thigh)
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