PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS
Date: Saturday, September 23rd, 2023
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, Michigan
Streaming: ESPN Plus or WTNH.com
HARTFORD ATHLETIC (4-20-4) at DETROIT CITY FC (9-13-7)
LAST TIME OUT
Hartford Athletic are coming off a 4-2 loss to Memphis 901 FC on the road last Saturday. Hartford conceded first, but back to back goals from Prince Saydee gave them the 2-1 lead in the first half. Saydee tied the game in the 26th minute, then gave Hartford the lead with a dazzling strike from outside the box that left Memphis keeper Drew Romig at a standstill. The 901 FC attack was too much for Hartford to contain in the second half, however, as they rallied for three unanswered goals.
HOPPENOT RETURNS TO DETROIT
Hartford forward Antoine Hoppenot returns to Keyworth Stadium for the first time after leaving Detroit City this offseason. The USL Championship veteran was quite the bright spot for Detroit in 2022, as he was a vital contributor to Detroit City’s 14-win season and Eastern Conference playoff berth in 2022. He scored seven goals on 32 shots across 33 appearances, and his 11 assists led the Championship and earned him the Assists Champion award, and his 80 chances created led Detroit City and were third-most overall in the Championship. In the two clubs’ first meeting this season in Hartford, Hoppenot scored against his former club for his first goal of the season.
MATCHUP HISTORY
Hartford Athletic are 0-2-1 against Detroit City all-time, dating back to their first meeting last season. The Green and Blue scratched out a 1-1 draw at Keyworth Stadium in July of 2022, the one goal coming from Andre Lewis. In their first ever meeting last April in Hartford, Detroit defender and captain Stephen Carroll scored a stoppage time dagger off a corner kick to steal a road victory for Le Rouge.
MEASURING THE MATCHUP
Hartford Athletic come into Saturday’s match with 35 goals scored, 11 more than Detroit City FC, who hold the lowest amount of goals scored in the Championship. On the flipside, Detroit have conceded just 33 goals (7th best in the league), while Hartford have conceded 64, the most in the Championship.
ABOUT THE OPPONENT
Detroit City FC comes into this bout against Hartford Athletic with a record of 9-13-7, sitting at ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. With a 5-0 loss against FC Tulsa Last week, Detroit have found themselves one place outside of playoff position with five games remaining. Detroit have struggled to find an offensive rhythm this year, as the team is last in the league in goals scored with 24. On the flip side, Detroit has shown to be a disciplined team defensively with consistently strong goalkeeping. They sit in the top half of the league in both goals and fouls conceded. Detroit City FC are led by veteran general manager and Head Coach Trevor James.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Hartford Athletic: Prince Saydee, FW #7
Prince Saydee has been one of Hartford Athletic’s greatest offensive threats, showcasing his skill last week by scoring two brilliant goals in the loss against Memphis 901 FC. Saydee’s style of play, speed, and booming left foot allows him to continually generate offensive chances. The forward leads the team in goals (7) and is top three for assists (3), shots (38), and chances created (27). Saydee is an incredibly well rounded player whose value to the team is apparent to staff and fans alike. Detroit City FC have been a top team defensively this year in the USL, so Hartford will look to Saydee to help create and finish chances as he has done throughout the season.
Detroit City FC: Stephen Carroll, DF #5
Captain and defender Stephen Carroll of Detroit City FC is a textbook defender who is crucial to the success of Detroit’s defensive performance. The Irishman leads the team in several defensive categories including clearances (102) and blocked shots (23). Carroll has also contributed to the offensive side for Detroit this season. The defender has tallied three goals, placing him tied for third in goals scored for Detroit City. With five games remaining, Detroit will depend on the leadership and reliability of Carroll as they push to secure the last playoff spot in the eastern conference.
iNJURY REPORT
Hartford Athletic
None
Detroit City FC
None
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
For live updates, follow along on twitter using the hashtag #DETvHFD
