PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS
Date: Saturday, May 4th, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM ET
Location: Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky
Streaming: MyTV9, WTNH.com, or ESPN+
Hartford Athletic take a crack at another top Eastern Conference opponent on the road this week, kicking off against the first place Charleston Battery at 6:30 tomorrow night at Patriots Point.
LAST TIME OUT
Hartford Athletic are coming off a 6-0 loss to Louisville City FC on the road last Saturday. A match Hartford would like to forget, they were ambushed by Louisville early (conceded two goals in the first 12 minutes) and never had control in the contest. They were without two key pieces, Michee Ngalina and Jay Chapman, two of their best generators of offense (both tied for second on the team in chances created). They were outshot 17 to three, and had just seven touches in Louisville’s box.
STRIKING BACK
Hartford have taken three consecutive losses over the past few weeks, including their Open Cup loss to NYCFCII. Despite the difficult stretch, the team’s energy remains intact for the road trip to Charleston. After training on Thursday, Romario Williams spoke positively about the team and their progress this week. He stated, “We’re all in good spirits. We’re all committed. We’re all bought in. It’s been a good week of training, and hopefully we can keep that energy going into the weekend.”
SCORING CHANCES INCOMING
Hartford have done well in their attacking play to consistently create opportunities in goal scoring areas, sitting fifth in the Championship in expected goals per game (1.66). However, their conversion rate sits at second to last in the league at just 10%. On the other side of the pitch on Saturday, the Battery have seen excellent creation in the attacking third as well. Three of their players are in the top ten for chances created: Aaron Molloy (25), Nicholas Markanich (16) and Matt Myers (13). Charleston’s buildup play has been more fruitful, as they hold the second best conversion rate in the Championship at 20%. The matchup between two high-powered attacking teams could make for a shootout on Saturday night, but Hartford will need to convert more consistently.
FAMILIAR FACES
Midfielder Joe Schmidt and striker Romario Williams make their respective returns to Charleston on Saturday night. Schmidt played the first two seasons of his professional career with Charleston, appearing in 28 matches with 18 starts over 2022 and 2023. Williams played for the Battery during the 2016 and 2017 campaigns, and put together two of the best years of his career. He scored 25 goals and notched four assists during his tenure, including a career high 15-goal effort in 2017.
MATCHUP HISTORY
Hartford Athletic have faced off against Charleston 10 times since 2019, holding a 3-7-0 record against the familiar Eastern Conference foe. Despite the results favoring Charleston, the Battery lead the series score differential by a small margin (26-23), and the matchup has made for some incredible battles over the years. In 2022, Hartford earned a high-scoring 6-3 win that saw the club’s first-ever hat trick (Andre Lewis), followed by a Charleston three-goal comeback just a year ago with a game-winner in stoppage time. Hartford have yet to take any points from Charleston on the road, losing in each of their five matchups away from home.
Prematch Interviews
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Hartford Athletic: Jay Chapman, MF #8
Chapman was ruled out last week in Hartford’s loss to Louisville City FC but is back into the rotation after recovering from a minor injury. His veteran presence has been vital for Hartford so far this season, helping lead the team to a 3-2 record when he is on the field. Not only is he Hartford’s primary facilitator leading all midfielders in passes, but he scored a goal in just three shot attempts. His contributions to maintaining possession paired with his offensive consistency will be essential for The Green and Blue when facing off against Charleston.
Charleston Battery: Nick Markanich, FW #13
The 23-year-old striker from Illinois is the USL Championship’s premier goalscorer. He leads everyone in the league in goals (11), with the closest competitor being four behind. Most notably in the club’s last outing against Las Vegas Lights FC, he put up four goals before the 50th minute. Even more impressively, Markanich ties for second in the league in assists (3) making him the league’s top overall point scorer. His contributions have led Charleston to the best record in the USL Championship and one of only three lossless teams in the league.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
For live updates, follow along on twitter using the hashtag #CHSvHFD
