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Hartford Athletic played Detroit City FC to a 2-2 draw in both team’s third game of the USL Jägermeister Cup. The Michigan side earned an extra point in the tournament standings after winning a penalty kick shootout 3-2. 

Less than 90 seconds into the game, Hartford netted the first goal of the match. Emmanuel Samadia made a run down the sideline and put a cross into the box. Waiting at the front post, Mamadou Dieng jumped to get his head on the end of it and flick the ball back towards the PK spot. Sebastian Anderson was there to receive it, controlling the ball and carefully placing it into the bottom left corner to put the Boys in Green on the scoreboard. It’s Anderson’s first goal in Green and Blue.

Detroit leveled the score at one after they were awarded a corner kick in the 16th minute. As the ball came across the goal, Alassane Ates Diouf headed it back the way it came. Matthew Sheldon was at the post ready to head the ball into the back of the net.

In the 22nd minute, Antony Siaha made a spectacular save to ensure Detroit City didn’t pull ahead. Darren Smith received a long ball just outside of Hartford’s 18-yard box. He fired off a shot but TJ Presthus got a foot in front of it to block Smith’s attempt. The rebound fell to Diouf who laid it off to Jeciel Cedeño. His left footed shot was headed for the upper 90, but Siaha propelled his 6’5” frame into the air to make a diving save. 

Hartford pulled ahead once again in the 28th minute. Jonathan Jiménez received the ball near midfield and charged towards goal, beating two Detroit players. He played the ball to Michee Ngalina who took a touch then slotted the ball perfectly into the bottom right corner with his left foot. 

In the 72nd minute, Sebastian Anderson was fouled near the sideline, giving the Green & Blue a dangerous free kick opportunity. Samuel Careaga lofted the ball into the danger zone, where Joe Farrell rose above his defenders to get a head on the end of it. Detroit GK Carlos Herrera’s diving save hit the post and bounced back into the scrum but was quickly cleared by a DCFC defender. 

With just stoppage time left in the match, Detroit netted another to tie up the score. The away team was awarded a free kick just outside the corner of the 18-yard box, which Sheldon converted to complete his brace. 

The score remained tied until the end of regulation time. As this was a USL Jägermeister Cup match, the game continued to penalty kicks in order to determine who would receive an extra point in the standings. 

Detroit scored three of their attempts, with Siaha making two crucial saves, while the Boys in Green scored two, giving DCFC the extra point. 
Hartford Athletic is back at home on Wednesday, July 16 at 7:30 PM when they take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Tickets are available here.

FAST STATS

	HARTFORD	DETROIT
Shots	9	20
Shots On Target	4	4
Corners	3	8
Fouls	21	13
Offsides	1	1
Possession	48.4	51.6
Passing Accuracy	76.3%	79.1%
Saves	2	2

SCORING SUMMARY

HARTFORD	DETROIT
2′ – Sebastian Anderson	16′ – Matthew Sheldon (Alassane Ates Diouf)
29′ – Michee Ngalina (Jonathan Jiménez Vargas)	90′ – Matthew Sheldon

PENALTY KICKS

HARTFORD	DETROIT
X	X
X	X
O	O
O	O
X	O

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

HARTFORD	DETROIT
54′ – Jonathan Jiménez Vargas (Yellow)	27′ – Devon Amoo-Mensah (Yellow)
74′ – Beverly Makangila (Yellow)	52′ – Ryan Williams (Yellow)
77′ – Antony Siaha (Yellow)	68′ – Stephen Carroll (Yellow)
90′ – Bench (Yellow)	90+6′ – Haruki Yamazaki (Yellow)
90+4′ – Adewale Obalola (Yellow)

LINEUPS

HARTFORD	DETROIT
77 (GK) Antony Siaha	21 (GK) Carlos Herrera
2 (DF) Sebastian Anderson	30 (DF) Devon Amoo-Mensah (Alexander Villanueva, 46′)
22 (DF) TJ Presthus	12 (DF) Michael Bryant
4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett (C)	4 (DF) Shane Wiedt
15 (DF) Joe Farrell	5 (DF) Stephen Carroll
19 (DF) Emmanuel Samadia	39 (MF) Ryan Williams
10 (MF) Samuel Careaga (Arturo Diz Pe, 78′)	8 (MF) Abdoulaye Diop (Haruki Yamazaki, 64′)
94 (MF) Marlon Hairston (Beverly Makangila, 64′)	10 (MF) Jeciel Cedeño Benavides (Sebastian Guenzatti, 72′)
17 (MF) Jonathan Jiménez Vargas (Adewale Obalola, 64′)	32 (MF) Alassane Ates Diouf
9 (FW) Mamadou Dieng	13 (MF) Matthew Sheldon
11 (FW) Michee Ngalina	7 (FW) Darren Smith (Connor Rutz, 64′)

After a confident 3-0 win last week at Trinity Health Stadium, the Boys in Green square off with Detroit City FC in the final game of a four game June home stand. Hartford will be looking to capitalize on last week’s momentum and add another win to their unblemished USL Jägermeister Cup record. The first 500 fans into the stadium get a free ice cream in celebration of Dillon’s birthday and the first 1000 fans get a free fire helmet for Junior Fire Marshal Night presented by The Hartford. 

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs. DETROIT CITY FC

WHEN: Saturday, June 28th, 7:00 PM 

WHERE: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT

PROMOTION: Dillon’s Birthday & Junior Fire Marshal Night pres. by The Hartford

TICKETS: Here

xG Masterclass

We’ve talked about xG before and we’re going to talk about xG again. If Hartford’s offensive statistics against Charleston two weeks ago were impressive, then the stats from the matchup against Loudoun United can be considered earth-shattering. Hartford logged 21 shots with 12 on target last Friday, a significant increase over the already-remarkable effort against Charleston that showed 15 shots with five on target. Proving that quality was just as important as quantity, the Boys in Green earned an xG of 6.64, more than double their season-high of 3.0. This set a club record and is fourth all time for expected goals during USL Championship regular season play. Athletic also tallied 18 crosses, five corners and 10 big chances, proving they had no problem creating offensive opportunities against Loudoun United.

Records Within Reach

With his brace against Loudoun United, Edwards moved into a tie with Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. for second all-time in club history in goals scored, with 15. Dieng’s contribution last Friday moved him into a tie for third place with Prince Saydee, at 14 goals apiece. Hartford Athletic great Danny Barrera maintains the lead after scoring 18 goals over his career with the Green & Blue. With plenty of games left in the season, things could easily change and new records could be set this year. On another note, Edwards and Dieng both earned themselves spots on the USL Championship Team of the Week with their performances against the northern Virginia side. Dieng also secured a shoutout on the USL Rising Stars list for the week.

As It Stands

Saturday’s match against Detroit City FC will be Hartford’s third contest in the USL Jägermeister Cup. Athletic currently stands in second place in the group, with the same record as first-place Rhode Island FC and falling behind only on goal differential. The Boys in Green defeated Portland Hearts of Pine 2-0 back in April and bested USL1 side Westchester SC 3-2 in May to clinch a 2-0 record in the tournament. Detroit City FC holds the fourth place spot in the group of six teams. The Michigan side won their first game of the competition 1-0 against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC but fell to Portland 4-2 in their second match, bringing the team’s record to 1-1 overall.

About the Opponent

Detroit City FC is 5-4-5 in regular season play this year, earning 20 points and ranking them fifth in the Eastern Conference. Head Coach Danny Dichio’s side is 2-1-2 at home and 3-3-3 when playing on another team’s turf. As the season continues, Detroit will be looking to repeat or improve upon their 2024 performance in the USL Championship which saw them finish third in the Eastern Conference and clinch a postseason spot. Against Hartford, Detroit holds a 3-1-3 record overall. When playing at Trinity Health Stadium, DCFC is 2-1-1 against the Green & Blue. However, in the three most recent contests between the two sides, the Boys in Green have the upper hand with a record of 1-0-2.

Players to Watch 

Hartford – Kyle Edwards, FW, #71

Kyle Edwards is in an incredible run of form and will be a player to watch this weekend. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines native currently leads the team in goals with five which put him one spot outside the top ten goalscorers in the league this season. His two goal performance against Loudoun United made the 6’1” forward one of only two players in club history to record three braces for Hartford, the other being Prince Saydee who recorded all 3 in the 2023 season. In this same match, Edwards led the team with an individual xG of 2.25, registering six shots, three shots on target and three big chances. 

Detroit – Carlos Herrera, GK, #21

Carlos Herrera will be the player to watch on Detroit’s side of the field during Saturday’s match. The 6’1” goalkeeper had an outstanding performance in DCFC’s 2-0 win over Miami last week, posting four saves and earning USL Championship Team of the Week honors, as well as being nominated for Save of the Week. The save that secured Herrera a spot on the list was a double shot-stopping play on a Miami corner kick, with both blocked shots coming from inside the 6-yard box. The shutout marked his fourth in 10 appearances with the Michigan side and puts him in a tie for sixth place in shutouts among goalkeepers in the league. If Hartford can maintain the offensive push shown last game, Herrera will have a lot of work to do on Saturday. 

Join the Conversation

For live updates, follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #HFDvDET

Hartford Athletic defeated third place Loudoun United in a thrilling home match in front of a sold out crowd. A brace from Kyle Edwards and another goal from Mamadou Dieng were enough to give Hartford their second win on home turf this season.

The scoring onslaught started in the 15th minute with a goal from Mamadou Dieng. Samuel Careaga won the ball around midfield and hit it across the field to Michee Ngalina who was streaking down the side. Ngalina controlled the ball with his chest and fired off a shot. GK Hugo Fauroux came up big with a block but Ngalina, from the ground, got his foot on the end of the ball again. A Loudoun defender cleared it but Emmanuel Samadia was there to pick up the loose change. He chipped the ball across the goal to the back post where Dieng was waiting to put the ball in the goal with his chest. 

In the 34th minute, the Green & Blue put the ball in the back of the net again, but it was ruled offside by the referee. Samadia received the ball out wide and played it into the 6-yard box. Edwards got his head on the end of it to redirect the ball towards goal. Once again waiting at the back post, Dieng corralled the ball into the net but he was ruled offside and the goal was called back. 

Just seven minutes later, the Boys in Green were awarded a penalty kick because of a Loudoun handball in the box. Edwards took the penalty, burying the ball in the bottom right corner. However, Ngalina was called for encroachment and the kick had to be retaken, the second goal reversal of the match. Not to be denied, Edwards confidently netted the second attempt as well, sending the teams into the locker room with Hartford up 2-0.

Athletic continued their attack in the second half, netting their third and final goal of the match in the 56th minute. Sebastian Anderson took his infamous long throw in, lofting the ball into the danger zone. Amid the scrum of players, Edwards got on the end of it, redirecting the ball toward goal. Loudoun GK Fauroux made a save but Edwards followed up on the rebound and put the ball in the back of the net to earn himself a brace and make the score 3-0. Edwards moves into second place all-time in goals scored for Hartford, tied with Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (15) and Dieng moves into a tie for third with Prince Saydee (14). 

The Boys in Green held on to the lead for the remaining 30 minutes of the match, taking home a crucial three points against the third place team in the league. 

Hartford Athletic are back at home for the last game of their June home stand on Saturday, June 28 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available here. 

FAST STATS

	HARTFORD	LOUDOUN
Shots	22	12
Shots On Target	11	5
Corners	5	8
Fouls	17	12
Offsides	2	0
Possession	35.5%	64.5%
Passing Accuracy	70%	85.3%
Saves	3	7

SCORING SUMMARY

HARTFORD	LOUDOUN
16′ – Mamadou Dieng (Emmanuel Samadia)
43′ – Kyle Edwards (PK)
56′ – Kyle Edwards

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

HARTFORD	LOUDOUN
55′ – Samuel Careaga (Yellow)	12′ – Ben Mines (Yellow)
63′ – Kyle Edwards (Yellow)	23′ – Yanis Leerman (Yellow)
79′ – Beverly Makangila (Yellow)	43′ – Loudoun Bench (Yellow)
	45+3′ – Cole Turner (Yellow)

LINEUPS

HARTFORD	LOUDOUN
77 (GK) Antony Siaha	23 (GK) Hugo Fauroux
22 (DF) TJ Presthus	3 (DF) Keegan Tingey
4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett (C)	5 (DF) Yanis Leerman
15 (DF) Joe Farrell	16 (DF) Cole Turner (Robby Dambrot, 45′)
2 (MF) Sebastian Anderson	6 (DF) Kwame Awuah
19 (MF) Emmanuel Samadia	10 (MF) Florian Valot
10 (MF) Samuel Careaga (Jonathan Jiménez Vargas, 58′)	20 (MF) Benjamin Mines (Bibi Karamoko, 45′)
94 (MF) Marlon Hairston (Beverly Makangila, 68′)	4 (MF) Thomas McCabe (Jeremy Garay, 78′)
11 (FW) Michee Ngalina (Arturo Diz Pe, 83′)	11 (MF) Abdellatif Aboukoura
9 (FW) Mamadou Dieng	14 (FW) Zach Ryan (C) (Alex Nagy, 83′)
71 (FW) Kyle Edwards (Adewale Obalola, 68′)	15 (FW) Riley Bidois (Drew Skundrich, 45′)

Hartford will face the third team in a row to hold a top five spot in the Eastern Conference on Friday when they host Loudoun United. The Boys in Green will be looking to bring home three points in the second-to-last game of a massive June homestand. Loudoun comes into the match on a three game unbeaten streak. Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford will be the site of Pride Night, along with $2 Beer/$1 Hot Dogs. 

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs. LOUDOUN UNITED

WHEN: Friday, June 20th, 7:30 PM 

WHERE: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT

PROMOTION: Pride Night pres. by M&T Bank & $2 Beer/$1 Hot Dogs pres. by Modelo

TICKETS: Here

Knocking on Goal’s Door

While the scoreline might not reflect it, last Saturday’s match was one of Hartford’s most dominant offensive performances so far this year. By the end of the game, the Boys in Green had taken 15 shots, with five on target, and attempted 34 crosses. These efforts were higher than the team’s season average across all three stats, with 8.1, three, and 13.6 being the respective standards to beat. Additionally, Athletic’s xG, or expected goals, was 1.56 against the Charleston Battery. This marks Hartford’s second highest xG this season, falling short of the 3 xG earned in a 4-4 draw with Indy Eleven a few weeks ago. The Boys in Green also surpassed Charleston in all of the aforementioned stat categories, showing that soccer can be a cruel sport and sometimes the better team gets unlucky.

TJ Turns Heads

DF TJ Presthus has become a solid presence in Hartford’s backline since late March when he made his professional debut against the New York Shockers. People are starting to notice the rookie, as last week’s performance against Charleston earned Presthus a spot on the USL Rising Stars list for Week 15. The former Yale Captain netted Athletic’s only goal of the match with a powerful header off a Sebastian Anderson cross. He also led the team with four shots and two on target, while completing 85.7% of his passes. Defensively, Presthus put in a good shift as well, winning seven of nine duels, six of eight aerial duels and his only tackle. He also provided two clearances and just as many ball recoveries.

Unsung Yet Unshakeable

Defensive midfielders are often the unsung heroes of a team’s lineup, assisting in the transition from defense to offense while also providing the first line of defense against opponents’ attacks. Beverly Makangila and Marlon Hairston have been quietly executing this role for Hartford. Between the two of them, Makangila and Hairston have made 484 passes with an average completion rate of 86.3%. Of these, 32 have been long passes that help move Hartford from their defensive third into the attacking third. Behind the ball, the two midfielders have provided 26 clearances, six blocks, and 27 interceptions. They have also won 16 of 29 tackles, 67 of 124 duels and 18 of 32 aerial duels, proving that it’s hard to get past both of these players.

About the Opponent

Loudoun United currently sits in third place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points and a record of 8-3-1. The northern Virginia side ranks just behind Hartford’s previous opponent, Charleston, in goals scored this season (23). Loudoun is also tied with the Battery in conversion rate (23%), proving they also have a highly-effective offense. Leading this charge is Abdellatif Aboukoura who has scored 10 goals in 2025 and holds the #2 spot, behind Cal Jennings. Florian Valot has also played a significant role as he leads the league in assists with six. Loudoun United have also found success in tournament play, holding a 2-0 record and leading their group in the USL Jägermeister Cup after defeating Lexington SC and Louisville City FC.

Players to Watch

Hartford – Emmanuel Samadia, MF, #19

Emmanuel Samadia is the player to watch during this Friday’s match. The outside winger has been key to the Green & Blue’s attack this year, ranking second on the team in chances created (14). Samadia is also second in the league for crosses, with 79. As a majority of Hartford’s attack comes from the wings, the Sierra Leone native has been the impetus for many of Athletic’s looks at goal. His speed on the outside is unmatched, allowing him to beat defenders and put the ball into dangerous areas. Samadia has contributed one assist so far this year, setting up Jordan Scarlett against Charleston in the May matchup between the two sides. The 24-year-old midfielder has also made significant contributions defensively, with 23 clearances and two blocks. Samadia ranks in the top three on the team for interceptions (9), tackles (15), tackles won (12), duels (101) and duels won (59), showing that he is a well-rounded player worth keeping an eye on. 

Loudoun – Abdellatif Aboukoura, FW, #11

One player to watch on the other side of the pitch will be Abdellatif Aboukoura. At just 21 years old, Aboukoura has scored 10 goals this year, trailing Charleston’s Cal Jennings by just one goal. The Fairfax, Virginia native is also in the top three in the league for number of shots taken (27). This offensive production has earned him several nominations to the Rising Stars list and Team of the Week. In fact, after USL Championship Week 15 Aboukoura was named to both, as well as earning a spot in the Goal of the Week vote. The goal that put him in the running was a beautiful solo effort in Loudoun’s game against Detroit City FC. The 5’7” forward beat three defenders and demonstrated excellent control over the ball before burying it in the bottom right corner.

Join the Conversation

For live updates, follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #HFDvLDN

Despite positive attacking momentum and several dangerous chances for Hartford Athletic, the Boys in Green fell 2-1 to the Charleston Battery at home on Saturday. 

Athletic started the game off strong, earning a corner kick within the first 40 seconds. Captain Jordan Scarlett hit a long ball up to Kyle Edwards who took one touch to control and then fired off a shot. The shot deflected off a Charleston defender and out for a corner. Emmanuel Samadia took the kick, placing an outswinging ball perfectly onto the head of Mamadou Dieng. Dieng’s attempt on goal landed just above the crossbar. 

The Green & Blue continued this forward push, getting a few more looks on goal throughout the opening minutes of the match. 

However, the away team got on the scoreboard first with a goal in the seventh minute. MD Meyers received the ball just outside the 18-yard box and, despite valiant defensive efforts from the Hartford backline, was able to fire off a shot that crossed in the bottom right corner. 

The Boys in Green responded by winning another corner in the 23rd minute. Samadia once again floated the ball into the box. It was cleared but bounced to the feet of Samuel Careaga. The Argentinian midfielder played it back out to Samadia who put the ball back into the mix. Marlon Hairston got on the end of the cross, but Charleston goalkeeper Luis Zamudio came out to claim the ball. 

Right before going into the locker rooms, Athletic had one of their best chances of the match when Samadia got the ball out wide, beat his defender and crossed it into the box. Dieng got his foot on the end of it but Zamudio made a diving save. 

Coming out of halftime, though, the Battery got on the scoreboard again. A blocked shot rebounded to Nanan Houssou who took one touch, then hit a powerful right-footed shot into the back of the net.

Hartford did not lose momentum, creating several more chances as the second half went on.  

In the 80th minute, one of these opportunities paid off. Sebastian Anderson received the ball in the corner. He lost his defender with a fancy bit of footwork and got a cross off. TJ Presthus got his head on it, powerfully redirecting the ball into the back of the net and leaving the goalkeeper stuck in the mud. 

Ten minutes was not enough for Athletic to net another one, and the game ended 2-1.

Hartford Athletic are back at home next Friday, June 20th at 7:30 PM against Loudoun United.

FAST STATS

	HARTFORD	CHARLESTON
Shots	15	9
Shots On Target	5	4
Corners	10	2
Fouls	17	9
Offsides	1	1
Possession	51.5%	48.5%
Passing Accuracy	79.1%	74.4%
Saves	2	4

SCORING SUMMARY

HARTFORD	CHARLESTON
80′ – TJ Presthus (Sebastian Anderson)	7′ – MD Myers
	50′ – Nanan Houssou

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

HARTFORD	CHARLESTON
83′ – Jonathan Jiménez Vargas (Yellow)	45+2′ – Aaron Molloy (Yellow)
	82′ – Emilio Ycaza (Yellow)
	88′ – Luis Zamudio (Yellow)

LINEUPS

HARTFORD	CHARLESTON
77 (GK) Antony Siaha	56 (GK) Luis Zamudio
2 (DF) Sebastian Anderson	7 (DF) Langston Blackstock (Mark Segbers, 82′)
4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett (C)	22 (DF) Joseph Akpunonu
19 (DF) Emmanuel Samadia	34 (DF) Michael Edwards
22 (DF) TJ Presthus	4 (MF) Chris Allan (Nathan Dossantos, 69′)
30 (DF) Adrián Diz Pe (Deshane Beckford, 46′)	6 (MF) Aaron Molloy
10 (MF) Samuel Careaga (Jonathan Jiménez Vargas, 73′)	8 (MF) Emilio Ycaza (Leland Arhcer, 82′)
94 (MF) Marlon Hairston (Beverly Makangila, 69′)	80 (MF) Juan David Torres
9 (FW) Mamadou Dieng	91 (MF) Houssou Landry
11 (FW) Michee Ngalina (Addie Obalola, 69′)	9 (FW) MD Myers
71 (FW) Kyle Edwards	26 (FW) Cal Jennings (Arturo Rodríguez, 73′)

Hartford Athletic are back at Trinity Health Stadium for the second of a four-game homestand against the Charleston Battery. The Boys in Green are looking to get back on track after a heartbreaking late-goal loss against North Carolina FC last Saturday. The stadium will be packed in GREEN, as Hoffman Auto presents a GREEN Out and fans are encouraged to come out, bring the energy, and fill the stands with GREEN.

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs. CHARLESTON BATTERY

WHEN: Saturday, June 14th, 7:00 PM 

WHERE: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT

PROMOTION: GREEN Out pres. by Hoffman Auto

TICKETS: Here

Brace Yourself: Edwards is Back

FW Kyle Edwards was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Weeks 13 and 14 after his performance in Hartford’s 4-4 draw against Indy Eleven. In this match he scored the third brace of his professional career on three shots on target, winning eight duels and providing two clearances. The 28-year-old has been a big part of Athletic’s recent offensive push. However, Edwards was not available for Saturday’s match versus North Carolina FC because he had been called up to his native St. Vincent and the Grenadines national team for their CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. The 6’1” forward contributed one goal in the country’s 6-0 win over Anguila. In the 61st minute, a cross was floated into the box right around the 6-yard line. Edwards sailed above his defender to get a head on it and flick the ball past the goalkeeper who was rushing out to challenge for it. Vincy Heat lost their second game to Puerto Rico, dashing the nation’s World Cup 2026 aspirations. On the bright side, this means that Edwards will be back in Hartford and available for Saturday’s match against the Charleston Battery.

Momo Merits Mention Too

Weeks 13/14 were filled with honors for the Boys in Green, as Mamadou Dieng’s goal against Indy Eleven is up for USL Championship Goal of the Week. The Senegalese forward scored Hartford’s fourth goal of the match, putting the Green & Blue up by one in the 46th minute. Off the restart from an Indy goal, Sebastian Anderson controlled the ball near midfield and passed it to Dieng who was making a run into the box. He let the ball roll past him for a beautiful one-touch shot that buried itself in the left upper 90, out of reach of the diving goalkeeper. Dieng’s goal came just 42 seconds after Indy Eleven had netted one of their own. Dieng also contributed an assist in this exciting, goal-filled match.

Hartford Bleeds Green

Hartford Athletic is bringing team spirit and energy to the next level as Saturday’s match against the Charleston Battery will be a GREEN Out presented by Hoffman Auto Group. The first 2,500 fans into the stadium will be given a free t-shirt to help pack the stands in GREEN. Last year’s GREEN Out game was on September 21 versus Oakland Roots, and the Boys in GREEN came away with a 2-0 victory. In the 20th minute, Marlon Hairston followed up on a long-range Tristan Hodge shot that was saved by Oakland’s goalkeeper, tapping in the rebound to put Hartford up 1-0. In the 77th minute, an Athletic free kick was cleared but immediately recovered by Thomas Vancaeyezeele. After a few touches to bring the ball under control, he got it to Kyle Edwards who was waiting in front of the goal. Edwards fired a close-range shot into the bottom left corner, sealing the deal and ensuring Hartford came away with a 2-0 win. Athletic hopes to continue the momentum of last year’s GREEN out game this Saturday against Charleston. 

About the Opponent

The Battery currently have a record of 8-2-1 in USL Championship play, earning 25 points and putting them in second place in the Eastern Conference. Manager Ben Pirmann’s side is on an eight game unbeaten streak in regular season matches, with their last loss coming at the hands of North Carolina FC on March 29. The Battery currently leads the USL in goals scored with 26, and Cal Jennings is the individual player with the most goals in the league, at 11. Charleston has not had the same success in the USL Jägermeister Cup though, holding a record of 0-2-0 in the tournament after losing 1-0 to both FC Naples and Greenville Triumph SC of the USL1. In the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the Battery advanced to the Round of 32, where they lost 2-0 to MLS side DC United.

Players to Watch

Hartford – Sebastian Anderson, DF, #2

Facing off against a team with a proven track record of scoring goals, a player who can defend his own goal while simultaneously contributing to the attack could be the difference between a win and a loss for Hartford Athletic. That such player is Sebastian Anderson. The former Colorado Rapids defender began the season in the backline but has, in recent games, transitioned to the midfield where he can be a greater part of Hartford’s offensive efforts. Over 10 games, 10 starts and 900 minutes played (one of only three players to boast this achievement), Anderson has led several different stat categories – both offensively and defensively – including chances created (16), assists (2), duels won (56) and tackles won (56). He is also in the top three in interceptions (7), passes (340), crosses (14) and cross accuracy (21.4%). The 23-year-old has been a solid and dependable part of Hartford’s lineup and will be a player to keep an eye on come Saturday. 

Charleston – Cal Jennings, FW, #26

Charleston’s Cal Jennings will be a player to watch in Saturday’s matchup against the Battery. With 11 goals so far this season, Jennings leads the USL and has proven to be a dangerous and effective goal-scorer. The 5’11” forward was nominated for the USL Championship’s Player of the Month in May, after contributing six goals and an assist in Charleston’s four games throughout the month. This included a brace in the Battery’s 3-1 win over Detroit City FC and another in their 4-0 win over San Antonio FC. Also this season, Jennings tied a league-record with a streak of nine games in which he had goal contributions. The Roswell, Georgia native also leads the Charleston Battery with 19 shots on target and has the lowest minutes per goal ratio at 78.6. 

Join the Conversation

For live updates, follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #HFDvCHS

After a thunderstorm in the area delayed the game for over an hour, Hartford Athletic fell in dramatic fashion to North Carolina FC 1-0 at home. 

After a scoreless first half, the action picked up after halftime. In the 68th minute Joe Farrell received a second yellow card, leading to a red, forcing Hartford to play with only 10 men for the remaining 20 minutes of the match. 

Even down a man, Athletic put up a fight, earning a corner in the 76th minute. Sebastian Anderson put a beautiful outswinger into the box. TJ Presthus was able to get his head on the end of it, but his attempt didn’t hit the target.

Antony Siaha kept the Green & Blue in the game with a stunning save in the 79th minute. Mikey Maldonada took a corner that was cleared but landed back at his feet. He put the ball right back into danger where it deflected off the head of Michee Ngalina as he tried to block the shot. The ball was headed perfectly to the top right corner when Siaha made a diving save and kept the ball out of the back of the net.  

The Boys in Green made another attempt of their own in the 85th minute when Presthus hit a long ball over the top of the North Carolina defense. Emmanuel Samadia got on the end of it with a one-touch shot but it skirted wide. 

With only minutes to spare in the match, Finn Sundstrom received the ball near midfield and served it into the box where Pedro Dolabella was waiting to head it into the back of the net, out of reach of Siaha. 

Hartford is back at home next Saturday, June 14th at 7:00 PM against Charleston Battery. Tickets available here.

FAST STATS

	HARTFORD	NORTH CAROLINA
Shots	7	9
Shots On Target	1	3
Corners	1	5
Fouls	18	13
Offsides	3	0
Possession	48.0%	52.0%
Passing Accuracy	80.6%	80.5%
Saves	2	1

SCORING SUMMARY

HARTFORD	NORTH CAROLINA
	90+4′ – Pedro Dolabella (Finn Sundstrom)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

HARTFORD	NORTH CAROLINA
45+2′ – Mamadou Dieng (Yellow)	19′ – Patrick Burner (Yellow)
57′ – Deshane Beckford (Yellow)	33′ – Paco Craig (Yellow)
64′ – Joe Farrell (Yellow)	83′ – Collin Martin (Yellow)
68′ – Joe Farrell (Yellow, Red)	90′ – Rafael Mentzingen (Yellow)

LINEUPS

HARTFORD	NORTH CAROLINA
77 (GK) Antony Siaha	1 (GK) Jacob McGuire
22 (DF) TJ Presthus	66 (DF) Finn Sundstrom
4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett (C)	27 (DF) Bryce Washington
15 (DF) Joe Farrell	5 (DF) Paco Craig (C)
19 (MF) Emmanuel Samadia	14 (MF) Rafael Mentzingen
94 (MF) Marlon Hairston (Adrián Diz Pe, 90+7′)	17 (MF) Collin Martin (Raheem Somersall, 87′)
6 (MF) Beverly Makangila	15 (MF) Mikey Maldonado
2 (MF) Sebastian Anderson	11 (MF) Patrick Burner (Tristan Hodge, 90+6′)
10 (FW) Samuel Careaga	13 (FW) Louis Perez (Conor Donovan, 90+6′)
81 (FW) Addie Obalola (Deshane Beckford, 46′)	26 (FW) Adam Luckhurst
9 (FW) Mamadou Dieng (Michee Ngalina, 70′)	8 (FW) Pedro Dolabella

Hartford, CT – June 5, 2025 – Hartford Athletic have announced its newest collaboration with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, a worldwide industry leader in high-quality vodka, to bring premium seat holders at Trinity Health Stadium an exciting, new match day experience.

Opening Friday, June 6, The 1635 Club sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka brings premium seat holders a convenient grab-and-go bar. Guests can enjoy short wait times and smaller lines, so they can get back to the action in no time. The name pays homage to the rich history of Hartford, which dates back to its settlement in 1635, as well as the number of premium seats available in the stadium.

“The 1635 Club represents a significant step forward in how we elevate the match day experience for our fans,” said Michele Roux, COO of Hartford Athletic. “Tito’s Handmade Vodka has been an exceptional partner, sharing our vision for creating top-of-the-line experiences. With an exclusive bar just steps from premium seating, fans can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and local craft beer without missing a moment of the action. No long lines, no hassle, just a more convenient and comfortable way to experience Hartford Athletic soccer.”

The 1635 Club will include access to grab-and-go snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, a curated selection of local craft beers and wines, and a premium menu offering mixed drinks. The brand new cocktail bar will also offer an exclusive specialty drink, the Tito’s Fortress Lemonade, a delightful mixture of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Lemonade and Blue Curacao.

“We at Tito’s Handmade Vodka are all very excited to be part of the Hartford Athletic team and the United Soccer League,” said Frank LaTorra, Division Manager for Tito’s Handmade Vodka. “The stadium is world class, giving the fans an exceptional experience during every home game. I can’t wait for fans to try the Tito’s Fortress Lemonade!”

Hartford Athletic guests will be able to entertain clients, host pre-match networking events, and enjoy premium beverage options just steps away from their seats. Ticket holders in existing club seats, club sideline and club reserved Season Ticket Members, select mini-plan buyers, single game premium seat purchasers, and guests in VIP hospitality spaces will have access to the club.

The grand opening will be June 6 when Hartford Athletic hosts North Carolina FC. The first 2,500 guests in attendance at this game will receive a commemorative poster. Gates open at 5:30 pm and kickoff will be 7:30pm.

Hartford Athletic and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are excited to bring this enhanced game day experience and added value for fans in premium seating areas. Hartford Athletic looks forward to continued development and remains committed to ongoing growth and innovation.

After two games on the road, Hartford returns to Trinity Health Stadium for a stunningly important month, four home games all against teams currently in the top five of the Eastern Conference. The Boys in Green are looking to extend their four game home unbeaten streak. As both teams come into the Friday night match on unbeaten streaks of at least three, it will be a hard-fought battle to bring home three points. In celebration of Community Health & First Responders Night presented by title partner Trinity Health of New England, the first 2,500 fans into the stadium will receive an exclusive poster giveaway. 

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs. NORTH CAROLINA FC

WHEN: Friday, June 6th, 7:30 PM

WHERE: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT

PROMOTION: Community Health & First Responders Night pres. by Trinity Health Of New England

TICKETS: Here

Match Up History 

The Green & Blue have only faced off against North Carolina FC four times since 2019, as NCFC shifted from the USL Championship to League One in 2021 and returned to the Championship last season. Over these four games, Athletic’s overall record stands at 1-2-1. In the most recent matchup between the two sides, the Boys in Green came away with the victory, winning 4-3 at home. Two goals from Hartford legend Danny Barrera within the first 35 minutes got the scoring started. Beverly Makangila netted one next, getting his head on the end of a corner kick in the 56th minute. To close out the scoring, Mamadou Dieng slid one past the goalkeeper off a cross from Michee Ngalina. Hartford defended the lead for the remaining 30 minutes and took home three points. Athletic is unbeaten against North Carolina FC when playing at home, with a record of 1-0-1, and will look to continue this streak in Saturday’s match. 

Goals Galore

Hartford seems to have found the key to scoring goals, as the Boys in Green netted nearly as many over the last two games as in all prior matches combined, including Cup play. Before last Wednesday’s game against Indy Eleven, Hartford had scored 11 goals throughout the 2025 season. With a 4-4 tie against the Hoosier state side and a 3-2 win over Westchester SC last week, Athletic has scored seven goals in just two games. This onslaught of goals can largely be credited to four players;captain Jordan Scarlett, Kyle Edwards, Mamadou Dieng and Samuel Careaga. Against Indy Eleven, Hartford’s captain scored one goal, getting his head on the end of a free kick. In the same match, Edwards earned himself a brace, with one assist coming from Dieng. The Senegalese forward netted one of his own against the Indiana side and then contributed another versus Westchester SC three days later. Edwards returned the favor and assisted Dieng’s second goal of the two games. Careaga also got himself a brace, scoring two against WSC and bringing the total tally to seven goals.

Turning the Tide

The Green & Blue are definitely finding their groove after a rocky start to the season, garnering 12 points over the last seven games compared to just three points from the first six matches of 2025. The Boys in Green are 3-1-3 in the last eight weeks of the season. This includes a gritty 1-1 draw against last year’s Eastern Conference regular season champions Louisville City FC, a 1-0 win over Birmingham Legion FC and two goal-filled matches versus Indy Eleven and Westchester SC. Hartford will be seeking to capitalize on this forward momentum in Saturday’s home match versus North Carolina FC.

About the Opponent

North Carolina FC are 5-3-2 in USL Championship play so far this season, putting them in 4th place in the Eastern Conference. This is NCFC’s second season back in the Championship after shifting to USL League in 2021. The North Carolina side comes into Saturday’s match on a three-game undefeated streak after defeating Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Orange County SC and Oakland Roots SC. Outside of league play, North Carolina FC have also competed in the US Open Cup and the USL Jägermeister Cup. In the former, NCFC won their first game against the Charlotte Independence 3-1 but lost to MLS Side Charlotte Soccer Club 4-1 in the Round of 32. In the Jägermeister Cup, North Carolina are also 1-1, losing 1-2 as they faced off against Charlotte Independence once again before beating the Richmond Kickers 1-0 last Saturday. This puts the team in fourth place in their group after two games. 

Players to Watch

Hartford – Samuel Careaga, MF, #10

Samuel Careaga scored two stunning goals against Westchester SC and will be a player to watch in the upcoming match versus North Carolina FC. The Argentinian midfielder was nominated to the USL Jägermeister Cup Team of the Round and won Player of the Round for his efforts. The first of Careaga’s goals came in the 51st minute, with Hartford down 1-0. A free kick near midfield was cleared to Mamadou Dieng who passed it to Sebastian Anderson. Anderson played it to Careaga who took two touches to set himself up and then fired a rocket of a left-footed shot from 25 yards out into the back of the net. Careaga’s second goal was just as stunning, as Jonathan Jiménez teed him up for a one-touch finish into the right upper 90. He also connected 40 out of 49 passes and had six final third entries. As the Green & Blue work to move up in the table, a productive, goal-scoring midfielder like Careaga will have a big role to play. 

North Carolina – Mikey Maldonado, MF, #15

Also recently earning league honors, Mikey Maldonado will be the player to watch on the other side of the pitch. The San Antonio, Texas native was selected for Week 11’s USL Championship Team of the Week after registering an assist and a goal in NCFC’s 4-2 win over Oakland Roots SC. This marked the fourth match of Maldonado’s career in which he had multiple goal contributions. He also led the team with 10 final third entries and 45 accurate passes. Also during Week 11, the 5’9” midfielder was nominated for Goal of the Week honors. In stoppage time of the first half versus Oakland Roots, North Carolina was awarded a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Maldonado hit the ball beautifully with his right foot, bending it around the wall and nestling it into the top right corner, out of reach of the diving goalkeeper. Hartford will need to be on their game if Maldonado is presented with a similar opportunity. 

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