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Hartford Athletic announced today that they have extended goalkeeper Marvyn Dorchin’s contract through the rest of the season.

The 24 year old Dorchin signed a 25-day contract with Hartford on September 1st, serving as the emergency goalkeeper for Hartford’s match against the Rowdies on September 2nd after both Joe Rice and Richard Sánchez had tested positive for COVID-19. The Frenchmen and former UMass keeper put forth a strong showing in his USL Championship debut. He made just one save, but had two clearances, won a tackle, and was aggressive off his line, punching several crosses out of the air. Dorchin is now on contract for the remainder of the season with the Green and Blue.

Hartford Athletic are back in action this Saturday, September 23rd, at Detroit City FC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET.

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

Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo and Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz hosted 100 employers and 1000 job seekers at the 3^rd annual Hiring Expo at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford. Joined by Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state and local officials, and event sponsors, the job fair provided an opportunity for hundreds of job seekers to meet hiring employers, discuss specific positions, and potentially begin the interview process.

Commissioner Bartolomeo said, “Thanks to the employers here today, Hartford Athletic, and the Hiring Expo’s committed sponsors, this event will help job seekers land new jobs and help employers find new talent. It’s a good economy for workers—there is opportunity at all skill levels and across industry sectors. Through the American Job Centers, the Department of Labor can help workers prepare resumes and gain skills that will stand out to potential employers.”

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said, “Strong economic development depends on a strong workforce pipeline—getting workers into the labor market keeps Connecticut businesses globally competitive. Today’s event highlights the importance of working together to ensure opportunities for the labor force and support for state businesses.”

Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz said, “Hartford Athletic is thrilled to partner with the Connecticut Department of Labor and other sponsors. We saw a great turnout last year and are excited to help create even more career opportunities this year. Hartford Athletic is committed to making a significant positive impact and helping to build a thriving community with pathways to success for everyone.”

The 2023 Hiring Expo participating companies represent industries throughout the state including finance, technology, manufacturing, defense, construction, and healthcare. Major sponsors include the CT Department of Transportation; Liberty Bank; EnJet Aero; Right at Home; Eversource; and USA Hauling and Recycling.

CT Department of Labor Deputy Commissioner Mark Polzella said, “With low unemployment comes a tight labor market, one that requires hiring managers to compete for talent at every level. Through job fairs, registered apprenticeships, the American Job Centers, and CTHires, the Labor Department can help businesses achieve and sustain their hiring goals.” 

The Connecticut Department of Labor is the State of Connecticut’s workforce agency. It provides worker training, employment and employer services, wage and workplace safety, and labor market information. Programs are supported by state and federal funding.

Prince Saydee has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 28. This is Saydee’s fourth selection this year, and Hartford’s eighth of the season. Saydee joins teammates Matt Sheldon (Week 4), Kyle Edwards (Week 15), Joe Rice (Week 20 and 22), and Conor McGlynn (Week 22). 

Saydee gave the Memphis defense fits throughout Saturday night’s match, putting his individual goal scoring ability on full display. His two goals capped off a strong first half for Hartford, as he scored to tie the game in the 26th minute and to take the lead in the 33rd. His first tally came when he received a quality feed from Edgardo Rito at the top of the box, faked to his left and beat his defender to his right, then looped his shot into the bottom left corner of the net. Seven minutes later, Saydee completed the brace and gave his team a 2-1 lead with a beautiful strike. He intercepted a poor pass from Memphis keeper Drew Romig in the opposing third and snuck a front-spinning shot into the top left corner of the net, tickling the twine and leaving Romig standing still. The brace brings Prince’s goal total up to seven on the season, tying him with Kyle Edwards for the team lead. He now holds 11 total goals in his time with Hartford Athletic, which is tied for the third-most in club history with Alex Dixon.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 28

GK – Christian Herrera, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Herrera recorded an eight-save shutout and caught three crosses to help the Switchbacks to a 1-0 victory on the road against Orange County SC on Friday night that ended OCSC’s nine-game undefeated run.

D – Aidan McFadden, Memphis 901 FC: McFadden recorded two assists and had three shots and three chances created overall to help guide Memphis to a 4-2 comeback victory against Hartford Athletic on Saturday night while also making 11 recoveries defensively.

D – Walmer Martínez, Monterey Bay F.C.: The El Salvador international notched a pair of assists as he helped power Monterey Bay to its first victory after trailing by two goals in club history, notching four chances created and completing 3 of 3 crosses in a 3-2 win against Las Vegas Lights FC.

D – Mohamed Traore, Phoenix Rising FC: The 21-year-old continued an impressive run of recent form as he completed 49 of 61 passes, won 6 of 7 duels and 2 of 3 aerial duels, and made 12 recoveries and two interceptions in Phoenix’s 5-0 victory against Detroit City FC.

M – Kalil ElMedkhar, Loudoun United FC: ElMedkhar recorded a goal and assist and had three shots and two chances created while winning 2 of 2 tackles and 9 of 13 duels defensively in his side’s 2-2 draw with the Charleston Battery.

M – Nathan Fogaça, San Antonio FC: The Brazilian recorded a goal and assist in SAFC’s 3-3 draw with the Tampa Bay Rowdies as he recorded three shots and three chances created while winning 2 of 2 tackles defensively.

M – Danny Griffin, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Griffin was dynamic in midfield as the Hounds earned a 2-1 win against Miami FC, recording one assist and completing 64 of 70 passes and 6 of 6 long passes while notching 12 recoveries and two interceptions defensively.

M – Nicky Hernandez, New Mexico United: Hernandez recorded a goal and assist as New Mexico United restored some hope of reaching the playoffs with a 3-2 victory at home to Indy Eleven, while also completing 19 of 24 passes and recording four shots and three chances created overall.

F – Manuel Arteaga, Phoenix Rising FC: Arteaga recorded a goal and assist in his side’s 5-0 win against Detroit City FC, recording five shots and three chances created overall, and also did work defensively, winning 4 of 5 duels, 5 of 8 aerial duels and 2 of 2 tackles.

F – Prince Saydee, Hartford Athletic: The Liberian winger shone in a losing effort, scoring both of Hartford Athletic’s goals in its 4-2 defeat to Memphis 901 FC while recording four shots on target out of five overall.

F – Charlie Dennis, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Dennis earned and then converted a penalty kick, recorded two chances created and completed 33 of 41 passes while defensively winning 2 of 3 tackles and 8 of 13 duels and recording 11 recoveries in his side’s 3-3 draw against San Antonio FC.

Bench: Benny Díaz (ELP), Emrah Klimenta (OAK), Erik McCue (ELP), Chris Hegardt (LDN), Luiz Fernando (MEM), Danny Trejo (PHX), JJ Williams (TBR)

Hartford Athletic announced today that Nick Sakiewicz (pronounced Suh-KEV-itch) has been named the club’s CEO. Sakiewicz, who brings a wealth of experience in professional soccer, sports and entertainment will lead Hartford’s business and soccer operations.

“Nick is the perfect addition to drive the growth of Hartford Athletic on and off the field,” said Chairman Bruce Mandell. “Nick has the skills and track record of success necessary to move our club forward by building a competitive team on the field, establishing a best-in-class youth academy, and deepening our roots in the community. I am excited to see the growth of our talented front office staff as they learn from one of the best soccer executives in America.”

“As someone who has dedicated his life to growing the game of soccer in the U.S., I could not be more excited to join Hartford Athletic as passion for the sport reaches new heights throughout the country,” Sakiewicz said. “It is an incredible time to be in soccer, and I want to thank Bruce Mandell and Hartford Athletic ownership for entrusting me to lead this club. These next few years leading up to the 2026 World Cup will be the most exciting time in the history of the sport within America. Hartford Athletic will look to enhance all aspects of the fan experience both on and off the pitch, while expanding our presence in the soccer community locally, nationally and globally.”

A former professional goalkeeper for eight seasons, Sakiewicz joined Major League Soccer as a founding executive in 1995. Along with a small group of League executives, he helped launch MLS as its first Vice President of Commercial Sponsorship Sales. Sakiewicz later went on to lead two Major League Soccer teams from 1997-2006, serving as President and General Manager of both the inaugural MLS teams in Tampa and New York. After nine successful seasons, in which he was named the League’s Executive of the Year twice (1999 and 2000) and won the Eastern Conference Championship in 2000, Sakiewicz played a key role in the record-setting sale of the NY/NJ MetroStars to the Red Bull energy drink company that included the sale of naming rights of the team and stadium (Red Bull Arena) in Harrison New Jersey. Nick engineered the deals to build two soccer-specific stadiums as part of large-scale urban redevelopments. The first was built for the Red Bulls in America’s largest market, the New York / New Jersey metropolitan area, and the second for the Philadelphia Union, serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

In 2006, Sakiewicz co-founded Keystone Sports & Entertainment and assembled the investors which eventually became the ownership group of Major League Soccer’s sixteenth expansion team, the Philadelphia Union. In just six seasons, Sakiewicz built Philadelphia into one of the League’s most successful clubs including the establishment of one of the strongest youth academies in MLS.

“Connecticut is a great soccer state and New England has a soccer-rich catchment area for player development. We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us to build a top-level youth development Academy. I have been so impressed by Hartford Athletic’s dedicated supporters and partners and look forward to connecting with them to learn how we can continue to improve,” Sakiewicz added. “We are going to get the product on the field right and reward those fans for their support through some very challenging seasons.”

Sakiewicz earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Haven in 1983, played eight professional seasons and retired in 1990 from the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and has coached goalkeepers at the youth and collegiate levels.

Hartford took a 2-1 lead into halftime tonight, but three second half goals from Memphis 901 FC secured the victory for the home side. Hartford fell 4-2.

Hartford Athletic began tonight’s match with two scoring chances before the fifth minute. On a breakout in transition, Edgardo Rito led a ball into the box to Elvis Amoh. The striker placed his shot into the top left corner of the net, but the goal was called off due to Amoh being offside. A minute later, Prince Saydee received a quality through ball from Elvis Amoh towards goal. Saydee beat the charging keeper Drew Romig, but his shot was blocked at the goal line by Akeem Ward. 

Memphis put pressure on Hartford in the 17th minute, and Luiz Fernando drew a penalty inside the box on Ash Apollon. Bruno Lapa took the penalty and converted it to give the home side the 1-0 lead. Hartford responded well, knocking on the door in the Memphis third just minutes later and eventually getting a goal from Prince Saydee in the 26th minute. Saydee faked to his left and beat his defender to his right, and looped his shot into the bottom left corner of the net from just inside the box. Seven minutes later, Saydee completed the brace and gave his team a 2-1 lead with a beautiful strike. He intercepted a poor pass from Romig in Memphis’ third and snuck a front-spinning shot into the top left corner of the net, tickling the twine and leaving Romig standing still. Edgardo Rito picked up the assist, and Saydee brought his goal total up to seven on the season to tie Kyle Edwards for the team lead. Hartford remained ahead going into the half. 

Three unanswered goals from 901 FC headlined the story of the second half. 15 minutes in, Aiden McFadden played a cross into the Hartford box and a sliding Samuel Careaga tapped his shot into the bottom left corner off a half volley. In the 73rd minute, the home side regained the lead on an excellent strike from Bruno Lapa that mirrored Saydee’s goal from earlier in the game. Four minutes later, Rodrigo da Costa extended the Memphis lead to 4-2. On a free kick from just outside the top right corner of the box, Luiz Fernando finessed his shot off the crossbar and down across the goal line to beat Sánchez. 

Athletic were unable to get back into the game, generating just seven touches in Memphis’s box and just one shot on target in the half. 4-2 was the final score. Hartford’s record when leading at halftime is now 3-3-2.

Richard Sánchez made four saves for Hartford and Niall Logue booted seven clearances. Edgardo Rito’s assist on Saydee’s first goal was his first in Green and Blue. Hartford Athletic stay on the road with a matchup at Detroit City next Saturday September 23rd. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.

FAST STATS

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 8 (4)  Memphis 26 (8)

Corners: Hartford 7 Memphis 9

Fouls: Hartford 9 Memphis 16

Offsides: Hartford 3 Memphis 0

Possession: Hartford 40.9% Memphis 59.9%

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 70.6% Memphis 80.2%

Saves: Hartford 4 Memphis 1

SCORING SUMMARY:

Memphis: 18’ – Lapa

Hartford: 26’ – Saydee (Rito)

Hartford: 33’ – Saydee 

Memphis: 60’ – Careaga (McFadden)

Memphis: 73’ – Fernando (McFadden)

Memphis: 78’ – da Costa

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

Memphis: 45+1’ – Molloy (Yellow)

Hartford: 45+3’ – Logue (Yellow)

Hartford: 53’ – Makangila (Yellow)

Memphis: 62’ – Peters (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

1 (GK) Richard Sánchez, 14 (DF) Ashkanov Apollon (Sheldon, 69’); 50 (DF) Niall Logue, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn (Lapert, 89’);, 6 (MF) Beverly Makangila (Torres, 82’); 77 (MF) Andre Lewis, 21 (MF) Kembo Kibato (Barrera, 82’); 72 (DF) Edgardo Rito (Edwards, 82’); 29 (FW) Antoine Hoppenot, 9 (FW) Elvis Amoh, 7 (FW) Prince Saydee

MEMPHIS 901 FC STARTING LINEUP 

1 (GK) Drew Romig, 14 (DF) Akeem Ward, 8 (DF) Lucas Turci, 3 (DF) Carson Vom Steeg, 37 (DF) Aiden McFadden, 6 (MF) Aaron Molloy, 7 (MF) Bruno Lapa (Peters, 45’); 18 (MF) Jeremy Kelly (Kissiedou, 90+1’); 10 (FW) Rodrigo da Cost (Borczak, 83’); 9 (MF) Luiz Fernando (Dally, 83’); 20 (FW) Nighte Pickering (Careaga, 45’)

PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS

Date: Saturday, September 16th, 2023

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Location: AutoZone Park, Memphis, Tennessee

Streaming: ESPN Plus or WTNH.com

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (4-19-4) at MEMPHIS 901 FC (11-8-9)

Hartford Athletic begin a two-game road trip with a matchup against Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park, looking to get back on track after falling into a five-game slide.

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford Athletic’s match last Saturday against RGV Toros was postponed after a three-hour lightning delay. The match kicked off at 7:00 PM as scheduled, but only made it to the ninth minute before being interrupted by a thunderstorm. The match will be restarted on October 4th at 7:00 PM.

Hartford’s last full game was on September 2nd, as they fell 2-1 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies on the road. The Green and Blue got out to a great start, as Elvis Amoh scored a fantastic goal in the 13th minute. Cal Jennings responded with a goal for Tampa Bay in the final minutes of stoppage time. In the second half, Hartford put just one shot on target and ended up conceding the game winner to former Hartford striker Ariel Martínez in the 90th minute.

FAMILIAR FACES ON BOTH SIDES

Hartford defenseman Niall Logue spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with Memphis before signing with Athletic this year. In 2021, the Irishman made 22 appearances, led the club in blocked shots (32), and registered 93 clearances as Memphis earned a place in the USL Championship Playoffs for the first time in its history. On the other side, 901 FC’s Rashawn Dally played for Hartford in 2022. The Bloomfield, CT native scored three goals and tallied five assists for his hometown club.

MATCHUP HISTORY

Hartford Athletic are 0-4-1 against Memphis 901 FC all-time, dating back to 2019. 901 FC won the first matchup between the two clubs this year back on May 6th, a commanding 2-0 victory for the visitors. Laurent Kissiedou and Rashawn Dally scored the two goals. In 2022, Hartford were able to draw Memphis 1-1 at home, but fell 3-1 in their last visit to AutoZone Park last August.

FINISHING STRONG

With only seven games left in the regular season, Hartford look to finish the season strong. In the club’s history, they’ve done just that, finishing the final seven games of each season with a record of:

2019: 3-3-1

2020: 5-1-1, with a five-game undefeated streak

2021: 3-2-2

2022: 4-3, with a three-game winning streak

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Memphis 901 FC currently sit at fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. With six games left in the season, they have the chance to host a home match in the first round of playoffs if they get positive results down the stretch. In their last matchup against Monterey Bay, Memphis recorded a season high 23 shots and forced seven saves, but were unable to convert and fell to the Union 1-0. Memphis have been a strong offensive team all season, recording 44 goals in the Championship (fifth overall).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hartford Athletic: Luke Merrill, DF #19

Luke Merrill has proven to be a consistent force on both sides of the ball for Hartford Athletic. The defensive midfielder is excellent at gaining possession of the ball and is quick to win it back and move it forward for Hartford. Merrill has been a talented tackler for Athletic as well, as he sits in the top three in tackles attempted and tackles won. With a quality first touch and strong dribbling capabilities, Merrill has also shown his ability to get the ball downfield and into a scoring position.

Memphis 901 FC: Rodrigo Da Costa, MF #10

Rodrigo Da Costa is a veteran of the USL Championship who finds himself on the scoring sheet consistently. Acquired in May of this year from FC Tulsa, Da Costa has made an impact on the offensive end with three goals and an assist in 10 matches. Known for his creativity as a striker and distributor, the Brazilian is a dangerous player and integral piece to an already fearsome Memphis attacking side. Not only a threat to score but to also distribute and create chances, Da Costa is second for the team in chances created with 30.

INJURY REPORT

Hartford Athletic

Questionable: Hodge (Groin)

Memphis 901 FC

Out: Buckmaster (lower body), Hyndman (lower body)

The USL Championship announced today that the regular season contest between Hartford Athletic and Rio Grande Valley FC Toros that was postponed on September 9th will now be played on Wednesday, October 4th at Trinity Health Stadium. The match will restart and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Tickets for the originally scheduled game will still be valid for the new date.

Hartford Athletic return to action this Saturday, September 16th at Memphis 901 FC. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM ET.

PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS

Date: Saturday, September 9th, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut

Streaming: ESPN Plus or WTNH.com

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (4-19-4) vs RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC TOROS (7-10-11)

Hartford are back to full strength at home after 10 players missed last week’s match due to positive COVID-19 tests. They host Rio Grande Valley FC and look to snap a five-game losing streak.

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford Athletic are coming off 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies last Saturday. The Green and Blue got out to a great start, as Elvis Amoh scored a fantastic goal in the 13th minute. Hartford defended well after scoring, but couldn’t hold on to their lead before the end of the half. Cal Jennings scored for Tampa Bay in the final minutes of stoppage time. In the second half, Hartford put just one shot on target and ended up folding to the consistent attacking pressure from Tampa Bay in the 90th minute. Former Hartford striker Ariel Martínez buried the game winner after receiving a well-fed cross in the box.

GAINING REINFORCEMENTS

Hartford were forced to play with a roster of just 13 players last Saturday, as 12 players were ruled out of last Saturday’s match due to positive COVID tests. This week, the Green and Blue are back to full health. This includes the return of defender Modesto Méndez, who had missed the last three games due to a concussion. 

FORMER TOROS IN HARTFORD

Three of Hartford’s own will be facing their former team this weekend. Forwards Elvis Amoh and Kyle Edwards both had successful seasons with the Toros in 2021, and midfielder Kembo Kibato began his professional career with RGV in 2020. Amoh made a substantial impact, as he broke their regular season franchise scoring record with 13 goals. Edwards was also an important piece, scoring six goals and recording three assists in 23 appearances. Kibato introduced himself to the USL Championship with 12 appearances and nine starts for the Toros before being loaned to FC Tulsa.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Rio Grande Valley FC enter Saturday with a 7-10-11 record, and hold the most ties in the league. They are currently fighting for a playoff spot, sitting at 11th in the Western Conference and just three points below the playoff line. The Toros are a strong defensive team, letting in just 1.5 goals per game on average, along with a successful tackle rate of 68%. With a loss in their last game to Phoenix Rising FC and a record of 1-3-1 the past five games, Rio Grande Valley FC will look to turn things around and get back in the win column against Hartford.

Check the Pulse

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hartford Athletic: Elvis Amoh, FW #9

Elvis Amoh netted one of Hartford’s best goals of the season last week against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. After receiving a pass at center field from midfielder Andre Lewis Amoh made a wonderful turn and run letting the shot go from outside the box, rifling the ball into the top corner. This season, Amoh has been second in scoring with five goals in 20 games played. With his tall and lanky frame combined with his speed and finishing ability, Amoh will be an integral piece of the Hartford attack as they try to finish the season strong.

Rio Grande Valley: Alexis Monis, FW #30

Alex Monis was recently acquired on loan from Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire FC. From 2020-2022, the forward spent most of his time with Forward Madison FC of USL League One, but most recently played for Chicago Fire II. He recorded 11 goals and two assists in 40 appearances with the MLS Next Club. Monis made his MLS debut on November 7th, 2021 and scored his first and only MLS goal on October 9th, 2022 against the New England Revolution. Although young, Monis is a seasoned and proven player who can help the Toros improve their form as they strive towards a playoff spot.

INJURY REPORT

Hartford Athletic

Out: None

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros

Out: None

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For live updates, follow along on twitter using the hashtag #HFDvRGV