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HARTFORD ATHLETIC (9-11-3) vs TAMPA BAY ROWDIES (17-6-1)

Date: Saturday, September 25th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3dKEgUJ

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+ or https://www.hartfordathletic.com/watch

LAST TIME OUT:

In desperate need of 3 points, Hartford Athletic took care of business on home turf, defeating Real Monarchs 2-0 for their ninth win of the season. In the 30th minute, the Boys in Green broke through. Danny Barrera played a beautiful ball through to Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. who smashed it to the back of the net for the opening goal of the match. In the 83rd minute, Luka Prpa hit a ball to the near post, Obregón Jr. made a beautiful run to it and the ball found the back of the net after glancing off defender Daniel Flores. The own-goal doubled Hartford’s lead and the Boys would never look back. 

THE CAMEROONIAN WONDER:

One of the season’s brightest spots in attack has been Forward Preston Tabort Etaka. Preston contributes both as a goal scorer where he has four, third best on the squad, and with assists where he has five, second most on the team behind Barrera. Preston’s five assists are already good for second best all-time in club history, tied with Gabi Torres. Preston’s speed is always a mismatch no matter which side of the pitch he’s on and Head Coach Harry Watling has done a nice job exploiting that so far.

MATCH FOR A CAUSE:

Saturday’s match is the third edition of the Match for a Cause presented by Stanley Black & Decker. In two years, Hartford and Stanley have combined to raise over $25,000 for Girls for Technology and Boys and Girls Club of Hartford. Hartford will wear special all-black kits for the match and will auction match-worn kits off to benefit The Legacy Foundation of Hartford which is focused on addressing disparities in health and education. On the pitch, Hartford has a record of 1-0-1 on Match for a Cause night, including a 5-1 win over Loudoun United in 2019.

FROM THE GAFFER:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (9-11-3) vs TAMPA BAY ROWDIES (17-6-1)

Date: Saturday, September 25th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3dKEgUJ

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+ or https://www.hartfordathletic.com/watch

LAST TIME OUT:

In desperate need of 3 points, Hartford Athletic took care of business on home turf, defeating Real Monarchs 2-0 for their ninth win of the season. In the 30th minute, the Boys in Green broke through. Danny Barrera played a beautiful ball through to Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. who smashed it to the back of the net for the opening goal of the match. In the 83rd minute, Luka Prpa hit a ball to the near post, Obregón Jr. made a beautiful run to it and the ball found the back of the net after glancing off defender Daniel Flores. The own-goal doubled Hartford’s lead and the Boys would never look back. 

THE CAMEROONIAN WONDER:

One of the season’s brightest spots in attack has been Forward Preston Tabort Etaka. Preston contributes both as a goal scorer where he has four, third best on the squad, and with assists where he has five, second most on the team behind Barrera. Preston’s five assists are already good for second best all-time in club history, tied with Gabi Torres. Preston’s speed is always a mismatch no matter which side of the pitch he’s on and Head Coach Harry Watling has done a nice job exploiting that so far.

MATCH FOR A CAUSE:

Saturday’s match is the third edition of the Match for a Cause presented by Stanley Black & Decker. In two years, Hartford and Stanley have combined to raise over $25,000 for Girls for Technology and Boys and Girls Club of Hartford. Hartford will wear special all-black kits for the match and will auction match-worn kits off to benefit The Legacy Foundation of Hartford which is focused on addressing disparities in health and education. On the pitch, Hartford has a record of 1-0-1 on Match for a Cause night, including a 5-1 win over Loudoun United in 2019.

FROM THE GAFFER:

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., FW, #29

Three matchups between these teams in 2021 have all ended 1-0. Obregón had two quality chances that could have made it 2-1 Hartford in the first matchup and it was Forward Derek Dodson who scored on a counter in the second matchup, a 1-0 win for Hartford. It's clear that past game plans have placed an emphasis on setting up Forwards to attack the Tampa Bay center backs and it will likely be JC who's name is called to do that on Saturday night.

Tampa Bay Rowdies, Evan Louro, GK, #1

The Rowdies keeper is on the streak of a lifetime, he hasn't allowed a goal since August 6th, a 2-1 win over New York Red Bulls II. In that time he's posted 8 consecutive clean sheets, including a 1-0 win over Hartford on August 13th. At home and desperate for a win, you can expect Hartford will do their best to throw an endless barrage of shots at Louro and end the scoreless streak.

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

Out: Nii Armah Ashitey (Leg), Carlos Merancio (Knee)

Tampa Bay Rowdies:

Out: Luis Fernando

Questionable: Max Lachowecki

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Hartford and Tampa Bay Rowdies meet for the fourth and final time this regular season. The Rowdies hold a 2-1 edge in the season series. Every match this season has ended with a final score of 1-0, with Tampa Bay winning the first and third matches of the series. Hartford won the first matchup on the road in Tampa Bay on July 13th, outlasting a seemingly endless Rowdies attack that got off 21 shots. The visitors come into the match in incredible form, the club hasn’t allowed a goal since August 6th and have taken hold of first place in the Atlantic Division with 52 points, 5 clear of second place Pittsburgh.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvTBR

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., FW, #29

Three matchups between these teams in 2021 have all ended 1-0. Obregón had two quality chances that could have made it 2-1 Hartford in the first matchup and it was Forward Derek Dodson who scored on a counter in the second matchup, a 1-0 win for Hartford. It’s clear that past game plans have placed an emphasis on setting up Forwards to attack the Tampa Bay center backs and it will likely be JC who’s name is called to do that on Saturday night.

Tampa Bay Rowdies, Evan Louro, GK, #1

The Rowdies keeper is on the streak of a lifetime, he hasn’t allowed a goal since August 6th, a 2-1 win over New York Red Bulls II. In that time he’s posted 8 consecutive clean sheets, including a 1-0 win over Hartford on August 13th. At home and desperate for a win, you can expect Hartford will do their best to throw an endless barrage of shots at Louro and end the scoreless streak.

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

Out: Nii Armah Ashitey (Leg), Carlos Merancio (Knee)

Tampa Bay Rowdies:

Out: Luis Fernando

Questionable: Max Lachowecki

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Hartford and Tampa Bay Rowdies meet for the fourth and final time this regular season. The Rowdies hold a 2-1 edge in the season series. Every match this season has ended with a final score of 1-0, with Tampa Bay winning the first and third matches of the series. Hartford won the first matchup on the road in Tampa Bay on July 13th, outlasting a seemingly endless Rowdies attack that got off 21 shots. The visitors come into the match in incredible form, the club hasn’t allowed a goal since August 6th and have taken hold of first place in the Atlantic Division with 52 points, 5 clear of second place Pittsburgh.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvTBR

Hartford Athletic has signed Goalkeeper Matt Lampson for the remainder of the 2021 season pending league and federation approval.  

Over an eight-year career, Lampson totaled 61 appearances in MLS for Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, Minnesota United, and LA Galaxy. Lampson also had two stints on loan in the USL playing with Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Charlotte Independence in 2015. Matt is the second homegrown player in Columbus history and after returning to the Crew in 2020, was part of the roster that won the MLS Cup. 

"We are delighted to bring in Matt, a player with great experience at a high level," said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. "Matt has been training with us for a few days and has already made a massive impact on the group. We're really happy to have him in to push Jeff (Caldwell) and to continue to drive the standards we've set."

Lampson is the third player who joins Hartford Athletic with ties to Columbus Crew. In 2019, midfielder Luis Argudo and goalkeeper Jon Kempin joined Hartford on loan from the Crew. Backup goalkeeper Carlos Merancio will miss the remainder of the season after a knee injury suffered in the September 4th match against New York Red Bulls II. 

Hartford Athletic are back at Dillon Stadium on Saturday night against Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7 PM. Visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/single to purchase tickets. 

Hartford Athletic has signed Goalkeeper Matt Lampson for the remainder of the 2021 season pending league and federation approval.  

Over an eight-year career, Lampson totaled 61 appearances in MLS for Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, Minnesota United, and LA Galaxy. Lampson also had two stints on loan in the USL playing with Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Charlotte Independence in 2015. Matt is the second homegrown player in Columbus history and after returning to the Crew in 2020, was part of the roster that won the MLS Cup. 

“We are delighted to bring in Matt, a player with great experience at a high level,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “Matt has been training with us for a few days and has already made a massive impact on the group. We’re really happy to have him in to push Jeff (Caldwell) and to continue to drive the standards we’ve set.”

Lampson is the third player who joins Hartford Athletic with ties to Columbus Crew. In 2019, midfielder Luis Argudo and goalkeeper Jon Kempin joined Hartford on loan from the Crew. Backup goalkeeper Carlos Merancio will miss the remainder of the season after a knee injury suffered in the September 4th match against New York Red Bulls II. 

Hartford Athletic are back at Dillon Stadium on Saturday night against Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7 PM. Visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/single to purchase tickets. 

It’s the waning stages of the 2021 USL Championship season and Hartford Athletic is making a final push to vault themselves back into the playoff discussion.  Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell has been an integral part of the dynamic for the Boys in Green and is the x-factor for a team looking to string wins together down the stretch.  His swift reflexes and acrobatic saves are a thing of beauty, sacrificing his body at all times to keep the opposition off the scoresheet.  He’s had a long journey to reach this form, but he’s only scaled the tip of the iceberg in a career destined for longevity and success.

“I started playing [in] goal at the age of four and that’s [the position] I’ve always been”, Caldwell, 25, said.  “I took after my older sister who was a great goalie and super aggressive.  She would always throw herself at people’s feet so I did the same, and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Born in Todd, North Carolina, Caldwell’s life from a young age revolved around soccer.  He was invited to many Olympic Development Program (ODP) camps at the state, regional and national levels, which served as a path to play for the U.S Youth National Team.  While playing with North Carolina Fusion, Caldwell shined and got the call to attend his first U17 National Team camp in Los Angeles, California on trial.  He left a good enough impression to stay with the program for a year, racking up nearly 20 caps to his credit and playing in the qualifiers for the U-17 World Cup.    

Following multiple trials in the U.S and Europe, Caldwell ultimately decided to attend the University of Virginia.  He served as the backup his freshman year on a Cavaliers squad that won the national championship in 2014 and later became the first UVA goalkeeper to earn All ACC Honors three times.  

“I loved every bit of my time at UVA”, Caldwell said.  “I still go back to Charlottesville to spend my offseasons and train.  I wouldn’t trade the relationships and experiences I had as a student and athlete at the university for anything.” 

Upon graduating, the North Carolina native was selected by NYCFC with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.  He spent two years behind goalkeeper Sean Johnson and current Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver.  Caldwell learned the ins and outs of what it takes to be an elite professional and became very close on a personal level with them off the pitch as well.

“Those guys set the standard so high all the time”, Caldwell said.  “Brad’s finally gotten his opportunity to be an MLS [starting goalie] with Austin [FC] and has absolutely smashed it.  Sean’s been a mainstay as one of the best keepers in the [MLS] for a number of years and was very generous in terms of sharing his knowledge of the game with me.”

In March of 2019, Caldwell was loaned to USL Championship side Memphis 901 to be their starting goalkeeper for the season.  It would be the first time in his professional career that he was getting in-game reps, and he maintained the #1 position throughout.  In 28 games for the brand new expansion team, Caldwell had 80 saves and six clean sheets, flashing potential that the UVA alum was more than capable of handling starting duties.  It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but his craft improved exponentially and he came away learning a lot more than when he first arrived in that locker room.

“I had some early success and then hit some lumps where I actually went back to NYCFC for a month in the middle of the season”, Caldwell said.  “It slowed the momentum down a little bit from a game front but I came away with a lot of valuable lessons, especially how to manage a 30 plus game campaign.  It was a phenomenal experience overall.”

Caldwell packed his bags and returned back to the MLS when the New England Revolution selected him in the MLS Waiver Draft.  He would be the third-choice keeper for a team that includes U.S. National Team goalkeeper Matt Turner.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 struck not long after the start of the 2020 season, but in his short time there, Caldwell had an incredible mentor that gave him a blueprint of how to be great in one of the world’s top leagues.  

“I was really fortunate to work with another unbelievable goalkeeper, [Matt Turner]”, Caldwell said.  “He’s a great technician in terms of his craft and makes plays consistently that guys would normally make a few times in their career.”

Weighing his options in the 2021 offseason,  Caldwell was intrigued by the young, hungry, and driven culture Hartford was building.  He signed with the club in January as the expected workhorse in net for Athletic and hasn’t relinquished his spot since.  Caldwell’s play has been nothing short of spectacular, making jaw-dropping saves daily that attract eyeballs from across the American soccer universe.  Whether it’s his sprawling saves on point-blank opportunities, tipping on screamers outside the box, or cat-like reflexes on penalties, Caldwell is a massive fan favorite to the green and blue faithful and has been a poised, respected leader in the locker room with his teammates. 

“My goals coming here were to never concede, which obviously can’t always happen but it’s something I shoot for every game, and to be consistent”, Caldwell said.  “After a year of not playing, I’ve worked extremely hard to get my game back on track so I can put the team in a position to win games every time we step onto the field.”

Caldwell has the second-most saves in the USL Championship with 92 and tied for the fourth-most clean sheets with six.  At just 25 years old, he has no plans of slowing down and hopes to continue his ascent up the ranks in the future.

“Like any good professional, I just want to get better at my craft”, Caldwell said. “I hope to apply my skills at the highest levels possible and just take each game and season one at a time.” 

It’s the waning stages of the 2021 USL Championship season and Hartford Athletic is making a final push to vault themselves back into the playoff discussion.  Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell has been an integral part of the dynamic for the Boys in Green and is the x-factor for a team looking to string wins together down the stretch.  His swift reflexes and acrobatic saves are a thing of beauty, sacrificing his body at all times to keep the opposition off the scoresheet.  He’s had a long journey to reach this form, but he’s only scaled the tip of the iceberg in a career destined for longevity and success.

“I started playing [in] goal at the age of four and that’s [the position] I’ve always been”, Caldwell, 25, said.  “I took after my older sister who was a great goalie and super aggressive.  She would always throw herself at people’s feet so I did the same, and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Born in Todd, North Carolina, Caldwell’s life from a young age revolved around soccer.  He was invited to many Olympic Development Program (ODP) camps at the state, regional and national levels, which served as a path to play for the U.S Youth National Team.  While playing with North Carolina Fusion, Caldwell shined and got the call to attend his first U17 National Team camp in Los Angeles, California on trial.  He left a good enough impression to stay with the program for a year, racking up nearly 20 caps to his credit and playing in the qualifiers for the U-17 World Cup.    

Following multiple trials in the U.S and Europe, Caldwell ultimately decided to attend the University of Virginia.  He served as the backup his freshman year on a Cavaliers squad that won the national championship in 2014 and later became the first UVA goalkeeper to earn All ACC Honors three times.  

“I loved every bit of my time at UVA”, Caldwell said.  “I still go back to Charlottesville to spend my offseasons and train.  I wouldn’t trade the relationships and experiences I had as a student and athlete at the university for anything.” 

Upon graduating, the North Carolina native was selected by NYCFC with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.  He spent two years behind goalkeeper Sean Johnson and current Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver.  Caldwell learned the ins and outs of what it takes to be an elite professional and became very close on a personal level with them off the pitch as well.

“Those guys set the standard so high all the time”, Caldwell said.  “Brad’s finally gotten his opportunity to be an MLS [starting goalie] with Austin [FC] and has absolutely smashed it.  Sean’s been a mainstay as one of the best keepers in the [MLS] for a number of years and was very generous in terms of sharing his knowledge of the game with me.”

In March of 2019, Caldwell was loaned to USL Championship side Memphis 901 to be their starting goalkeeper for the season.  It would be the first time in his professional career that he was getting in-game reps, and he maintained the #1 position throughout.  In 28 games for the brand new expansion team, Caldwell had 80 saves and six clean sheets, flashing potential that the UVA alum was more than capable of handling starting duties.  It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but his craft improved exponentially and he came away learning a lot more than when he first arrived in that locker room.

“I had some early success and then hit some lumps where I actually went back to NYCFC for a month in the middle of the season”, Caldwell said.  “It slowed the momentum down a little bit from a game front but I came away with a lot of valuable lessons, especially how to manage a 30 plus game campaign.  It was a phenomenal experience overall.”

Caldwell packed his bags and returned back to the MLS when the New England Revolution selected him in the MLS Waiver Draft.  He would be the third-choice keeper for a team that includes U.S. National Team goalkeeper Matt Turner.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 struck not long after the start of the 2020 season, but in his short time there, Caldwell had an incredible mentor that gave him a blueprint of how to be great in one of the world’s top leagues.  

“I was really fortunate to work with another unbelievable goalkeeper, [Matt Turner]”, Caldwell said.  “He’s a great technician in terms of his craft and makes plays consistently that guys would normally make a few times in their career.”

Weighing his options in the 2021 offseason,  Caldwell was intrigued by the young, hungry, and driven culture Hartford was building.  He signed with the club in January as the expected workhorse in net for Athletic and hasn’t relinquished his spot since.  Caldwell’s play has been nothing short of spectacular, making jaw-dropping saves daily that attract eyeballs from across the American soccer universe.  Whether it’s his sprawling saves on point-blank opportunities, tipping on screamers outside the box, or cat-like reflexes on penalties, Caldwell is a massive fan favorite to the green and blue faithful and has been a poised, respected leader in the locker room with his teammates. 

“My goals coming here were to never concede, which obviously can’t always happen but it’s something I shoot for every game, and to be consistent”, Caldwell said.  “After a year of not playing, I’ve worked extremely hard to get my game back on track so I can put the team in a position to win games every time we step onto the field.”

Caldwell has the second-most saves in the USL Championship with 92 and tied for the fourth-most clean sheets with six.  At just 25 years old, he has no plans of slowing down and hopes to continue his ascent up the ranks in the future.

“Like any good professional, I just want to get better at my craft”, Caldwell said. “I hope to apply my skills at the highest levels possible and just take each game and season one at a time.” 

This story was originally published in New England Soccer Journal. Hartford Athletic supporters can use this special link for 25% off either a year-long digital or all-access subscription. Launched in March 2013, New England Soccer Journal covers youth soccer up to the professional ranks across the entire region. Click here for more info and to subscribe.

When Reno 1868 FC decided to cease operations following the 2020 USL Championship season, it jolted defender Thomas Janjigian.

“It’s something that surprised me in the moment because we were a very solid team, and we were doing well,” said Janjigian, who played four seasons in northern Nevada, following a standout college career at UC-Irvine.

Reno had a record of 62-26-28 and earned playoff berths in all four campaigns since its 2017 inception. The club, however, believed it needed a soccer-specific stadium to compete in the current iteration of the USL Championship as opposed to the minor-league baseball stadium that served as its home. However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic prospect of a soccer stadium went from challenging to impossible.

Before his only professional home closed its doors, Janjigian started to entertain the notion of leaving and trying his luck with a new club. But now, without the option to return to Reno, Janjigian’s full attention turned to finding a place to ply his trade. His agent started talking to Luiz Silva, then the director of scouting and performance analysis for Hartford Athletic, who was helping to shape the squad ahead of its third season.

“Luiz was very interested in me and the way I played,” Janjigian said. “And to be honest, I didn’t have many opportunities to go elsewhere.”

With a fit for club and player, the 26-year-old Janjigian signed with Hartford. He packed his bags for Connecticut, sold on the club’s burgeoning project in the wake of a playoff appearance in 2020. For the California-born Janjigian, the farthest east he had been was playing at the University of Maryland in an NCAA tournament match in 2013 during his freshman season at UC-Irvine.

“It’s definitely a different vibe,” Janjigian said. “I’m just a California boy at heart.”

Janjigian settled in West Hartford with his fiancée and two dogs, which helped with his acclimation to Connecticut. Many of the club’s other players also live in the suburban town. 

“This team has great team chemistry,” Janjigian said. “I’ve been in Reno for four years, and I feel like this team is just stronger together than all the other teams I’ve been with in terms of just getting to know each other.”

Ultimately, Janjigian could be content in Connecticut off the pitch, but he is also here to perform well on it. Janjigian has started in all but one of Hartford’s matches this season as the left center back.

“I’m very composed on the ball, and I can find the right pass,” Janjigian said. “I feel that allows me to be very comfortable in a lot of positions. I have a very powerful left foot, and I can distribute very well so that just helps increase the quality that I bring.”

On July 10, two minutes into second-half stoppage time, Janjigian showed just how potent his left foot is by rocketing home an equalizer from well outside the penalty area against New York Red Bulls II.

First-year Hartford coach Harry Watling said as far as ball-playing center backs go in the USL Championship, “you won’t get anyone better than” Janjigian. The long-range goal additionally reveals the depth of Janjigian’s potential.

“That shows you how good of a player he is, because that was a really cultured finish,” Watling said.

Watling said Janjigian permeates California cool — “really chill guy, really laid back, just gets on with it, a lovely bloke” — until he steps between the white lines for training and matches.

“When he crosses the white line, he changes into a bit of an animal — his intensity and his aggression go up, so what you’ve got there is a real top-level potential athlete, who’s got a little bit of everything,” Watling said. “He sees the game three seconds ahead of everyone else. He reads (the game) really well. That’s why his positioning is so good and why his pass selection and pass execution is so good as well.”

Watling said when he watched video of Janjigian with Reno, his pass selection was “safe.”

“(Janjigian) is a perfectionist, but I think prior to him coming in, from the footage I saw, he would just play a simple diagonal pass and would be happy with that,” Watling said. “Now he’s looking at more detail.”

Part of that detail, according to Janjigian, is being more direct in his play. However, that does not mean that Janjigian is playing long balls every time, either.

“When I was younger, I would just settle for the easier passes,” said Janjigian, who has attempted a team-high 732 passes.

Janjigian said that Watling gives the players confidence via freedom to play to their strengths.

“He is a very personable coach and all about getting you in the right mindset for the games, and a huge thing that he always talks about is confidence,” Janjigian said. “I feel like he puts a lot of confidence in guys just to have the freedom to play how they want on the field.”

Janjigian said the experience of Reno folding makes it “very tough to think long term” about playing anywhere, in addition to the business side of soccer, where a club could simply decide to move on to a different player. Still, Janjigian is an optimistic, long-term planner by nature.

“I always try to think long term,” Janjigian said. “I would be happy staying here for multiple years, definitely, but it’s just whether the club wants it, and they see me performing for that long.”

This story was originally published in New England Soccer Journal. Hartford Athletic supporters can use this special link for 25% off either a year-long digital or all-access subscription. Launched in March 2013, New England Soccer Journal covers youth soccer up to the professional ranks across the entire region. Click here for more info and to subscribe.

When Reno 1868 FC decided to cease operations following the 2020 USL Championship season, it jolted defender Thomas Janjigian.

“It’s something that surprised me in the moment because we were a very solid team, and we were doing well,” said Janjigian, who played four seasons in northern Nevada, following a standout college career at UC-Irvine.

Reno had a record of 62-26-28 and earned playoff berths in all four campaigns since its 2017 inception. The club, however, believed it needed a soccer-specific stadium to compete in the current iteration of the USL Championship as opposed to the minor-league baseball stadium that served as its home. However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic prospect of a soccer stadium went from challenging to impossible.

Before his only professional home closed its doors, Janjigian started to entertain the notion of leaving and trying his luck with a new club. But now, without the option to return to Reno, Janjigian’s full attention turned to finding a place to ply his trade. His agent started talking to Luiz Silva, then the director of scouting and performance analysis for Hartford Athletic, who was helping to shape the squad ahead of its third season.

“Luiz was very interested in me and the way I played,” Janjigian said. “And to be honest, I didn’t have many opportunities to go elsewhere.”

With a fit for club and player, the 26-year-old Janjigian signed with Hartford. He packed his bags for Connecticut, sold on the club’s burgeoning project in the wake of a playoff appearance in 2020. For the California-born Janjigian, the farthest east he had been was playing at the University of Maryland in an NCAA tournament match in 2013 during his freshman season at UC-Irvine.

“It’s definitely a different vibe,” Janjigian said. “I’m just a California boy at heart.”

Janjigian settled in West Hartford with his fiancée and two dogs, which helped with his acclimation to Connecticut. Many of the club’s other players also live in the suburban town. 

“This team has great team chemistry,” Janjigian said. “I’ve been in Reno for four years, and I feel like this team is just stronger together than all the other teams I’ve been with in terms of just getting to know each other.”

Ultimately, Janjigian could be content in Connecticut off the pitch, but he is also here to perform well on it. Janjigian has started in all but one of Hartford’s matches this season as the left center back.

“I’m very composed on the ball, and I can find the right pass,” Janjigian said. “I feel that allows me to be very comfortable in a lot of positions. I have a very powerful left foot, and I can distribute very well so that just helps increase the quality that I bring.”

On July 10, two minutes into second-half stoppage time, Janjigian showed just how potent his left foot is by rocketing home an equalizer from well outside the penalty area against New York Red Bulls II.

First-year Hartford coach Harry Watling said as far as ball-playing center backs go in the USL Championship, “you won’t get anyone better than” Janjigian. The long-range goal additionally reveals the depth of Janjigian’s potential.

“That shows you how good of a player he is, because that was a really cultured finish,” Watling said.

Watling said Janjigian permeates California cool — “really chill guy, really laid back, just gets on with it, a lovely bloke” — until he steps between the white lines for training and matches.

“When he crosses the white line, he changes into a bit of an animal — his intensity and his aggression go up, so what you’ve got there is a real top-level potential athlete, who’s got a little bit of everything,” Watling said. “He sees the game three seconds ahead of everyone else. He reads (the game) really well. That’s why his positioning is so good and why his pass selection and pass execution is so good as well.”

Watling said when he watched video of Janjigian with Reno, his pass selection was “safe.”

“(Janjigian) is a perfectionist, but I think prior to him coming in, from the footage I saw, he would just play a simple diagonal pass and would be happy with that,” Watling said. “Now he’s looking at more detail.”

Part of that detail, according to Janjigian, is being more direct in his play. However, that does not mean that Janjigian is playing long balls every time, either.

“When I was younger, I would just settle for the easier passes,” said Janjigian, who has attempted a team-high 732 passes.

Janjigian said that Watling gives the players confidence via freedom to play to their strengths.

“He is a very personable coach and all about getting you in the right mindset for the games, and a huge thing that he always talks about is confidence,” Janjigian said. “I feel like he puts a lot of confidence in guys just to have the freedom to play how they want on the field.”

Janjigian said the experience of Reno folding makes it “very tough to think long term” about playing anywhere, in addition to the business side of soccer, where a club could simply decide to move on to a different player. Still, Janjigian is an optimistic, long-term planner by nature.

“I always try to think long term,” Janjigian said. “I would be happy staying here for multiple years, definitely, but it’s just whether the club wants it, and they see me performing for that long.”

In desperate need of 3 points, Hartford Athletic took care of business on home turf, defeating Real Monarchs 2-0 for their ninth win of the season. 

Hartford played on the front foot for most of the opening stanza but couldn't quite get a quality chance in front of net. Finally, in the 30th minute, the Boys in Green broke through. While off-balance, Danny Barrera, making his typical magic in the midfield, played a beautiful ball through to Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. Obregón Jr., one-on-one with the goal keeper, smashed it to the back of the net for the opening goal of the match. It's Obregón Jr.'s 7th goal of the season, tying him with Wojciech Wojcík for the club's single-season record. It was also Barrera's USL Championship leading 9th assist of the season, also a club single-season record. 

Hartford took a 1-0 lead into the half and emerged from the break in a similar fashion, registering chances but unable to break the match open. Finally, in the 83rd minute, Hartford broke through. Off a set piece from just outside the right hand side of the box, Luka Prpa hit a ball to the near post, Obregón Jr. made a beautiful run to it and the ball found the back of the net after glancing off defender Daniel Flores. The own-goal doubled Hartford's lead and the Boys would never look back. This was the first win for Athletic since August 17th and the first clean sheet since July 24th. Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell has recorded 6 clean sheets this season.

Hartford Athletic will return to action at home next Saturday, September 26th at 7 PM against Tampa Bay Rowdies. This is also our annual Match for a Cause. Players will be wearing special kits which will be auctioned off starting Friday. All proceeds will benefit The Legacy Foundation of Hartford. Click the links for tickets or more information about our Match for a Cause.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 16 (5) – 12 (2) Real Monarchs

Corners: Hartford 5-3 Real Monarchs

Fouls: Hartford 14-16 Real Monarchs

Offsides: Hartford 4-0 Real Monarchs

Possession: Hartford 44.8%-55.2% Real Monarchs

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 74.3%-79.7% Real Monarchs

Saves: Hartford 2-4 Real Monarchs

SCORING SUMMARY:

30' – Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Danny Barrera) 1-0

83' – Daniel Flores (Own Goal) 2-0

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

5' – Jaziel Orozco (Yellow)

45+1' – Bret Halsey (Yellow)

45+1' – Jamison Olave (Yellow)

45+1' – Mirza Harambasic (Red)

52' – Kevin Saucedo (Yellow)

67' – Christian Nydegger (Yellow)

69' – Nico Cardona (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 4 (DF) Nicolás Cardona, 15 (DF) Tulu, 20 (DF) Thomas Janjigian, 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi; 10 (MF) Danny Barrera (Derek Dodson, 75'), 80 (MF) Justin Haak, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn, 6 (MF) Arthur Rogers (Luka Prpa, 68'); 23 (FW) Preston Tabort Etaka (Gabi Torres, 74'), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Walmer Martinez, 88')

REAL MONARCHS SLC STARTING LINEUP:

24 (GK) Jeff Dewsnup; 99 (DF) Jaziel Orozco, 52 (DF) Kevin Soucedo, 82 (DF) Haroun Conteh (Daniel Flores, 62'); 27 (MF) Bret Halsey, 83 (MF) Christian Nydegger, 41 (MF) Ibrahim Bance (James Moberg, 82'), 47 (MF) Charlie Wehan, 61 (MF) Malik Johnson; 96 (FW) Seth Powder (Max Mata, 61'), 93 (FW) Yekeson Suban (Josimar Quintero, 45')

In desperate need of 3 points, Hartford Athletic took care of business on home turf, defeating Real Monarchs 2-0 for their ninth win of the season. 

Hartford played on the front foot for most of the opening stanza but couldn’t quite get a quality chance in front of net. Finally, in the 30th minute, the Boys in Green broke through. While off-balance, Danny Barrera, making his typical magic in the midfield, played a beautiful ball through to Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. Obregón Jr., one-on-one with the goal keeper, smashed it to the back of the net for the opening goal of the match. It’s Obregón Jr.’s 7th goal of the season, tying him with Wojciech Wojcík for the club’s single-season record. It was also Barrera’s USL Championship leading 9th assist of the season, also a club single-season record. 

Hartford took a 1-0 lead into the half and emerged from the break in a similar fashion, registering chances but unable to break the match open. Finally, in the 83rd minute, Hartford broke through. Off a set piece from just outside the right hand side of the box, Luka Prpa hit a ball to the near post, Obregón Jr. made a beautiful run to it and the ball found the back of the net after glancing off defender Daniel Flores. The own-goal doubled Hartford’s lead and the Boys would never look back. This was the first win for Athletic since August 17th and the first clean sheet since July 24th. Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell has recorded 6 clean sheets this season.

Hartford Athletic will return to action at home next Saturday, September 26th at 7 PM against Tampa Bay Rowdies. This is also our annual Match for a Cause. Players will be wearing special kits which will be auctioned off starting Friday. All proceeds will benefit The Legacy Foundation of Hartford. Click the links for tickets or more information about our Match for a Cause.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 16 (5) – 12 (2) Real Monarchs

Corners: Hartford 5-3 Real Monarchs

Fouls: Hartford 14-16 Real Monarchs

Offsides: Hartford 4-0 Real Monarchs

Possession: Hartford 44.8%-55.2% Real Monarchs

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 74.3%-79.7% Real Monarchs

Saves: Hartford 2-4 Real Monarchs

SCORING SUMMARY:

30′ – Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Danny Barrera) 1-0

83′ – Daniel Flores (Own Goal) 2-0

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

5′ – Jaziel Orozco (Yellow)

45+1′ – Bret Halsey (Yellow)

45+1′ – Jamison Olave (Yellow)

45+1′ – Mirza Harambasic (Red)

52′ – Kevin Saucedo (Yellow)

67′ – Christian Nydegger (Yellow)

69′ – Nico Cardona (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 4 (DF) Nicolás Cardona, 15 (DF) Tulu, 20 (DF) Thomas Janjigian, 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi; 10 (MF) Danny Barrera (Derek Dodson, 75′), 80 (MF) Justin Haak, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn, 6 (MF) Arthur Rogers (Luka Prpa, 68′); 23 (FW) Preston Tabort Etaka (Gabi Torres, 74′), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Walmer Martinez, 88′)

REAL MONARCHS SLC STARTING LINEUP:

24 (GK) Jeff Dewsnup; 99 (DF) Jaziel Orozco, 52 (DF) Kevin Soucedo, 82 (DF) Haroun Conteh (Daniel Flores, 62′); 27 (MF) Bret Halsey, 83 (MF) Christian Nydegger, 41 (MF) Ibrahim Bance (James Moberg, 82′), 47 (MF) Charlie Wehan, 61 (MF) Malik Johnson; 96 (FW) Seth Powder (Max Mata, 61′), 93 (FW) Yekeson Suban (Josimar Quintero, 45′)

Hartford Athletic’s away match on Saturday, September 18th against Loudoun United FC has been postponed after multiple covered individuals from Loudoun tested positive for COVID-19. There have not been any positive tests among Hartford Athletic players or staff. The September 18th match will be made up on Wednesday, October 13th at 7 PM at Segra Field.

To accommodate the rescheduled date for the contest, the game between Hartford Athletic and Loudoun United FC at Dillon Stadium previously scheduled for Friday, October 15th will now be played on Saturday, October 16th with kickoff remaining at 7 PM. All tickets for the October 15th match will be honored on the new date on October 16th. If you have any questions about your tickets, please send email tickets@https://www.hartfordathletic.com.

Hartford Athletic’s away match on Saturday, September 18th against Loudoun United FC has been postponed after multiple covered individuals from Loudoun tested positive for COVID-19. There have not been any positive tests among Hartford Athletic players or staff. The September 18th match will be made up on Wednesday, October 13th at 7 PM at Segra Field.

To accommodate the rescheduled date for the contest, the game between Hartford Athletic and Loudoun United FC at Dillon Stadium previously scheduled for Friday, October 15th will now be played on Saturday, October 16th with kickoff remaining at 7 PM. All tickets for the October 15th match will be honored on the new date on October 16th. If you have any questions about your tickets, please send email tickets@https://www.hartfordathletic.com.

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (8-11-3) vs REAL MONARCHS SLC (4-14-4)

Date: Wednesday, September 15th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3wD7nC0

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+ or https://www.hartfordathletic.com/watch

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic lost 2-0 to Atlantic Division rival Charlotte Independence in a match with major playoff implications. Charlotte got two goals from forward Sylvain Marveaux, one in each half, and the Independence put themselves seven points clear of Hartford in the Atlantic Division. Two matches remain between the clubs, both at Dillon Stadium.

IF YOU'RE NOT FIRST, YOU'RE LAST:

The key to Hartford Athletic matches this season has been the opening goal of the match. In matches where Hartford have scored first, they are 8-2-1. In matches where the opponent scores first, they are 0-9-2. In a similar regard, Hartford Athletic are 6-1-0 in matches where they lead at the half and 0-5-2 in matches in which they trail after the first 45 minutes. If you’re looking for the story of Hartford Athletic in 2021, you can look at the first 45 minutes to give you an answer.

GETTIN' JIGGY WITH IT:

Saturday night in Charlotte, a piece of the Hartford Athletic puzzle was noticably absent. Centerback Thomas Janjigian missed his first match of the season with a hip injury. Prior to that match, Jiggy had played every single minute for Hartford Athletic this season. He is listed as questionable with a hip injury and his presence is undeniably important to Hartford’s back line. The training staff will be working extra hard to get Jiggy back on the pitch Wednesday.

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (8-11-3) vs REAL MONARCHS SLC (4-14-4)

Date: Wednesday, September 15th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3wD7nC0

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+ or https://www.hartfordathletic.com/watch

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic lost 2-0 to Atlantic Division rival Charlotte Independence in a match with major playoff implications. Charlotte got two goals from forward Sylvain Marveaux, one in each half, and the Independence put themselves seven points clear of Hartford in the Atlantic Division. Two matches remain between the clubs, both at Dillon Stadium.

IF YOU’RE NOT FIRST, YOU’RE LAST:

The key to Hartford Athletic matches this season has been the opening goal of the match. In matches where Hartford have scored first, they are 8-2-1. In matches where the opponent scores first, they are 0-9-2. In a similar regard, Hartford Athletic are 6-1-0 in matches where they lead at the half and 0-5-2 in matches in which they trail after the first 45 minutes. If you’re looking for the story of Hartford Athletic in 2021, you can look at the first 45 minutes to give you an answer.

GETTIN’ JIGGY WITH IT:

Saturday night in Charlotte, a piece of the Hartford Athletic puzzle was noticably absent. Centerback Thomas Janjigian missed his first match of the season with a hip injury. Prior to that match, Jiggy had played every single minute for Hartford Athletic this season. He is listed as questionable with a hip injury and his presence is undeniably important to Hartford’s back line. The training staff will be working extra hard to get Jiggy back on the pitch Wednesday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Justin Haak, MF, #80

In his second season in Hartford, Haak is once again making a difference in the midfield. The NYCFC loanee, who turned 20 on Sunday, has recorded 14 tackles and 10 interceptions in just 6 matches and has also won 11 of 12 aerial duels. The distribution continues to be on point, completing 82.7% of his overall passes and 60% of his long passes. Solidifying the midfield is something this Hartford team is working to improve and having Justin in the center of it is critical.

Real Monarchs SLC, Milan Iloski, FW, #23

Iloski, a 22-year-old Forward who signed a homegrown contract with Real Salt Lake in January of 2020, has been a bright spot for the Monarchs attack this season. He leads the team in just about every attacking statistic including goals (4) and assists (3) and should be the focal point of Hartford's defense on Wednesday night. 

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

Out: Carlos Merancio (Knee)

Questionable: Thomas Janjigian (Hip)

Real Monarchs SLC:

Out: Gavin Beavers, Aris Briggs, Brayan Gomez

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Real Monarchs SLC come to Hartford for the first match between the clubs. This match was originally scheduled to be the first inter-conference matchup for Hartford Athletic on May 29th but was postponed. The Monarchs, who won the 2019 USL Cup, have fallen on hard times, losing four consecutive matches and six of their last seven. Inconsitency in the eighteen may be part of the trouble for the visitors, 40 different players have appeared in a match for the club this season.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvSLC

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Justin Haak, MF, #80

In his second season in Hartford, Haak is once again making a difference in the midfield. The NYCFC loanee, who turned 20 on Sunday, has recorded 14 tackles and 10 interceptions in just 6 matches and has also won 11 of 12 aerial duels. The distribution continues to be on point, completing 82.7% of his overall passes and 60% of his long passes. Solidifying the midfield is something this Hartford team is working to improve and having Justin in the center of it is critical.

Real Monarchs SLC, Milan Iloski, FW, #23

Iloski, a 22-year-old Forward who signed a homegrown contract with Real Salt Lake in January of 2020, has been a bright spot for the Monarchs attack this season. He leads the team in just about every attacking statistic including goals (4) and assists (3) and should be the focal point of Hartford’s defense on Wednesday night. 

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

Out: Carlos Merancio (Knee)

Questionable: Thomas Janjigian (Hip)

Real Monarchs SLC:

Out: Gavin Beavers, Aris Briggs, Brayan Gomez

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Real Monarchs SLC come to Hartford for the first match between the clubs. This match was originally scheduled to be the first inter-conference matchup for Hartford Athletic on May 29th but was postponed. The Monarchs, who won the 2019 USL Cup, have fallen on hard times, losing four consecutive matches and six of their last seven. Inconsitency in the eighteen may be part of the trouble for the visitors, 40 different players have appeared in a match for the club this season.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvSLC

Hartford Athletic announced today that Founding Partner Stanley Black & Decker will once again serve as the Presenting Partner of the 3rd annual Match for a Cause. The match will take place on September 25th at 7 PM and will benefit The Legacy Foundation of Hartford.

"Stanley Black & Decker’s support of Greater Hartford is so important to our community. We are grateful to call them a Founding Partner as we get set to host our third annual Match for a Cause,” said Jim Burda, Hartford Athletic CEO. “We are very excited to build on the success of our first two editions of the Match for a Cause and support important organizations in our community. This year, we are honored to be supporting The Legacy Foundation of Hartford.”

“We’re honored to collaborate with Hartford Athletic and support nonprofits in our community with the third annual Match for a Cause,” said Stanley Black & Decker’s Vice President of Social Impact, Diane Cantello. “Stanley Black & Decker aims to be a force for good, supporting critical organizations who are making a difference in Connecticut and beyond. We’re pleased that this year’s event supports the Legacy Foundation, who is helping to ensure all kids have access to the education and healthcare they deserve.”

The Legacy Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that focuses on creating opportunities and addressing disparities with a specific emphasis on the most challenged areas of Hartford, Connecticut. The Foundation develops and executes owned programs that primarily create opportunities to help advance the educational pursuits of youth and encourage a proactive approach to health responsibility.

“We are honored to have been chosen as the beneficiary for this year’s Match for a Cause, helping us further our mission to create exposure and access for underserved youth in Hartford,” said Greg Jones, Founder of The Legacy Foundation of Hartford. “Thank you to Stanley Black & Decker and Hartford Athletic for their support and partnership. This event is a great opportunity for us as an organization and for our scholars.”

Hartford Athletic will unveil special alternate jerseys for the match and auction off the player issued and game-worn jerseys to raise funds to support The Legacy Foundation of Hartford. Stanley Black & Decker will match all proceeds raised from the auction with all funds raised. Over the first two seasons, Hartford Athletic and Stanley Black & Decker teamed up to raise nearly $25,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford and Girls For Technology – the beneficiaries of the first two editions respectively. Fans interested in bidding on jerseys, purchasing tickets to the match, or and looking for more information can visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/matchforacause.

Hartford Athletic announced today that Founding Partner Stanley Black & Decker will once again serve as the Presenting Partner of the 3rd annual Match for a Cause. The match will take place on September 25th at 7 PM and will benefit The Legacy Foundation of Hartford.

“Stanley Black & Decker’s support of Greater Hartford is so important to our community. We are grateful to call them a Founding Partner as we get set to host our third annual Match for a Cause,” said Jim Burda, Hartford Athletic CEO. “We are very excited to build on the success of our first two editions of the Match for a Cause and support important organizations in our community. This year, we are honored to be supporting The Legacy Foundation of Hartford.”

“We’re honored to collaborate with Hartford Athletic and support nonprofits in our community with the third annual Match for a Cause,” said Stanley Black & Decker’s Vice President of Social Impact, Diane Cantello. “Stanley Black & Decker aims to be a force for good, supporting critical organizations who are making a difference in Connecticut and beyond. We’re pleased that this year’s event supports the Legacy Foundation, who is helping to ensure all kids have access to the education and healthcare they deserve.”

The Legacy Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that focuses on creating opportunities and addressing disparities with a specific emphasis on the most challenged areas of Hartford, Connecticut. The Foundation develops and executes owned programs that primarily create opportunities to help advance the educational pursuits of youth and encourage a proactive approach to health responsibility.

“We are honored to have been chosen as the beneficiary for this year’s Match for a Cause, helping us further our mission to create exposure and access for underserved youth in Hartford,” said Greg Jones, Founder of The Legacy Foundation of Hartford. “Thank you to Stanley Black & Decker and Hartford Athletic for their support and partnership. This event is a great opportunity for us as an organization and for our scholars.”

Hartford Athletic will unveil special alternate jerseys for the match and auction off the player issued and game-worn jerseys to raise funds to support The Legacy Foundation of Hartford. Stanley Black & Decker will match all proceeds raised from the auction with all funds raised. Over the first two seasons, Hartford Athletic and Stanley Black & Decker teamed up to raise nearly $25,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford and Girls For Technology – the beneficiaries of the first two editions respectively. Fans interested in bidding on jerseys, purchasing tickets to the match, or and looking for more information can visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/matchforacause.

The road woes struck again for Hartford Athletic, who fell to Charlotte Independence 2-0 on Saturday night in the Queen City. It's the 7th consecutive road loss for Hartford since a thrilling 1-0 victory at Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 13th.

Things were quiet for most of the first half. Play alternated possession in the midfield and few chances were generated through the first 30 minutes of the match. But in the 35th minute, a Christian Gómez giveaway in the attacking third set up a chance for Charlotte. Enzo Martinez took the long ball up the left side of the pitch and into the box. Dragging the defenders to him, he centered to Irvin Parra who found Sylvain Marveaux to his right with a clear path to goal and struck the first goal of the night home. Independence carried the 1-0 lead into halftime.

Despite some substitutions and a shape change, things stayed mostly the same for Hartford Athletic in the second half. Despite some aggressive attacking play, Marveaux collected a loose ball in the center of the pitch with acres of space in front of him. With teammates on the wings to either side and two Hartford defenders in front, Marveaux played a beautiful ball to his left for Martinez. Martinez looked for an opportunity of his own, found none and opted to lay a ball off for Marveaux who buried it to double the lead for the Jacks. That would be more than enough for Charlotte to emerge victorious.

Hartford Athletic is back at home on Wednesday, September 15th to take on Real Monarchs SLC. For tickets, visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/single.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 9 (1) – 10 (5) Charlotte

Corners: Hartford 4-4 Charlotte

Fouls: Hartford 18-14 Charlotte

Offsides: Hartford 2-4 Charlotte

Possession: Hartford 48.8%-51.2% Charlotte

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 80%-81% Charlotte

Saves: Hartford 3-1 Charlotte

SCORING SUMMARY:

36' – Sylvain Marveaux (Irving Parra) 1-0

54' – Sylvian Marveaux (Enzo Martinez) 2-0

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

12' – Gabi Torres (Yellow)

13' – Younes Boudadi (Yellow)

41' – Irving Parra (Yellow)

57' – Marcelo Palomino (Yellow)

60' – Brandt Bronico (Yellow)

64' – Enzo Martinez (Yellow)

89' – Conor McGlynn (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 4 (DF) Nicolás Cardona, 15 (DF) Tulu, 2 (DF) Alex Lara, 16 (DF) Gabi Torres (Conor McGlynn, 45'); 10 (MF) Danny Barrera (Walmer Martinez, 69'), 80 (MF) Justin Haak, 8 (MF) Christian Gómez (Derek Dodson, 45'); 23 (FW) Preston Tabort Etaka, 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Darwin Lom, 61')

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP:

1 (GK) Austin Pack; 2 (DF) Kevin Reascos, 3 (DF) Hugh Roberts, 22 (DF) Christian Fuchs; 7 (MF) Joel Johnson (José Bizama, 82'), 13 (MF) Brandt Bronico, 4 (MF) Jake Areman (Adam Armour, 90'), 8 (MF) Marcelo Palomino (Gabriel Obertan, 73'); 56 (FW) Silvian Marveaux (Valentín Sabella, 82'), 9 (FW) Irvin Parra (Blake Pope, 90'), 19 (FW) Enzo Martinez

The road woes struck again for Hartford Athletic, who fell to Charlotte Independence 2-0 on Saturday night in the Queen City. It’s the 7th consecutive road loss for Hartford since a thrilling 1-0 victory at Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 13th.

Things were quiet for most of the first half. Play alternated possession in the midfield and few chances were generated through the first 30 minutes of the match. But in the 35th minute, a Christian Gómez giveaway in the attacking third set up a chance for Charlotte. Enzo Martinez took the long ball up the left side of the pitch and into the box. Dragging the defenders to him, he centered to Irvin Parra who found Sylvain Marveaux to his right with a clear path to goal and struck the first goal of the night home. Independence carried the 1-0 lead into halftime.

Despite some substitutions and a shape change, things stayed mostly the same for Hartford Athletic in the second half. Despite some aggressive attacking play, Marveaux collected a loose ball in the center of the pitch with acres of space in front of him. With teammates on the wings to either side and two Hartford defenders in front, Marveaux played a beautiful ball to his left for Martinez. Martinez looked for an opportunity of his own, found none and opted to lay a ball off for Marveaux who buried it to double the lead for the Jacks. That would be more than enough for Charlotte to emerge victorious.

Hartford Athletic is back at home on Wednesday, September 15th to take on Real Monarchs SLC. For tickets, visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/single.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 9 (1) – 10 (5) Charlotte

Corners: Hartford 4-4 Charlotte

Fouls: Hartford 18-14 Charlotte

Offsides: Hartford 2-4 Charlotte

Possession: Hartford 48.8%-51.2% Charlotte

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 80%-81% Charlotte

Saves: Hartford 3-1 Charlotte

SCORING SUMMARY:

36′ – Sylvain Marveaux (Irving Parra) 1-0

54′ – Sylvian Marveaux (Enzo Martinez) 2-0

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

12′ – Gabi Torres (Yellow)

13′ – Younes Boudadi (Yellow)

41′ – Irving Parra (Yellow)

57′ – Marcelo Palomino (Yellow)

60′ – Brandt Bronico (Yellow)

64′ – Enzo Martinez (Yellow)

89′ – Conor McGlynn (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 4 (DF) Nicolás Cardona, 15 (DF) Tulu, 2 (DF) Alex Lara, 16 (DF) Gabi Torres (Conor McGlynn, 45′); 10 (MF) Danny Barrera (Walmer Martinez, 69′), 80 (MF) Justin Haak, 8 (MF) Christian Gómez (Derek Dodson, 45′); 23 (FW) Preston Tabort Etaka, 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Darwin Lom, 61′)

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP:

1 (GK) Austin Pack; 2 (DF) Kevin Reascos, 3 (DF) Hugh Roberts, 22 (DF) Christian Fuchs; 7 (MF) Joel Johnson (José Bizama, 82′), 13 (MF) Brandt Bronico, 4 (MF) Jake Areman (Adam Armour, 90′), 8 (MF) Marcelo Palomino (Gabriel Obertan, 73′); 56 (FW) Silvian Marveaux (Valentín Sabella, 82′), 9 (FW) Irvin Parra (Blake Pope, 90′), 19 (FW) Enzo Martinez