Home

PREVIEW: Blockbuster Battle Awaits at Dillon

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (4-1-1) vs TAMPA BAY ROWDIES (6-2-0)

Date: Saturday, June 26th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mu3I4K

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

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

International Viewers: YouTube

LAST TIME OUT:

Another night at Dillon, another stoppage time goal! On a stormy night in Hartford, which saw the match against Loudoun United delayed in the 88th minute due to a severe thunderstorm watch, Nico Cardona conjured up a 96th minute winner, sweeping home a low cross from Younes Boudadi that was pushed back into the center of the box. Nico’s winner came a full 90 minutes after Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. had opened the scoring with a deflected effort past Loudoun goalkeeper Jermaine Fordah.

FEARSOME FULLBACKS:

All over the world, the game has evolved to where fullbacks are a crucial piece of any attack, and that is no different in Hartford. Gabi Torres has been a mainstay in this Athletic side, recording 3 assists and 2 clean sheets in 5 matches, while only missing one match due to injury. His devastating left foot has been a focal point of Hartford’s attack. On the opposite side, Younes Boudadi has had a wonderful three-game stretch. His highlight performance so far came against Loudoun, with a pass success rate of 75 percent, a tackle success rate of 50 percent, 8 duels won, 2 interceptions, 6 recoveries, 3 crosses and 2 key passes. One of those key passes led to Nico Cardona’s winner, and highlights the emergence of two strong wing-backs who truly make Hartford unpredictable when they attack the opposition’s goal.

MASSIVE MILESTONES:

Saturday was a day of massive achievements for members of our Hartford squad. Conor McGlynn and Alex Lara became the 23rd and 24th players to log 1000 minutes for Hartford Athletic. This is a massive achievement, not just for Conor and Alex, but also for the club; there are currently only three other players on the roster with more than 1000 minutes played for Athletic: Danny Barrera, Arthur Rogers, and Gabi Torres. Danny Barrera is also only 5 appearances away from overtaking former teammate Alex Dixon on Hartford’s all-time apperances list.

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (4-1-1) vs TAMPA BAY ROWDIES (6-2-0)

Date: Saturday, June 26th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mu3I4K

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

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

International Viewers: YouTube

LAST TIME OUT:

FEARSOME FULLBACKS:

MASSIVE MILESTONES:

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

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

After opening the scoring against Loudoun this past Saturday, Obregon took his goal tally to 4 for the season. The 23-year-old has already equaled his goal tally from his time with Rio Grande Valley FC, who currently sit top of the Western Mountain Divison on 17 points after 9 matches. With Juan Carlos being a part of the most talented forward line in club history, Saturday’s match at Dillon will be a huge opportunity to continue his solid start to the season.

Tampa Bay Rowdies, Sebastian Guenzatti, FW #13

The diminutive Uruguayan has had a blistering start to the season, with 6 goals and 1 assist through Tampa Bay’s opening 8 matches. Guenzatti has scored two goals against Hartford, with both coming in an unforgettable 4-0 defeat in Florida. While Hartford kept Guenzatti quiet on Tampa Bay’s last visit to Dillon Stadium, the center forward will be looking to add to his impressive record for Tampa Bay on Saturday, as he has scored 42 goals in 98 appearances for the Rowdies.

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

OUT – Luka Prpa (foot), Bradford Jamieson IV (hamstring)

Tampa Bay Rowdies:

OUT – Luiz Fernando, Lucky Mkosana, Juan Tejada, Steevan Dos Santos

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Saturday’s match is one that Athletic fans have had marked on the calendar since the fixtures were released in February. After 8 matches, the Rowdies sit 5 points clear of Athletic, albeit having played 2 more matches. While Tampa won their first 5 to start the season, they have taken 3 points from their last 3 matches, with defeats to Charlotte Independence and in-form Pittsburgh Riverhounds coming either side of a last-minute win against Loudoun United. In the head-to-head history between Hartford and Tampa Bay, both sides have each won 1 match, with Hartford scoring a last-minute winner against the Rowdies on their last visit to Dillon.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvTBR

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

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

Tampa Bay Rowdies, Sebastian Guenzatti, FW #13

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

OUT – Luka Prpa (foot), Bradford Jamieson IV (hamstring)

Tampa Bay Rowdies:

OUT – Luiz Fernando, Lucky Mkosana, Juan Tejada, Steevan Dos Santos

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvTBR

Hartford Athletic Signs Newingtons Sebastian Pliszka to Academy Contract

Hartford Athletic has signed goalkeeper Sebastian Pliszka to a USL Academy Contract, pending league and federation approval. The contract allows Pliszka to keep his college eligibility and still train and play for Hartford Athletic in USL sanctioned matches.

"I am incredibly excited to sign a contract with my hometown club,” Pliszka said. “I have been training with Hartford for parts of two seasons and I have seen firsthand how this club develops players. I have very high aspirations for my soccer career and signing this contract is the first step towards achieving my goals.”

Sebastian is a former New England Revolution Academy player who currently plays at The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT. He is the club’s second ever USL Academy Contract signing, following North Haven’s Giovanni Calderón who signed with the club on May 10th. The Newington, CT native trained with the club for a month in August of 2020 and made a positive impression. The club’s technical staff has continued to keep an eye on him ever since. He was invited back to training sessions in May.

“Sebastian is a goalkeeper I’m extremely excited about being here at the club,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He is a young, dynamic, and robust player who has loads of potential and I look forward to seeing his development.”

Hartford Athletic is home again on Saturday evening when they play host to Atlantic Division leaders Tampa Bay Rowdies. The match begins at 7 PM. Fans interested in purchasing tickets should visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets.

“I am incredibly excited to sign a contract with my hometown club,” Pliszka said. “I have been training with Hartford for parts of two seasons and I have seen firsthand how this club develops players. I have very high aspirations for my soccer career and signing this contract is the first step towards achieving my goals.”

Hartford Athletic Captain Danny Barrera Grows Into Leadership Role

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.

HARTFORD, Conn. — It’s a searingly hot June evening at Dillon Stadium, and Danny Barrera is conducting a soccer symphony for Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship. Each one of the midfielder’s movements builds toward a crescendo, which culminates in a virtuoso performance against New York Red Bulls II at Dillon Stadium.

Barrera finished with a goal and three assists in Hartford’s club-record 7-0 dissection of a Red Bulls II squad that featured seven MLS-contracted players in its starting XI (Editor's note: this stat was later changed to two goals and three assists which is a new USL Championship record). Every time the ball came off – mostly – his left foot, Barrera created melodic moments.

They started with smartly switching the play from right to left on the opening goal, and continued with a pair of deft one-touch assists on tallies during first-half stoppage time. He even later curled home an “elite level” second-half strike, according to coach Harry Watling.

“Danny is really clever,” the first-year Hartford manager said after the match. “He knows how to use his body, he knows how to manipulate the opposition, he knows how to create space.”

Clever attacking play isn’t the only reason the 31-year-old has cultivated a decade-long professional career in the lower divisions of American soccer, which can often be a nomadic experience.

Barrera has the third-most assists in USL Championship history (37 as of June 10), but trains more like a player who’s chasing down his first contract rather than one who’s a former U.S. youth international who shined at UC Santa Barbara in the late 2000s. He’s also grown from a player who previously led by example as a captain to more a vocally demonstrative skipper.

***

The Colombia-born, California-raised Barrera came into Hartford’s squad midway through its trying inaugural season in 2019 under Danish coach Jimmy Nielsen. Hartford lacked dynamism in the opposition half, and Barrera promptly provided some attacking vigor with three goals and a team-high four assists in 17 matches. Six of their eight wins came after Barrera joined the club.

The COVID-19 pandemic shortened the 2020 season, but Barrera was named captain and finished with two goals and seven assists. Hartford went 11-3-2 and made the playoffs with former Southampton and Tunisia defender Radhi Jaidi at the helm. And this year, with Watling arriving from England, Barrera is again at the forefront of their attacking intent.

So, how did Barrera get from California, where he spent a good portion of his amateur and professional career, to Connecticut? Paul Buckle, Hartford’s technical advisor, was Barrera’s coach at Sacramento Republic FC. Barrera played parts of three seasons in California’s capital city under Buckle and flourished as their captain and talisman.

Barrera said making a long-lasting career in the lower divisions is difficult.

“A lot of players get in and have some good years and then fizzle out,” Barrera said. He added that coaches like Buckle “that believed in me” gave him the confidence and freedom to hone his style of play, even as he was “chasing a contract or I was looking for my next job.”

“I never thought about anything but playing, and I knew that’s what I was going to do, no matter what,” Barrera said. “When I looked like I didn’t have anything, I just kept working through that, and when I have everything, I keep working through it. I never get too high when things are great or too low when things are bad. It’s just keeping a nice mentality of consistency, and I think that’s what I pride myself on, being a consistent player.”

Added Watling: “His creativity comes from his confidence, and his confidence comes from his preparation. He’s out on the pitch before most of the players. He’s organizing his own training to do what he needs to himself before he starts my training. It’s not an accident. It’s all come through his hard work and his dedication to being a top professional.”

Barrera said, “there’s no cheat code” for putting in the training time, which is as much mental as physical to him.

“Even if it’s warming up and you’re doing things like opening your legs up, I’m visualizing a ball coming and flicking it on even though there’s no ball,” Barrera said. “These are small things that I’ve been doing throughout my career that I think pay off for me technically.”

***

Barrera said as Sacramento’s captain, he was more apt to lead by example. Last season, he talked with assistant coach and now-technical director Luiz Silva about developing into “more of a vocal leader.”

“Whether it’s pumping you up a little bit or it’s getting on you a little bit, I’ve been evolving,” said Barrera, who added he’s more of a “big brother-type leader.”

The fraternal aspect of Barrera’s leadership style is on full display with second-year English midfielder Arthur Rogers.

“Arthur has just been solid the last two years. He’s one of the most technical guys on the team, in my opinion,” Barrera said. “He makes very good decisions and he’s very aggressive. We have a great trust where I can give him the ball and not worry about losing it, and he can do the same with me.”

Their partnership is evident in free-kick situations in the attacking third. Barrera and Rogers stand over almost all of them, and either player is comfortable with the other serving the ball or taking the shot. They’re both ranking members in the club’s “set-piece committee.”

As Rogers builds his career, he’s mindful of how hard he has to work every day. Rogers said that Barrera “presented” his story to the team.

“We got to learn a lot about him as a person and as a player, which was fantastic and it just shows the things that are possible for us here even in the second division in the U.S.,” Rogers, a 24-year-old London native, said. “There are so many doors that become available if you’re doing well and if you’re performing week in, week out.”

Barrera, who has four children under the age of 10, feels more settled in Connecticut. His family even purchased a house in nearby Burlington where “my kids absolutely love it.”

“We’ve grown so much closer together, where obviously through the years we have been traveling,” said Barrera, who plans to coach after his playing career. “So it’s nice just to get everybody together and become a stronger unit as a family, and we’ve definitely done that. We couldn’t have asked for a better place.”

Barrera finished with a goal and three assists in Hartford’s club-record 7-0 dissection of a Red Bulls II squad that featured seven MLS-contracted players in its starting XI (Editor’s note: this stat was later changed to two goals and three assists which is a new USL Championship record). Every time the ball came off – mostly – his left foot, Barrera created melodic moments.

“Danny is really clever,” the first-year Hartford manager said after the match. “He knows how to use his body, he knows how to manipulate the opposition, he knows how to create space.”

Clever attacking play isn’t the only reason the 31-year-old has cultivated a decade-long professional career in the lower divisions of American soccer, which can often be a nomadic experience.

***

Barrera said making a long-lasting career in the lower divisions is difficult.

Barrera said, “there’s no cheat code” for putting in the training time, which is as much mental as physical to him.

***

“Whether it’s pumping you up a little bit or it’s getting on you a little bit, I’ve been evolving,” said Barrera, who added he’s more of a “big brother-type leader.”

The fraternal aspect of Barrera’s leadership style is on full display with second-year English midfielder Arthur Rogers.

As Rogers builds his career, he’s mindful of how hard he has to work every day. Rogers said that Barrera “presented” his story to the team.

Barrera, who has four children under the age of 10, feels more settled in Connecticut. His family even purchased a house in nearby Burlington where “my kids absolutely love it.”

RECAP: Obregn and Cardona Seal Three Points In Thrilling Fashion

A lightning delay in the 88th minute was no obstacle for Harry Watling’s side, who beat Loudoun United 2-1 at the death to seal three points and move back to 3rd in the Eastern Atlantic Division.

It was a lightning-fast start for Hartford, when a long clearance from Preston Tabort Etaka was not dealt with properly by the last defenders for Loudoun. The mix-up allowed Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. to run clear through on goal. While he still had a lot to do, he made no mistake, sending a deflected, left-footed effort over the onrushing Jermaine Fordah and into the back of the net.

The match soon turned into a cagey affair, and Hartford found themselves on the back foot. With fouls being called all over the pitch for both sides, Athletic found it difficult to get a rhythm in possession, relying on some top-class defending from Tulu to keep Athletic in the lead.

Eventually, Loudoun got their reward for incessant pressure on the Athletic goal, when they were awarded a penalty for a handball on Tulu in the 78th minute. Jovanny Bolívar converted the penalty low to Caldwell’s left, before the match was delayed for severe thunderstorms in the 88th minute.

Following the delay, Hartford threw everything at the Loudoun goal, with Danny Barrera striking the crossbar from a free kick. It looked as though the sides would be sharing the points. Thankfully, Nico Cardona had other ideas; a low cross from Younes Boudadi was spilled by Fordah to the middle of the area, where Nico was on hand to sweep home to seal a dramatic three points.

Athletic return to action on June 26thth, as they welcome top-of-the-table Tampa Bay Rowdies to Dillon Stadium for a blockbuster clash. For tickets, visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/single.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford Athletic 13 (7) – 16 (2) Loudoun

Corners: Hartford Athletic 7-6 Loudoun

Fouls: Hartford Athletic 16-10 Loudoun

Offsides: Hartford Athletic 2-1 Loudoun

Possession: Hartford Athletic 57.5%-42.5% Loudoun

Passing Accuracy: Hartford Athletic 75.2%-80.2% Loudoun

Saves: Hartford Athletic 1-6 Loudoun

SCORING SUMMARY:

6' – Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. 1-0

78' – Jovanny Bolívar 1-1

90+5' – Nicolás Cardona (Younes Boudadi) 2-1

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

24' – Timmy Mehl (Yellow)

78' – Tulu (Yellow)

86' – Houssou Landru (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 15 (DF) Tulu, 20 (DF) Thomas Janjigian, 16 (DF) Gabriel Torres; 10 (MF) Danny Barrera, 6 (MF) Arthur Rogers (Nicolás Cardona, 79'), 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn (Christian Gómez, 62'); 23 (FW) Preston Tabort Etaka (Alex Lara, 62'), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Alfonso Vazquez, 90+5'), 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Jeciel Cedeño, 79')

LOUDOUN UNITED FC STARTING LINEUP:

0 (GK) Jeromine Forduh; 29 (DF) Timmy Mehl, 22 (DF) Robby Dambrot, 55 (DF) Michael DeShields (Owen Walz, 45'), 33 (DF) Jacob Greene; 6 (MF) Masimo Ferrin (Samson Sergi, 54'), 4 (MF) Jeremy Garay, 21 (MF) Ted Ku-DiPietro (Hossou Landru, 66'), 15 (MF) Nicky Downs (Kairou Amoustapha, 45'), 7 (MF) Darluis Paz (Tyler Gabarra, 85'); 9 (F) Jovanny Bolivar

A lightning delay in the 88th minute was no obstacle for Harry Watling’s side, who beat Loudoun United 2-1 at the death to seal three points and move back to 3rd in the Eastern Atlantic Division.

Athletic return to action on June 26thth, as they welcome top-of-the-table Tampa Bay Rowdies to Dillon Stadium for a blockbuster clash. For tickets, visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/single.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford Athletic 13 (7) – 16 (2) Loudoun

Corners: Hartford Athletic 7-6 Loudoun

Fouls: Hartford Athletic 16-10 Loudoun

Offsides: Hartford Athletic 2-1 Loudoun

Possession: Hartford Athletic 57.5%-42.5% Loudoun

Passing Accuracy: Hartford Athletic 75.2%-80.2% Loudoun

Saves: Hartford Athletic 1-6 Loudoun

SCORING SUMMARY:

6′ – Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. 1-0

78′ – Jovanny Bolívar 1-1

90+5′ – Nicolás Cardona (Younes Boudadi) 2-1

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

24′ – Timmy Mehl (Yellow)

78′ – Tulu (Yellow)

86′ – Houssou Landru (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 15 (DF) Tulu, 20 (DF) Thomas Janjigian, 16 (DF) Gabriel Torres; 10 (MF) Danny Barrera, 6 (MF) Arthur Rogers (Nicolás Cardona, 79′), 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn (Christian Gómez, 62′); 23 (FW) Preston Tabort Etaka (Alex Lara, 62′), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Alfonso Vazquez, 90+5′), 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Jeciel Cedeño, 79′)

LOUDOUN UNITED FC STARTING LINEUP:

0 (GK) Jeromine Forduh; 29 (DF) Timmy Mehl, 22 (DF) Robby Dambrot, 55 (DF) Michael DeShields (Owen Walz, 45′), 33 (DF) Jacob Greene; 6 (MF) Masimo Ferrin (Samson Sergi, 54′), 4 (MF) Jeremy Garay, 21 (MF) Ted Ku-DiPietro (Hossou Landru, 66′), 15 (MF) Nicky Downs (Kairou Amoustapha, 45′), 7 (MF) Darluis Paz (Tyler Gabarra, 85′); 9 (F) Jovanny Bolivar

PREVIEW: Bounce Back Game

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (3-1-1) vs LOUDOUN UNITED FC (1-5-0)

Date: Saturday, June 19th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mGJANb

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

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

International Viewers: YouTube

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford suffered their first setback of the season in a 3-2 thriller at the Matthews Sportsplex in North Carolina. After Jeff Caldwell’s penalty save heroics, Hartford twice took the lead in the match with goals from Danny Barrera and Preston Tabort Etaka. However, two wonder goals from Dane Kelly and Valentin Sabella, either side of a deflected Marcelo Palomino effort, meant that Hartford’s undefeated start to the season came to an end.

DEPTH IN NUMBERS:

It is no secret that Coach Watling possesses one of the deepest squads in the entire USL. However, that depth was on display Sunday night when Preston Tabort Etaka came on for the injured Bradford Jamieson. In a 66-minute showing, Preston scored one goal, assisted the other for Danny Barrera, and created two chances, while having a pass success rate of 84 percent. Not only was this a brilliant individual performance from Preston, it highlights the top-class attitude in the squad of being ready when called upon.

A FIGHTING SPIRIT:

Not only is this the slogan for Modelo (who’s giant inflatable beer can you’ll notice near the goal on the south end of the stadium), a fighting spirit has been brewing within the Hartford squad. In their last three matches against Pittsburgh, Red Bulls and Charlotte, Hartford have outdueled the opposition, winning 52 percent of their duels on average across those three games.

FROM THE GAFFER:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (3-1-1) vs LOUDOUN UNITED FC (1-5-0)

Date: Saturday, June 19th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mGJANb

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

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

International Viewers: YouTube

LAST TIME OUT:

DEPTH IN NUMBERS:

A FIGHTING SPIRIT:

FROM THE GAFFER:

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Preston Tabort Etaka, FW #23

A fantastic individual showing in our last match, Preston now has 4 goal contributions (3 goals, 1 assist) in as many matches. Our number 23 is averaging a goal every 73 minutes, which is the second-best average in the entire USL Championship.

Loudon United, Timmy Mehl, DF #29

The 25-year-old center back has been a shining light for Loudon in their start to the season. While Loudon are bottom of the Eastern Atlantic Division, they have conceded the same amount of goals as second-placed Charlotte Independence (10), with Mehl being the vital cog in Loudon’s stern backline.

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

OUT – Luka Prpa (foot), Bradford Jamieson IV (hamstring), Sebastian Elney (knee)

QUESTIONABLE: Gabi Torres (hand), Nii Armah Ashitey (knee)

Loudoun United: None

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

A stern test awaits Athletic for Saturday’s match against Loudon United. Despite the Virginia-based side’s slow start to the season, where they have only accumulated three points, each of their games have been decided by one goal. While the match at Dillon will be a great opportunity to get back to winning ways, the boys in Blue and Green will be eager to avoid a cagey affair with a side that was close to taking points off of top-of-the-table Tampa Bay.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvLDN

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Preston Tabort Etaka, FW #23

Loudon United, Timmy Mehl, DF #29

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

OUT – Luka Prpa (foot), Bradford Jamieson IV (hamstring), Sebastian Elney (knee)

QUESTIONABLE: Gabi Torres (hand), Nii Armah Ashitey (knee)

Loudoun United: None

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvLDN

20 Questions with Nii Armah Ashitey

Welcome back to 20 Questions, this week with midfielder Nii Armah Ashitey. At just 21 years old, Nii makes his first foray into American soccer and shares a little bit about his time playing in his home country of Ghana. Plus, a shocking revelation about his favorite television show!

1) When did you start playing football?

Nii: I started playing when I was very young. Growing up in Ghana, everyone dreams of playing football and there are so many talents in general. Unfortunately, there are not enough facilities or opportunities in Ghana.

2) Which players do you base your game off of?

Nii: I would say I base my game off of… Nii Armah Ashitey! I think I have my own style of playing and that I’m my own champion on the pitch. If I had to pick a couple of players I enjoy watching, however, I would probably pick Ngolo Kante and Sergio Busquets. Kante’s energy and Busquets’ reading of the game are amazing to watch.

3) What do you enjoy most about playing in the defensive midfield/deep-lying midfield role?

Nii: My favorite part about playing in this role is being able to control the game. As a deep-lying midfielder, it’s unique because I get to control the game. I am able to read the game, make interceptions, and make important passes, which are three of my best qualities as a player.

4) You were signed in January from Dreams FC of the Ghanian Premier League. What would you say are the similarities and differences between the USL Championship and the Ghanian Premier League?

Nii: I think for sure the biggest difference is the quality of the pitch! In our matches here, we’re usually playing on really nice turf pitches. I would also say that the pace of the game is a lot quicker and more frantic in the USL compared to the Ghanian Premier League – there’s a lot of quality across the league.

5) If you had a FIFA Ultimate Team Card, what would it look like?

Nii: This is a funny question – I’ve never played FIFA, so I’m not sure what my Ultimate Team card would look like!

6) A big part of becoming a footballer is about overcoming adversity. Even at such an early stage of your career, what kind of adversity have you faced?

Nii: Absolutely – I think a little adversity is important in any football player’s journey. I’d say at any club I’ve played at, I’ve faced so many challenges. At one of my first clubs, I was behind so many players in my position, but I became better from having to overcome adversity and pushing myself to the starting position.

7) Coach Watling has had a great impact on the club – what has his impact been on you?

Nii: Of course, he’s been so helpful for me. He always demands 100 percent from everybody, whether it’s a match or in training, because he wants to see the best version of everyone in the squad. He’s also been so helpful for me by making sure my fundamentals are perfect!

8) What’s one thing you would tell yourself when you first started playing football?

Nii: Definitely a tough question – I would say be determined, disciplined, and focused. If you make sure you have these qualities, you will have whatever you want!

9) You’re in a cup final. Would you rather: score the winning goal or make a match-winning tackle?

Nii: I wish I could score! Of course, if I have the chance to score, I would love to take that; however, being a deep-lying midfielder, I’m not always close to the goal, so it’s more likely that I’d make a match-winning tackle.

10) Ronaldo or Messi?

Nii: I have to say it – but both. It’s so hard to decide between two players who have rewritten the history of football!

11) Do you have a favorite TV show?

Nii: I think…the Oprah Winfrey Show!

12) If you could be a part of these treble-winning teams which would it be: United 98/99, Inter 09/10, Barca 14/15, or Bayern 19/20?

Nii: That’s a tough one for sure – those are all brilliant teams, but I think that Barca team would be my choice. The front three of Messi, Neymar, and Suarez

13) You’re at the end of your playing career and you’re choosing your next path: what would you like to become after you retire?

Nii: I think I would like to become either a coach or an agent. I feel like my focus and discipline that I have as a player would translate well into a coaching role. But I also think that I would have fun as an agent – maybe like Mino Raiola, just not as controversial!

14) Who would you say your favorite club is?

Nii: I’d have to say Liverpool. I love their style of play, but I also enjoy watching Barcelona play, especially the team from 2010/2011 who dominated possession.

15) You can only pick one of these three competitions to watch for the rest of your life: the English Premier League, the Champions League or the World Cup. Which do you choose and why?

Nii: I think I would have to choose the Premier League. I’m a massive Liverpool supporter as well, so I couldn’t imagine not seeing my favorite team play every week!

16) Who would you rather play for: Guardiola or Klopp?

Nii: It may come as a shock, but I’d rather play for Pep! Even though I love Liverpool, and Klopp as a coach, playing for Guardiola would be my choice.

17) Who are some athletes outside of football who inspire you?

Nii: The first one that comes to my mind is Usain Bolt. I admire his drive, determination, and discipline. Whether he’s in an interview or in a race, he is so professional and focused – he’s the greatest ever for a reason!

18) Hartford Athletic hosts clinics for players ages 6 and up. What is one piece of advice you would give to the young footballers who are attending these clinics?

Nii: When you are here, be brave and do what you are best at. You are here for reason, and there is no better chance to express yourself!

19) If you could pick one member in the squad who would get five-star skill rating in FIFA, who would it be?

Nii: That’s tough – we have so many skillful players in the team who could have five-star skills. I think if I had to pick one, I’d say Preston!

20) What does it mean to you to have fans back in the stadium?

Nii: It means the world. It’s really not a lie when we say we have the best fans in the world, and seeing them at Dillon makes us want to win our matches for them even more than we already do.

***
For our last interview with Thomas Janjigian, click here.