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On the road for two consecutive matches to start the year, Hartford Athletic has come away victorious twice, defeating Miami FC tonight 1-0 in a physical battle in the Magic City.

The two sides played a very intense but even first half. Hartford won the possession battle 54%-46%, but Miami held the edge in shots (5-4) and shots on target (3-1). Hartford had a great chance early when Conor McGlynn stepped up to take a free kick. The midfielder, who has made plenty of magic happen with his right foot in preseason friendlies this year, snuck a powerful right-footed strike through the wall but right at the gloves of Miami goalkeeper Connor Sparrow who punched the ball away. Miami nearly put themselves ahead moments later when Christian François found his way into the box, one-on-one with Tulu, but his shot went right into Jeff Caldwell's gloves.

At the start of the second half, Preston Tabort Etaka was brought on as a substitute for Bradford Jamieson IV. He wasted no time making an impact. In the 59th minute, Conor McGlynn played a ball deep up the right side that Danny Barrera was able to chase down just before the ball went out of bounds. Barrera played a sneaky back heel pass to Tabort Etaka who cut inside and smashed the ball far post, into the upper corner for the only goal of the night!

"I felt like Preston dominated that one-v-one throughout the game," said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. "He was fantastic. He's given me 90 minutes in 45 minutes. He's done a phenomenal job, he's covered so much ground, he's won his duels, if we can help him with his end product, he's gonna be a real handful."

The doors to Dillon Stadium reopen next Saturday, May 15th at 7 PM, as the Boys in Green host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the 2021 USL Championship Home Opener. Last season, Hartford and Pittsburgh battled at the top of the Group F table, with a 1-0 Hartford win at Highmark Stadium making the difference in the standings. Limited tickets remain, head over to https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets to buy yours now.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford Athletic 10 (4) – 12 (3) Miami

Corners: Hartford Athletic 4-3 Miami

Fouls: Hartford Athletic 23-10 Miami

Offsides: Hartford Athletic 1-0 Miami

Possession: Hartford Athletic 50.8%-49.2% Miami

Passing Accuracy: Hartford Athletic 84%-84.6% Miami

Saves: Hartford Athletic 3-3 Miami

SCORING SUMMARY:

59' – Preston Tabort Etaka (Danny Barrera) 1-0

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

28' – Devon 'Speedy' Williams (Yellow)

32' – Lamar Walker (Yellow)

45+1' – Nii Armah Ashitey (Yellow)

65' – Paco Craig (Yellow)

71' – Boluwatife Akinyode (Yellow)

82' – Preston Tabort Etaka (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 5 (DF) Nii Armah Ashitey, 15 (DF) Tulu, 20 (DF) Thomas Janjigian, 16 (DF) Gabriel Torres; 10 (MF) Danny Barrera, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn (Luka Prpa, 70'), 6 (MF) Arthur Rogers (Nicolás Cardona, 81'); 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Richie Schlentz, 70'), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Sebastian Elney, 60'), 7 (FW) Bradford Jamieson IV (Preston Tabort Etaka, 45')

MIAMI FC STARTING LINEUP:

24 (GK) Connor Sparrow; 5 (DF) Paco Craig, 17 (DF) Sean McFarlane (Junior Palacios, 85'), 76 (DF) Ramón Del Campo; 80 (MF) Devon 'Speedy' Williams, 25 (MF) Lance Rozeboom, 30 (MF) Boluwatife Akinyode, 98 (MF) Pierre Da Silva (Richard Ballard, 63'); 13 (FW) Lamar Walker (Billy Forbes, 45'), 9 (FW) Christian François (Adonijah Reid, 63'), 10 (FW) Ariel Martinez

On the road for two consecutive matches to start the year, Hartford Athletic has come away victorious twice, defeating Miami FC tonight 1-0 in a physical battle in the Magic City.

The two sides played a very intense but even first half. Hartford won the possession battle 54%-46%, but Miami held the edge in shots (5-4) and shots on target (3-1). Hartford had a great chance early when Conor McGlynn stepped up to take a free kick. The midfielder, who has made plenty of magic happen with his right foot in preseason friendlies this year, snuck a powerful right-footed strike through the wall but right at the gloves of Miami goalkeeper Connor Sparrow who punched the ball away. Miami nearly put themselves ahead moments later when Christian François found his way into the box, one-on-one with Tulu, but his shot went right into Jeff Caldwell’s gloves.

At the start of the second half, Preston Tabort Etaka was brought on as a substitute for Bradford Jamieson IV. He wasted no time making an impact. In the 59th minute, Conor McGlynn played a ball deep up the right side that Danny Barrera was able to chase down just before the ball went out of bounds. Barrera played a sneaky back heel pass to Tabort Etaka who cut inside and smashed the ball far post, into the upper corner for the only goal of the night!

“I felt like Preston dominated that one-v-one throughout the game,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He was fantastic. He’s given me 90 minutes in 45 minutes. He’s done a phenomenal job, he’s covered so much ground, he’s won his duels, if we can help him with his end product, he’s gonna be a real handful.”

The doors to Dillon Stadium reopen next Saturday, May 15th at 7 PM, as the Boys in Green host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the 2021 USL Championship Home Opener. Last season, Hartford and Pittsburgh battled at the top of the Group F table, with a 1-0 Hartford win at Highmark Stadium making the difference in the standings. Limited tickets remain, head over to https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets to buy yours now.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford Athletic 10 (4) – 12 (3) Miami

Corners: Hartford Athletic 4-3 Miami

Fouls: Hartford Athletic 23-10 Miami

Offsides: Hartford Athletic 1-0 Miami

Possession: Hartford Athletic 50.8%-49.2% Miami

Passing Accuracy: Hartford Athletic 84%-84.6% Miami

Saves: Hartford Athletic 3-3 Miami

SCORING SUMMARY:

59′ – Preston Tabort Etaka (Danny Barrera) 1-0

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

28′ – Devon ‘Speedy’ Williams (Yellow)

32′ – Lamar Walker (Yellow)

45+1′ – Nii Armah Ashitey (Yellow)

65′ – Paco Craig (Yellow)

71′ – Boluwatife Akinyode (Yellow)

82′ – Preston Tabort Etaka (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 5 (DF) Nii Armah Ashitey, 15 (DF) Tulu, 20 (DF) Thomas Janjigian, 16 (DF) Gabriel Torres; 10 (MF) Danny Barrera, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn (Luka Prpa, 70′), 6 (MF) Arthur Rogers (Nicolás Cardona, 81′); 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Richie Schlentz, 70′), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Sebastian Elney, 60′), 7 (FW) Bradford Jamieson IV (Preston Tabort Etaka, 45′)

MIAMI FC STARTING LINEUP:

24 (GK) Connor Sparrow; 5 (DF) Paco Craig, 17 (DF) Sean McFarlane (Junior Palacios, 85′), 76 (DF) Ramón Del Campo; 80 (MF) Devon ‘Speedy’ Williams, 25 (MF) Lance Rozeboom, 30 (MF) Boluwatife Akinyode, 98 (MF) Pierre Da Silva (Richard Ballard, 63′); 13 (FW) Lamar Walker (Billy Forbes, 45′), 9 (FW) Christian François (Adonijah Reid, 63′), 10 (FW) Ariel Martinez

Hartford Athletic hits the road for its longest road trip by distance since the 2019 season. The boys head south for a trip to South Beach for the first official meeting between Hartford and Miami FC. The Magic City side made a lot of noise in the offseason making high impact signings, including one you'll read about in the "Players to Watch" section, but will it be enough to improve off a 2020 season with just four wins in sixteen matches?

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (1-0-0) at MIAMI FC (1-0-0)

Date: Saturday, May 8th

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Location: FIU Stadium, Miami, FL

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

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

International Viewers: YouTube

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford used a dominant first half to dispatch New York Red Bulls II 3-2 in the first match of the season. It was a couple of familiar faces who teamed up for the season’s first goal, Gabi Torres found Captain Danny Barrera who tapped in the opener in the 13th minute. Twenty minutes later, Walmer Martinez made a beautiful run up the right side and crossed low into Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. who tapped the ball past the Red Bulls II keeper. A goal from Arthur Rogers in the second half cemented victory for the away side.

TEAM OF THE WEEK:

Two Hartford players were named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for their performance last Friday night. Midfielder Arthur Rogers scored a goal, won 9 of 15 duels, and made 13 recoveries and 3 interceptions in the win. Defender Nii Armah Ashitey was also named to the team with 7 interceptions, 12 recoveries, and wins in 4 of 5 tackles and 10 of 16 duels. This was Ashitey’s first appearance in the USL Championship.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE:

For the first time in Hartford Athletic history, the Club will have players who will need to report for International duties. In March, Nicolas Cardona became the first Hartford Athletic player to dress for an international competition, playing in a World Cup Qualifier for his home country of Puerto Rico. Nico will be called back in June for two more qualifying matches for Puerto Rico. Recent signee Juan Carlos Obergón Jr. could be Hartford Athletic’s first ever Olympian. Obergón played a part in ending Team USA’s qualifying bid for the 2021 Olympic games, scoring in the final minutes of the first half to put Honduras up 1-0 in a game they would win 2-1. With the win, Honduras qualified for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.

FROM THE GAFFER

Hartford Athletic hits the road for its longest road trip by distance since the 2019 season. The boys head south for a trip to South Beach for the first official meeting between Hartford and Miami FC. The Magic City side made a lot of noise in the offseason making high impact signings, including one you’ll read about in the “Players to Watch” section, but will it be enough to improve off a 2020 season with just four wins in sixteen matches?

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (1-0-0) at MIAMI FC (1-0-0)

Date: Saturday, May 8th

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Location: FIU Stadium, Miami, FL

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

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

International Viewers: YouTube

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford used a dominant first half to dispatch New York Red Bulls II 3-2 in the first match of the season. It was a couple of familiar faces who teamed up for the season’s first goal, Gabi Torres found Captain Danny Barrera who tapped in the opener in the 13th minute. Twenty minutes later, Walmer Martinez made a beautiful run up the right side and crossed low into Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. who tapped the ball past the Red Bulls II keeper. A goal from Arthur Rogers in the second half cemented victory for the away side.

TEAM OF THE WEEK:

Two Hartford players were named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for their performance last Friday night. Midfielder Arthur Rogers scored a goal, won 9 of 15 duels, and made 13 recoveries and 3 interceptions in the win. Defender Nii Armah Ashitey was also named to the team with 7 interceptions, 12 recoveries, and wins in 4 of 5 tackles and 10 of 16 duels. This was Ashitey’s first appearance in the USL Championship.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE:

For the first time in Hartford Athletic history, the Club will have players who will need to report for International duties. In March, Nicolas Cardona became the first Hartford Athletic player to dress for an international competition, playing in a World Cup Qualifier for his home country of Puerto Rico. Nico will be called back in June for two more qualifying matches for Puerto Rico. Recent signee Juan Carlos Obergón Jr. could be Hartford Athletic’s first ever Olympian. Obergón played a part in ending Team USA’s qualifying bid for the 2021 Olympic games, scoring in the final minutes of the first half to put Honduras up 1-0 in a game they would win 2-1. With the win, Honduras qualified for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.

FROM THE GAFFER

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Thomas Janjigian , DF, #20: 

Jiggy, as he is more affectionately known by his teammates, is a terribly important piece of the Hartford back line. At 26 years old, he is the second oldest player on the team and plays a leadership role similar to the one team captain Danny Barrera plays. With a more potent offensive attack coming this week in the form of a Miami FC side that scored 2 goals in 10 minutes while at full strength on Sunday, Jiggy's presence and leadership at the back will be vital to slowing down the Miami attack.

Miami FC, Devon "Speedy" Williams, MF, #80:

Miami made a number of impressive additions this offseason, but none better than Williams. The three-time USL Cup Champion has played in over 140 USL Championship matches. In 2020 he led the league in completed passes (831) and was second in the league among outfield players in recoveries (141). Williams picked up where he left off in his Miami debut on Sunday night. He played the full 90 minutes, completing 30 passes, with 2 chances created. 

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Miami FC is in their second season in the USL Championship. This will be the first meeting between the clubs as USL Championship members. The two clubs played a preseason friendly during Hartford’s inaugural season in 2019, which ended in a 3-2 win for Miami. Miami’s 2021 campaign is off to a good start, winning a chaotic first match of the season 2-1. Miami scored two goals in the first 10 minutes to take a commanding lead, but defender Janos Loebe was sent off in the 14th minute. Miami defended well and left with all 3 points.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #MIAvHFD

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Thomas Janjigian , DF, #20: 

Jiggy, as he is more affectionately known by his teammates, is a terribly important piece of the Hartford back line. At 26 years old, he is the second oldest player on the team and plays a leadership role similar to the one team captain Danny Barrera plays. With a more potent offensive attack coming this week in the form of a Miami FC side that scored 2 goals in 10 minutes while at full strength on Sunday, Jiggy’s presence and leadership at the back will be vital to slowing down the Miami attack.

Miami FC, Devon “Speedy” Williams, MF, #80:

Miami made a number of impressive additions this offseason, but none better than Williams. The three-time USL Cup Champion has played in over 140 USL Championship matches. In 2020 he led the league in completed passes (831) and was second in the league among outfield players in recoveries (141). Williams picked up where he left off in his Miami debut on Sunday night. He played the full 90 minutes, completing 30 passes, with 2 chances created. 

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Miami FC is in their second season in the USL Championship. This will be the first meeting between the clubs as USL Championship members. The two clubs played a preseason friendly during Hartford’s inaugural season in 2019, which ended in a 3-2 win for Miami. Miami’s 2021 campaign is off to a good start, winning a chaotic first match of the season 2-1. Miami scored two goals in the first 10 minutes to take a commanding lead, but defender Janos Loebe was sent off in the 14th minute. Miami defended well and left with all 3 points.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #MIAvHFD

Hartford Athletic played to a 2-2 draw in a friendly with New England Revolution II on Tuesday night. This was the last friendly match on the schedule for the 2021 season. 

Revolution II got the scoring going early. With less than 60 seconds gone in the match, a Revs II shot deflected off a Hartford defender and was volleyed past a diving Carlos Merancio for the first goal of the evening. Hartford played a strong rest of the half with Preston Tabort Etaka and Alfonso Vazquez working up the wings and generating opportunities but couldn't convert any chances in the final third.

In the second half Hartford broke through. In the 55th minute, Conor McGlynn recreated a highlight from just a few weeks ago, ripping a rocket into the top left corner past a diving keeper for the first Hartford goal of the night. Eleven minutes later, Luka Prpa added on, volleying a ball to the near post to put Hartford ahead 2-1. The Revs would level the match in the 86th minute. Merancio struggled to come up with a cross and the ball made its way into the net. 

Hartford Athletic heads back out on the road for USL Championship play on Saturday when they take on Miami FC at 7:30 PM. You can watch the game on WCTX-MyTV9 or stream on https://www.hartfordathletic.com/watch or ESPN+. The Boys in Green will be at Dillon on Saturday May 15th at 7 PM against Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the 2021 Home Opener! Limited tickets remain so get yours now!

Hartford Athletic played to a 2-2 draw in a friendly with New England Revolution II on Tuesday night. This was the last friendly match on the schedule for the 2021 season. 

Revolution II got the scoring going early. With less than 60 seconds gone in the match, a Revs II shot deflected off a Hartford defender and was volleyed past a diving Carlos Merancio for the first goal of the evening. Hartford played a strong rest of the half with Preston Tabort Etaka and Alfonso Vazquez working up the wings and generating opportunities but couldn’t convert any chances in the final third.

In the second half Hartford broke through. In the 55th minute, Conor McGlynn recreated a highlight from just a few weeks ago, ripping a rocket into the top left corner past a diving keeper for the first Hartford goal of the night. Eleven minutes later, Luka Prpa added on, volleying a ball to the near post to put Hartford ahead 2-1. The Revs would level the match in the 86th minute. Merancio struggled to come up with a cross and the ball made its way into the net. 

Hartford Athletic heads back out on the road for USL Championship play on Saturday when they take on Miami FC at 7:30 PM. You can watch the game on WCTX-MyTV9 or stream on https://www.hartfordathletic.com/watch or ESPN+. The Boys in Green will be at Dillon on Saturday May 15th at 7 PM against Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the 2021 Home Opener! Limited tickets remain so get yours now!

Midfielder Arthur Rogers and Defender Nii Armah Ashitey have been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for their performances in a 3-2 victory over New York Red Bulls II on Friday. These are the club's first Team of the Week honorees of the 2021 season. 

Rogers, who was named Man of the Match and was called "the best player on the pitch" by Head Coach Harry Watling, scored the deciding goal late the the second half, but was unstoppable throughout the match, winning duels and creating chances for his teammates. This is Rogers's first selection to the USL Championship Team of the Week.

Ashitey is the first player in Club history to be named to the Team of the Week in his debut performance. Playing as a Right Back, Ashitey shut down the entire side of the field with his interceptions and winning the majority of his tackles and duels. 

Hartford Athletic is back on the pitch tonight when they take on USL League One opponent New England Revolution II in a USL Friendly match. It is also $2 beer night at Dillon Stadium. Fans interested in tickets should visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 2

GK – Connor Sparrow, Miami FC: Sparrow recorded eight saves and three punched clearances as he helped Miami hold on for a 2-1 victory against Loudoun United FC despite playing down a man for the final 75 minutes of the contest.

D – Jorge Corrales, FC Tulsa: Corrales notched his second assist in as many games, completed 35 of 42 passes overall and three key passes while also winning 9 of 10 duels and recording four interceptions defensively in a 2-0 win against Sporting Kansas City II.

**D – Nii Armah Ashitey, Hartford Athletic: Ashitey made seven interceptions and 12 recoveries, won 4 of 5 tackles and 10 of 16 duels in an impressive debut performance at the back for Hartford in its 3-2 victory against the New York Red Bulls II on Friday night.

D – Grant Robinson, Rio Grande Valley FC: Robinson won 8 of 12 duels, recorded four interceptions and seven recoveries, completed 2 of 2 dribbles and notched two key passes in the Toros’ 1-0 victory against New Mexico United.

D – Bradley Bourgeois, FC Tulsa: Bourgeois won 4 of 4 tackles and made five interceptions and 15 recoveries defensively and also completed 36 of 45 passes and 2 of 5 crosses on the ball in Tulsa’s 2-0 win against Sporting Kansas City II.

**M – Arthur Rogers, Hartford Athletic: Rogers found the net once and was active throughout in midfield, winning 9 of 15 duels and 5 of 6 aerial duels while recording 13 recoveries and three interceptions in Hartford’s 3-2 win against the New York Red Bulls II.

M – Kevon Lambert, Phoenix Rising FC: Lambert won 8 of 12 duels and made 11 recoveries and six interceptions before capping his performance with a long-range finish as Rising FC defeated San Diego Loyal SC on Friday night.

M – PC, San Antonio FC: The Brazilian recorded one assist and three key passes in attack and won 10 of 15 duels while recording four interceptions defensively in SAFC’s 3-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night.

F – Santiago Patino, San Antonio FC: Making his debut for SAFC, Patino recorded a hat trick and finished with seven shots overall to lead his side to a 3-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night.

F – Santi Moar, Phoenix Rising FC: Moar put in a standout performance with one goal, two assists and eight chances created as Phoenix romped to a 4-1 victory against San Diego Loyal SC on Friday night. 

F – Sebastian Guenzatti, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Guenzatti powered the Rowdies to an opening-night victory with two goals and one assist in the side’s 3-0 victory against the Charlotte Independence on Saturday night.

Bench: Evan Louro (TBR), A.J. Cochran (IND), Sam Gleadle (SA), George Campbell (ATL), Jon Bakero (PHX), Laurence Wyke (TBR), Rodrigo Da Costa (TUL)

Midfielder Arthur Rogers and Defender Nii Armah Ashitey have been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for their performances in a 3-2 victory over New York Red Bulls II on Friday. These are the club’s first Team of the Week honorees of the 2021 season. 

Rogers, who was named Man of the Match and was called “the best player on the pitch” by Head Coach Harry Watling, scored the deciding goal late the the second half, but was unstoppable throughout the match, winning duels and creating chances for his teammates. This is Rogers’s first selection to the USL Championship Team of the Week.

Ashitey is the first player in Club history to be named to the Team of the Week in his debut performance. Playing as a Right Back, Ashitey shut down the entire side of the field with his interceptions and winning the majority of his tackles and duels. 

Hartford Athletic is back on the pitch tonight when they take on USL League One opponent New England Revolution II in a USL Friendly match. It is also $2 beer night at Dillon Stadium. Fans interested in tickets should visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 2

GK – Connor Sparrow, Miami FC: Sparrow recorded eight saves and three punched clearances as he helped Miami hold on for a 2-1 victory against Loudoun United FC despite playing down a man for the final 75 minutes of the contest.

D – Jorge Corrales, FC Tulsa: Corrales notched his second assist in as many games, completed 35 of 42 passes overall and three key passes while also winning 9 of 10 duels and recording four interceptions defensively in a 2-0 win against Sporting Kansas City II.

**D – Nii Armah Ashitey, Hartford Athletic: Ashitey made seven interceptions and 12 recoveries, won 4 of 5 tackles and 10 of 16 duels in an impressive debut performance at the back for Hartford in its 3-2 victory against the New York Red Bulls II on Friday night.

D – Grant Robinson, Rio Grande Valley FC: Robinson won 8 of 12 duels, recorded four interceptions and seven recoveries, completed 2 of 2 dribbles and notched two key passes in the Toros’ 1-0 victory against New Mexico United.

D – Bradley Bourgeois, FC Tulsa: Bourgeois won 4 of 4 tackles and made five interceptions and 15 recoveries defensively and also completed 36 of 45 passes and 2 of 5 crosses on the ball in Tulsa’s 2-0 win against Sporting Kansas City II.

**M – Arthur Rogers, Hartford Athletic: Rogers found the net once and was active throughout in midfield, winning 9 of 15 duels and 5 of 6 aerial duels while recording 13 recoveries and three interceptions in Hartford’s 3-2 win against the New York Red Bulls II.

M – Kevon Lambert, Phoenix Rising FC: Lambert won 8 of 12 duels and made 11 recoveries and six interceptions before capping his performance with a long-range finish as Rising FC defeated San Diego Loyal SC on Friday night.

M – PC, San Antonio FC: The Brazilian recorded one assist and three key passes in attack and won 10 of 15 duels while recording four interceptions defensively in SAFC’s 3-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night.

F – Santiago Patino, San Antonio FC: Making his debut for SAFC, Patino recorded a hat trick and finished with seven shots overall to lead his side to a 3-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night.

F – Santi Moar, Phoenix Rising FC: Moar put in a standout performance with one goal, two assists and eight chances created as Phoenix romped to a 4-1 victory against San Diego Loyal SC on Friday night. 

F – Sebastian Guenzatti, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Guenzatti powered the Rowdies to an opening-night victory with two goals and one assist in the side’s 3-0 victory against the Charlotte Independence on Saturday night.

Bench: Evan Louro (TBR), A.J. Cochran (IND), Sam Gleadle (SA), George Campbell (ATL), Jon Bakero (PHX), Laurence Wyke (TBR), Rodrigo Da Costa (TUL)

Fresh off a 3-2 victory over New York Red Bulls II in the first official USL Championship match of the season, Hartford Athletic will take to the pitch again on Tuesday night for a friendly with New England Revolution II. This will be the first home match of the season for your Boys in Green, one that is also $2 Beer night! This will be the first match for Hartford Athletic with fans since last season's 1-0 loss in the first round of the USL Championship playoffs in November. You can bet the home side is ready to put on a show for their fans!

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION II

Date: Tuesday, May 4th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Broadcast: None

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mzRaZF​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

FROM THE GAFFER

Fresh off a 3-2 victory over New York Red Bulls II in the first official USL Championship match of the season, Hartford Athletic will take to the pitch again on Tuesday night for a friendly with New England Revolution II. This will be the first home match of the season for your Boys in Green, one that is also $2 Beer night! This will be the first match for Hartford Athletic with fans since last season’s 1-0 loss in the first round of the USL Championship playoffs in November. You can bet the home side is ready to put on a show for their fans!

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION II

Date: Tuesday, May 4th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Broadcast: None

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mzRaZF​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

FROM THE GAFFER

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

New England Revolution II compete in USL League One and are 1-1-0 on the young season and sit in 7th place in the league. Revs II picked up a win in the season opening match against Fort Lauderdale CF (affiliate of Inter Miami CF), 1-0. Forward Ryan Sierakowski scored the only goal in the 1-0 victory. A week later, Revs II fell to former USL Championship side Richmond Kickers 3-0. In three preseason meetings, Hartford holds a 2-0-1 record against Revs II, one they'll look to improve on tomorrow night.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvNE

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

New England Revolution II compete in USL League One and are 1-1-0 on the young season and sit in 7th place in the league. Revs II picked up a win in the season opening match against Fort Lauderdale CF (affiliate of Inter Miami CF), 1-0. Forward Ryan Sierakowski scored the only goal in the 1-0 victory. A week later, Revs II fell to former USL Championship side Richmond Kickers 3-0. In three preseason meetings, Hartford holds a 2-0-1 record against Revs II, one they’ll look to improve on tomorrow night.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvNE

2021 is off on the right foot! A dominant first half from the road side powered Hartford Athletic and Head Coach Harry Watling to the first win of 2021, 3-2 over New York Red Bulls II!

Hartford dominated the first 45 minutes. After a couple of early chances, the Captain put Hartford on the board first. Luka Prpa played a beautiful curling ball up the left side to Center Forward Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. Obregón Jr. held up play nicely as Gabi Torres came sweeping in from the left. Torres took a pass from Obregón Jr. and delivered a beautiful ball into the box to the feet of Danny Barrera who redirected the ball into the far corner for the opening goal of the season!

Twenty minutes later, Hartford struck again. Walmer Martinez, who was inserted into the starting lineup about 25 minutes before kickoff, made a beautiful run up the right side and crossed low into Obregón Jr. who simply tapped the ball past the Red Bulls II keeper. It was the first professional assist for Martinez and Obregón Jr.'s first goal in a Hartford uniform. The away side took a 2-0 lead into halftime.

Red Bulls II answered in the second half. In the 68th minute, RBII countered on a Hartford turnover and Jake LaCava powered a shot past a diving Jeff Caldwell for the Baby Bulls first goal of the night. RBII had their chances in the second half but Hartford extended the lead when Arthur Rogers's free kick in the 84th minute went untouched into the box and bounced into the net to give Hartford their third goal of the night!

Coach Watling's first win couldn't happen without a little stress, however. In the 90th minute, Jeff Caldwell was given a Yellow Card as he dove to try and stop an oncoming RBII attacker. Mandela Egbo knocked home the penalty kick to cut the deficit to 3-2, but RBII failed to find the back of the net in three minutes of stoppage time.

Hartford Athletic will be back at it again on Tuesday in a USL friendly at home against New England Revolution II at 7 PM. It will be $2 Beer night for all fans in attendance. This game will not be broadcast on television. Fans interested in attending can purchase single game tickets at https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets. 

Athletic resumes USL Championship play next Saturday, on the road against Miami FC at 7:30 PM. The game will be broadcast on MyTV9 as well as ESPN+.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford Athletic 10 (4) – 12 (4) NYRBII

Corners: Hartford Athletic 2-2 NYRBII

Fouls: Hartford Athletic 21-17 NYRBII

Offsides: Hartford Athletic 1-1 NYRBII

Possession: Hartford Athletic 39.4%-60.6% NYRBII

Passing Accuracy: Hartford Athletic 60.5%-72.9% NYRBII

Saves: Hartford Athletic 2-1 NYRBII

SCORING SUMMARY:

13' – Danny Barrera (Gabriel Torres) 1-0

36' – Juan Carlos Obergón Jr. (Walmer Martinez) 2-0

67' – Jake LaCava (Jeremy Rafanello) 2-1

84' – Arthur Rogers 3-1

90' – Mandela Egbo 3-2

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

19' – Arthur Rogers (Yellow)

42' – Wiki Carmona (Yellow)

45+1' – Jeremy Rafanello (Yellow)

47' – Daniel Edelman (Yellow)

50' – Walmer Martinez (Yellow)

81' – Sebastian Elney (Yellow)

90' – Jeff Caldwell (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 5 (DF) Nii Armah Ashitey, 28 (DF) Conor McGlynn, 20 (DF) Thomas Janjigian, 16 (DF) Gabriel Torres; 10 (MF) Danny Barrera, 6 (MF) Arthur Rogers, 11 (MF) Luka Prpa; 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Richie Schlentz 72'), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Sebastian Elney 78'), 7 (FW) Bradford Jamieson IV

NEW YORK RED BULLS II STARTING LINEUP:

88 (GK) Luca Lewis; 63 (DF) Matthew Acosta, 30 (DF) Emir Tombul, 39 (DF) Mandela Egbo, 85 (DF) Joseph Zalinsky; 75 (MF) Daniel Edelman, 66 (MF) Michael Knapp, 64 (MF) Jake LaCava, 19 (MF) Wiki Cardona (Austin Brummett 63'); 36 (FW) Jeremy Rafanello (Roald Mitchell 77'), 67 (FW) Omar Sowe

2021 is off on the right foot! A dominant first half from the road side powered Hartford Athletic and Head Coach Harry Watling to the first win of 2021, 3-2 over New York Red Bulls II!

Hartford dominated the first 45 minutes. After a couple of early chances, the Captain put Hartford on the board first. Luka Prpa played a beautiful curling ball up the left side to Center Forward Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. Obregón Jr. held up play nicely as Gabi Torres came sweeping in from the left. Torres took a pass from Obregón Jr. and delivered a beautiful ball into the box to the feet of Danny Barrera who redirected the ball into the far corner for the opening goal of the season!

Twenty minutes later, Hartford struck again. Walmer Martinez, who was inserted into the starting lineup about 25 minutes before kickoff, made a beautiful run up the right side and crossed low into Obregón Jr. who simply tapped the ball past the Red Bulls II keeper. It was the first professional assist for Martinez and Obregón Jr.’s first goal in a Hartford uniform. The away side took a 2-0 lead into halftime.

Red Bulls II answered in the second half. In the 68th minute, RBII countered on a Hartford turnover and Jake LaCava powered a shot past a diving Jeff Caldwell for the Baby Bulls first goal of the night. RBII had their chances in the second half but Hartford extended the lead when Arthur Rogers’s free kick in the 84th minute went untouched into the box and bounced into the net to give Hartford their third goal of the night!

Coach Watling’s first win couldn’t happen without a little stress, however. In the 90th minute, Jeff Caldwell was given a Yellow Card as he dove to try and stop an oncoming RBII attacker. Mandela Egbo knocked home the penalty kick to cut the deficit to 3-2, but RBII failed to find the back of the net in three minutes of stoppage time.

Hartford Athletic will be back at it again on Tuesday in a USL friendly at home against New England Revolution II at 7 PM. It will be $2 Beer night for all fans in attendance. This game will not be broadcast on television. Fans interested in attending can purchase single game tickets at https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets. 

Athletic resumes USL Championship play next Saturday, on the road against Miami FC at 7:30 PM. The game will be broadcast on MyTV9 as well as ESPN+.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford Athletic 10 (4) – 12 (4) NYRBII

Corners: Hartford Athletic 2-2 NYRBII

Fouls: Hartford Athletic 21-17 NYRBII

Offsides: Hartford Athletic 1-1 NYRBII

Possession: Hartford Athletic 39.4%-60.6% NYRBII

Passing Accuracy: Hartford Athletic 60.5%-72.9% NYRBII

Saves: Hartford Athletic 2-1 NYRBII

SCORING SUMMARY:

13′ – Danny Barrera (Gabriel Torres) 1-0

36′ – Juan Carlos Obergón Jr. (Walmer Martinez) 2-0

67′ – Jake LaCava (Jeremy Rafanello) 2-1

84′ – Arthur Rogers 3-1

90′ – Mandela Egbo 3-2

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

19′ – Arthur Rogers (Yellow)

42′ – Wiki Carmona (Yellow)

45+1′ – Jeremy Rafanello (Yellow)

47′ – Daniel Edelman (Yellow)

50′ – Walmer Martinez (Yellow)

81′ – Sebastian Elney (Yellow)

90′ – Jeff Caldwell (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 5 (DF) Nii Armah Ashitey, 28 (DF) Conor McGlynn, 20 (DF) Thomas Janjigian, 16 (DF) Gabriel Torres; 10 (MF) Danny Barrera, 6 (MF) Arthur Rogers, 11 (MF) Luka Prpa; 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Richie Schlentz 72′), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Sebastian Elney 78′), 7 (FW) Bradford Jamieson IV

NEW YORK RED BULLS II STARTING LINEUP:

88 (GK) Luca Lewis; 63 (DF) Matthew Acosta, 30 (DF) Emir Tombul, 39 (DF) Mandela Egbo, 85 (DF) Joseph Zalinsky; 75 (MF) Daniel Edelman, 66 (MF) Michael Knapp, 64 (MF) Jake LaCava, 19 (MF) Wiki Cardona (Austin Brummett 63′); 36 (FW) Jeremy Rafanello (Roald Mitchell 77′), 67 (FW) Omar Sowe

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.

In the abstract, when first-year Hartford Athletic head coach Harry Watling talks about formations and tactics, it sounds like he’s describing economic theory.

Think of it as the invisible hand of soccer strategy. Players with the freedom to take the ball in “uncomfortable areas,” while also equipped with the tools “to make the best decision that the game tells them to make” across myriad situations that ultimately benefit the team.

Watling, a 31-year-old Englishman officially hired in January as Hartford’s third coach in as many seasons, said that every player wants their coach to make them better, whether they’re competing in the USL Championship or the UEFA Champions League. Correspondingly, Watling added that a team must play systems that maximize their players, fitting “square pegs in square holes.”

That sets the scene ahead of Hartford’s 2021 season, which begins Friday evening (7 pm ET) at New York Red Bulls II before an eventual home-opener May 15 against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The Blue and Green boast a slightly revamped roster, one that includes those like former New England Revolution goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell, ex-Assumption College defender Nicolas Cardona and ex-LA Galaxy forward Bradford Jamieson IV.

They’re looking to build upon an 11-3-2 record (35 points) during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, which helped Hartford finish atop Group F and make their first-ever USL Championship playoff appearance. Some adjustments remain – they’re drawn into the Atlantic Division, to help reduce travel – as part of a 32-game regular season that’ll translate into 16 teams making the playoffs and the second-division crown being decided in a Nov. 28 final.

“You’re asking these guys to come on this journey with you,” Watling said. “We’re going to lose a game of football. We’re going to concede a goal. It’s going to happen. The trick is to keep the guys with you during those moments of trauma, and being a good leader is about selling that idea that you’re going to make them better. And they want to come with you because they want to improve.”

Watling is a departure from the club’s two previous coaches, Jimmy Nielsen and Radhi Jaidi, who had extensive professional playing experience before they embarked on their coaching careers. Watling earned his UEFA B license at age 18 and his A license at 26. He’s worked in the academy systems of Chelsea, West Ham United and Millwall under managers such as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti. He cites Pep Guardiola and Brendan Rodgers as additional influences. Rodgers is aptly analogous, as he didn’t have an extensive playing career before entering the coaching ranks.

Before Hartford announced his appointment, Watling was working behind the scenes for eight weeks. All players in the current squad, both returning and new, have been personally selected by him following an analysis of their playing ability and character to fit into an aggressive, attacking style of play that’s more akin to Guardiola and Rodgers than Mourinho and Ancelotti.

When Watling first spoke with team captain Danny Barrera after he was hired, he told the midfielder that getting him the ball in the attacking half with creative freedom would prove pivotal.

“We want to dominate the pitch,” Watling said. “We want to have more possession, and we want to have more possession with our best attacking players on the ball. Danny is one of those guys.”

Barrera, who signed with Hartford midway through its maiden campaign in 2019, added that Watling has a clear vision on how he wants Hartford to play but “gives us a lot of ideas on how to do it.” Barrera said he feels empowered and free to try something in the moment.

“I think he definitely gives everyone the confidence that he brought you here for a reason,” the 31-year-old said. “He’ll tell you what your strengths and your weaknesses are and what he expects from you. He also wants you to express yourself, which is great. Whether it’s dribble, pass, take on [defenders], you’ve got to do what your gut tells you to.”

Watling also wants his goalkeepers to play out of the back, not merely be shot-stoppers. When Watling told Caldwell that he expects Hartford’s goalkeepers to play a high defensive line, the University of Virginia product embraced it.

“It’s an exciting new challenge,” Caldwell said. “Coach Watling is committed to his principles and he understands the game. He understands that there are going to be moments where it might not look pretty.

“Look at the best in the world, Manuel Neuer, who basically invented the role. There are moments where it doesn’t look great. But what people I think sometimes lose sight of is that there are dozens and dozens of moments that we don’t remember because the job was done perfectly. So knowing that he’s committed to [playing a high line], and we’re going to have the bravery to play that way, personally, it’s really exciting.”

Watling said he’s “not naïve to the fact” that he’ll be learning on the job, which is his initial first-team opportunity. He feels that chairman Bruce Mandell has provided a strong support system and connects with technical advisor Paul Buckle, who has managed hundreds of matches in both England and the USL Championship, several times per week.

“[Buckle’s] always positive, his feedback to me is clean and clear, and for me, one of my favorite sayings is feedback is the food of champions,” Watling said. “I welcome the feedback because I want to get better.”

The feedback is a two-way street. While Watling is in charge, Barrera said there is an “open-door policy to go in and communicate with him.” The players’ ideas, big and small, matter to Watling.

Watling can also elicit feedback from his wife, Ciara Watling, who plays for the Northern Ireland women’s national team and Charlton Athletic in the English FA Women’s Championship. When it comes to understanding how players buy into what Watling is ultimately selling stylistically and tactically, Ciara offers the honesty of a player’s perspective, which is a “hidden advantage.”

“I will ask her opinion on potentially a pre-match presentation that I might be looking to theme in a certain way, an individual chat that I want to have with a player that might play in a similar position to her,” Watling said. “She’s brilliant.”

The end result? A young, unproven first-team manager who’s eager to reward Hartford Athletic for trusting him with the club’s near-term – and potentially long-term – future in the USL Championship.

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.

In the abstract, when first-year Hartford Athletic head coach Harry Watling talks about formations and tactics, it sounds like he’s describing economic theory.

Think of it as the invisible hand of soccer strategy. Players with the freedom to take the ball in “uncomfortable areas,” while also equipped with the tools “to make the best decision that the game tells them to make” across myriad situations that ultimately benefit the team.

Watling, a 31-year-old Englishman officially hired in January as Hartford’s third coach in as many seasons, said that every player wants their coach to make them better, whether they’re competing in the USL Championship or the UEFA Champions League. Correspondingly, Watling added that a team must play systems that maximize their players, fitting “square pegs in square holes.”

That sets the scene ahead of Hartford’s 2021 season, which begins Friday evening (7 pm ET) at New York Red Bulls II before an eventual home-opener May 15 against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The Blue and Green boast a slightly revamped roster, one that includes those like former New England Revolution goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell, ex-Assumption College defender Nicolas Cardona and ex-LA Galaxy forward Bradford Jamieson IV.

They’re looking to build upon an 11-3-2 record (35 points) during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, which helped Hartford finish atop Group F and make their first-ever USL Championship playoff appearance. Some adjustments remain – they’re drawn into the Atlantic Division, to help reduce travel – as part of a 32-game regular season that’ll translate into 16 teams making the playoffs and the second-division crown being decided in a Nov. 28 final.

“You’re asking these guys to come on this journey with you,” Watling said. “We’re going to lose a game of football. We’re going to concede a goal. It’s going to happen. The trick is to keep the guys with you during those moments of trauma, and being a good leader is about selling that idea that you’re going to make them better. And they want to come with you because they want to improve.”

Watling is a departure from the club’s two previous coaches, Jimmy Nielsen and Radhi Jaidi, who had extensive professional playing experience before they embarked on their coaching careers. Watling earned his UEFA B license at age 18 and his A license at 26. He’s worked in the academy systems of Chelsea, West Ham United and Millwall under managers such as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti. He cites Pep Guardiola and Brendan Rodgers as additional influences. Rodgers is aptly analogous, as he didn’t have an extensive playing career before entering the coaching ranks.

Before Hartford announced his appointment, Watling was working behind the scenes for eight weeks. All players in the current squad, both returning and new, have been personally selected by him following an analysis of their playing ability and character to fit into an aggressive, attacking style of play that’s more akin to Guardiola and Rodgers than Mourinho and Ancelotti.

When Watling first spoke with team captain Danny Barrera after he was hired, he told the midfielder that getting him the ball in the attacking half with creative freedom would prove pivotal.

“We want to dominate the pitch,” Watling said. “We want to have more possession, and we want to have more possession with our best attacking players on the ball. Danny is one of those guys.”

Barrera, who signed with Hartford midway through its maiden campaign in 2019, added that Watling has a clear vision on how he wants Hartford to play but “gives us a lot of ideas on how to do it.” Barrera said he feels empowered and free to try something in the moment.

“I think he definitely gives everyone the confidence that he brought you here for a reason,” the 31-year-old said. “He’ll tell you what your strengths and your weaknesses are and what he expects from you. He also wants you to express yourself, which is great. Whether it’s dribble, pass, take on [defenders], you’ve got to do what your gut tells you to.”

Watling also wants his goalkeepers to play out of the back, not merely be shot-stoppers. When Watling told Caldwell that he expects Hartford’s goalkeepers to play a high defensive line, the University of Virginia product embraced it.

“It’s an exciting new challenge,” Caldwell said. “Coach Watling is committed to his principles and he understands the game. He understands that there are going to be moments where it might not look pretty.

“Look at the best in the world, Manuel Neuer, who basically invented the role. There are moments where it doesn’t look great. But what people I think sometimes lose sight of is that there are dozens and dozens of moments that we don’t remember because the job was done perfectly. So knowing that he’s committed to [playing a high line], and we’re going to have the bravery to play that way, personally, it’s really exciting.”

Watling said he’s “not naïve to the fact” that he’ll be learning on the job, which is his initial first-team opportunity. He feels that chairman Bruce Mandell has provided a strong support system and connects with technical advisor Paul Buckle, who has managed hundreds of matches in both England and the USL Championship, several times per week.

“[Buckle’s] always positive, his feedback to me is clean and clear, and for me, one of my favorite sayings is feedback is the food of champions,” Watling said. “I welcome the feedback because I want to get better.”

The feedback is a two-way street. While Watling is in charge, Barrera said there is an “open-door policy to go in and communicate with him.” The players’ ideas, big and small, matter to Watling.

Watling can also elicit feedback from his wife, Ciara Watling, who plays for the Northern Ireland women’s national team and Charlton Athletic in the English FA Women’s Championship. When it comes to understanding how players buy into what Watling is ultimately selling stylistically and tactically, Ciara offers the honesty of a player’s perspective, which is a “hidden advantage.”

“I will ask her opinion on potentially a pre-match presentation that I might be looking to theme in a certain way, an individual chat that I want to have with a player that might play in a similar position to her,” Watling said. “She’s brilliant.”

The end result? A young, unproven first-team manager who’s eager to reward Hartford Athletic for trusting him with the club’s near-term – and potentially long-term – future in the USL Championship.

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.

Few would call Bradford Jamieson IV, at age 24, a veteran.

But the forward is approaching that territory on a young Hartford Athletic team, arriving at the USL Championship club seven years after signing a Homegrown Player deal with the LA Galaxy.

Jamieson IV turned pro ahead of the 2014 MLS campaign and counts a season in Denmark and scoring at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand among his résumé bullet points. Across time with LA Galaxy II and San Antonio FC, he’s already played nearly 80 games in America’s second division.

“I can offer almost 10 years of experience and a youth World Cup under my belt, a championship in MLS,” the Los Angeles native said. “I wasn’t a top goalscorer for Galaxy when we won — I was just a rookie — but I know what it’s like to be on a winning team, I know what it takes to be at a successful club. I know what the hard days feel like, I know what the good days feel like.”

Jamieson IV carries subtle confidence and swagger, returning stateside after spending last year in Denmark with Danish first division side Vendsyssel FF. That stop involved scoring once in 12 matches, with momentum interrupted by a lengthy COVID-19 pandemic pause and coaching change.

Seeking a new opportunity, conversations between Jamieson IV and Hartford Athletic began this past January. The forward discovered a natural rapport with first-year head coach Harry Watling and technical director Luiz Silva, joining the Connecticut-based side for its third professional season.

“One of the things I’ve learned the most in football is handling adversity from the language barrier to the culture shock to the different style of football to the changing of coaching staff. It really challenged me.”

Most of all, Jamieson IV’s time in Denmark caused him to depart his comfort zone. Aside from participating in U.S. Soccer’s now-defunct residency program in Florida, his soccer upbringing revolved around southern California. He was part of Chivas USA’s academy before that MLS club folded, then jetted for LA and bypassed a commitment to the University of California, Berkeley.

While with the Galaxy for six seasons, Jamieson IV notched four goals and two assists in 42 MLS games. He mostly played under Bruce Arena and Curt Onalfo (Ridgefield, Conn.), who are respectively now the New England Revolution’s head coach/sporting director and technical director.

Jamieson IV especially reflects on 2014, which concluded with LA beating the Revolution 2-1 in extratime to lift MLS Cup. That Galaxy team had U.S. men’s national team legend Landon Donovan at wide midfield, while other mainstays were center back Omar Gonzalez and forward Gyasi Zardes — two veterans still in MLS. Their other star was Robbie Keane, the all-time caps and goals leader for the Republic of Ireland men’s national team.

Jamieson IV was like a sponge as the year unfolded, but he also felt things become stale. In hindsight, he perhaps had too much security and an easy-going mentality.

“It all kind of happened at once,” Jamieson IV said. “It wasn’t gradual, because I was enjoying myself so much and then it felt like I was stagnating. Maybe it was through injuries or the fact I was at home. You get to a point where you want to taste something different and you want to have more of a challenge and you want to have something that’s not harder, but adversity can be a good thing.

“I could be a new guy in a new country and you can start from scratch almost. People don’t know who you are, people don’t know what you have inside. It’s a whole new drive, a whole new group of people you’re proving yourself to. That really brings out the most in you and if you learn from it, you might return to where you want to be. If I felt like I couldn’t do it anywhere else, I would’ve gone back to LA and tried to make it work there.

“But I never regret going out and trying something new. That’s one of the most special things about being a footballer, you can move around all the time and try out different places and styles of football and meet so many different people.”

Now, Jamieson IV feels Hartford will keep his fire and passion going. It comes with a greater leadership burden, too, as the Blue and Green look to build upon a 2020 season that included their first USL Championship playoff appearance.

“The pressure, the trust and the weight is something that I wanted at this place in my career,” Jamieson IV said. “Playing with all these big names throughout my career, I haven’t really had that before. Now to get that responsibility and weight on your shoulders, I look at it as something that I’m lucky to have, that’s a treat to have rather than something to run away from.”

As Hartford navigates the upcoming campaign, Jamieson IV has reunited with former U.S. youth national team teammate Jeff Caldwell. A backup goalkeeper at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Caldwell spent last year with the Revolution before entering another USL Championship test. At that youth World Cup, Jamieson IV scored in a Group A match against New Zealand and helped the Tab Ramos-led group make the quarterfinals before they fell against Serbia on penalty kicks.

Now, focus shifts toward how productive Jamieson IV can be for Hartford. He could develop an understanding with midfield playmaker Danny Barrera, the club’s 31-year-old captain, with their collective pro experience totaling nearly two decades.

“I’m 24 now and as I continue to grow as a footballer, having responsibility is something I want to keep in my front pocket at all times,” Jamieson IV said. “It’s a great test and for the first time in my career, I’ll have more of it. It’s something I want to sink my teeth into, just running head forward into it all. I can’t wait.”

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.

Few would call Bradford Jamieson IV, at age 24, a veteran.

But the forward is approaching that territory on a young Hartford Athletic team, arriving at the USL Championship club seven years after signing a Homegrown Player deal with the LA Galaxy.

Jamieson IV turned pro ahead of the 2014 MLS campaign and counts a season in Denmark and scoring at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand among his résumé bullet points. Across time with LA Galaxy II and San Antonio FC, he’s already played nearly 80 games in America’s second division.

“I can offer almost 10 years of experience and a youth World Cup under my belt, a championship in MLS,” the Los Angeles native said. “I wasn’t a top goalscorer for Galaxy when we won — I was just a rookie — but I know what it’s like to be on a winning team, I know what it takes to be at a successful club. I know what the hard days feel like, I know what the good days feel like.”

Jamieson IV carries subtle confidence and swagger, returning stateside after spending last year in Denmark with Danish first division side Vendsyssel FF. That stop involved scoring once in 12 matches, with momentum interrupted by a lengthy COVID-19 pandemic pause and coaching change.

Seeking a new opportunity, conversations between Jamieson IV and Hartford Athletic began this past January. The forward discovered a natural rapport with first-year head coach Harry Watling and technical director Luiz Silva, joining the Connecticut-based side for its third professional season.

“One of the things I’ve learned the most in football is handling adversity from the language barrier to the culture shock to the different style of football to the changing of coaching staff. It really challenged me.”

Most of all, Jamieson IV’s time in Denmark caused him to depart his comfort zone. Aside from participating in U.S. Soccer’s now-defunct residency program in Florida, his soccer upbringing revolved around southern California. He was part of Chivas USA’s academy before that MLS club folded, then jetted for LA and bypassed a commitment to the University of California, Berkeley.

While with the Galaxy for six seasons, Jamieson IV notched four goals and two assists in 42 MLS games. He mostly played under Bruce Arena and Curt Onalfo (Ridgefield, Conn.), who are respectively now the New England Revolution’s head coach/sporting director and technical director.

Jamieson IV especially reflects on 2014, which concluded with LA beating the Revolution 2-1 in extratime to lift MLS Cup. That Galaxy team had U.S. men’s national team legend Landon Donovan at wide midfield, while other mainstays were center back Omar Gonzalez and forward Gyasi Zardes — two veterans still in MLS. Their other star was Robbie Keane, the all-time caps and goals leader for the Republic of Ireland men’s national team.

Jamieson IV was like a sponge as the year unfolded, but he also felt things become stale. In hindsight, he perhaps had too much security and an easy-going mentality.

“It all kind of happened at once,” Jamieson IV said. “It wasn’t gradual, because I was enjoying myself so much and then it felt like I was stagnating. Maybe it was through injuries or the fact I was at home. You get to a point where you want to taste something different and you want to have more of a challenge and you want to have something that’s not harder, but adversity can be a good thing.

“I could be a new guy in a new country and you can start from scratch almost. People don’t know who you are, people don’t know what you have inside. It’s a whole new drive, a whole new group of people you’re proving yourself to. That really brings out the most in you and if you learn from it, you might return to where you want to be. If I felt like I couldn’t do it anywhere else, I would’ve gone back to LA and tried to make it work there.

“But I never regret going out and trying something new. That’s one of the most special things about being a footballer, you can move around all the time and try out different places and styles of football and meet so many different people.”

Now, Jamieson IV feels Hartford will keep his fire and passion going. It comes with a greater leadership burden, too, as the Blue and Green look to build upon a 2020 season that included their first USL Championship playoff appearance.

“The pressure, the trust and the weight is something that I wanted at this place in my career,” Jamieson IV said. “Playing with all these big names throughout my career, I haven’t really had that before. Now to get that responsibility and weight on your shoulders, I look at it as something that I’m lucky to have, that’s a treat to have rather than something to run away from.”

As Hartford navigates the upcoming campaign, Jamieson IV has reunited with former U.S. youth national team teammate Jeff Caldwell. A backup goalkeeper at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Caldwell spent last year with the Revolution before entering another USL Championship test. At that youth World Cup, Jamieson IV scored in a Group A match against New Zealand and helped the Tab Ramos-led group make the quarterfinals before they fell against Serbia on penalty kicks.

Now, focus shifts toward how productive Jamieson IV can be for Hartford. He could develop an understanding with midfield playmaker Danny Barrera, the club’s 31-year-old captain, with their collective pro experience totaling nearly two decades.

“I’m 24 now and as I continue to grow as a footballer, having responsibility is something I want to keep in my front pocket at all times,” Jamieson IV said. “It’s a great test and for the first time in my career, I’ll have more of it. It’s something I want to sink my teeth into, just running head forward into it all. I can’t wait.”

Hartford Athletic soccer is BACK! New Head Coach Harry Watling is about to make his debut as first team manager with the new-look Hartford squad. Based on what we've seen in the preseason so far,  you can expect lots of pace, energy, and pressure from your Boys in Green when they take the pitch against rival New York Red Bulls II.

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (0-0-0) vs NEW YORK RED BULLS II (0-0-0)

Date: Friday, April 29th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: MSU Soccer Park, Montclair, NJ

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+

International Viewers: YouTube

LAST SEASON:

2020 was a banner year for Hartford Athletic. In just its second season, Hartford won regional Group F, won 11 matches, and finished with the second most points in the Eastern Conference. The road to success was filled with dramatic moments along the way including a 1-0 win at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC which gave Hartford the edge over the Hounds in the Group, a miracle win over Philadelphia Union II thanks to Danny Barrera's "Immaculate Deflection", and a thrilling 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls II in the regular season finale to lock up Group F. Hartford qualified for the playoffs for the first time in the Club's history, falling to Saint Louis FC 1-0 in front a maximum capacity crowd at Dillon Stadium. 

THREE SEASONS, THREE COACHES:

As Hartford Athletic enters its third season in the USL Championship, it will do so with its third Head Coach on the sidelines. 31-year-old Harry Watling will get his shot at being a first team Head Coach after stints in the academy systems at English clubs Chelsea, Millwall, and West Ham. He leads Hartford into Atlantic Division play after the club won regional Group F in the pandemic shortened 2020 regular season. “The pressure is a privilege,” Watling said. “We’re really enjoying playing that role. That role of having that success last season, but also being perceived as a little bit of an underdog. I think we’ll be the surprise package this year.”

YOUTH MOVEMENT:

Hartford Athletic fields one of the youngest rosters in the league and the youngest roster among non-MLS2 sides. Seventeen players signed are twenty-four years old or younger. Only Danny Barrera (31), Thomas Janjigian (26), Jeff Caldwell and Younes Boudadi (25) are older than 24. While this roster might be youthful, it is not without experience. Of the seventeen players age twenty-four or younger, eleven have at least one season of USL Championship experience. 

FROM THE GAFFER

Hartford Athletic soccer is BACK! New Head Coach Harry Watling is about to make his debut as first team manager with the new-look Hartford squad. Based on what we’ve seen in the preseason so far,  you can expect lots of pace, energy, and pressure from your Boys in Green when they take the pitch against rival New York Red Bulls II.

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (0-0-0) vs NEW YORK RED BULLS II (0-0-0)

Date: Friday, April 29th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: MSU Soccer Park, Montclair, NJ

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+

International Viewers: YouTube

LAST SEASON:

2020 was a banner year for Hartford Athletic. In just its second season, Hartford won regional Group F, won 11 matches, and finished with the second most points in the Eastern Conference. The road to success was filled with dramatic moments along the way including a 1-0 win at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC which gave Hartford the edge over the Hounds in the Group, a miracle win over Philadelphia Union II thanks to Danny Barrera’s “Immaculate Deflection”, and a thrilling 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls II in the regular season finale to lock up Group F. Hartford qualified for the playoffs for the first time in the Club’s history, falling to Saint Louis FC 1-0 in front a maximum capacity crowd at Dillon Stadium. 

THREE SEASONS, THREE COACHES:

As Hartford Athletic enters its third season in the USL Championship, it will do so with its third Head Coach on the sidelines. 31-year-old Harry Watling will get his shot at being a first team Head Coach after stints in the academy systems at English clubs Chelsea, Millwall, and West Ham. He leads Hartford into Atlantic Division play after the club won regional Group F in the pandemic shortened 2020 regular season. “The pressure is a privilege,” Watling said. “We’re really enjoying playing that role. That role of having that success last season, but also being perceived as a little bit of an underdog. I think we’ll be the surprise package this year.”

YOUTH MOVEMENT:

Hartford Athletic fields one of the youngest rosters in the league and the youngest roster among non-MLS2 sides. Seventeen players signed are twenty-four years old or younger. Only Danny Barrera (31), Thomas Janjigian (26), Jeff Caldwell and Younes Boudadi (25) are older than 24. While this roster might be youthful, it is not without experience. Of the seventeen players age twenty-four or younger, eleven have at least one season of USL Championship experience. 

FROM THE GAFFER

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Bradford Jamieson IV, F, #7: 

Bradford Jamieson IV was the prize signing in free agency for Head Coach Harry Watling and we'll see it on display on Friday night. Jamieson IV brings MLS experience and goal scoring ability to the Hartford attack. The Boys in Green have proven in the preseason their ability to score goals and the expectation is that Jamieson IV will be the focal point of the attack.

New York Red Bulls II, Omar Sowe, MF, #67:

Just 20 years old and already in his third season in the USL, Omar Sowe has made his mark on this RBII squad. Sowe was the leading scorer for RBII in 2020, scoring seven goals, including a hat trick against Philadelphia Union II. The Baby Bulls will look to Sowe as a leader on the pitch, especially with fellow midfielder Kyle Zajec out with a foot injury.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

For the second consecutive season, Hartford Athletic will open on the road against New York Red Bulls II. Last year, Hartford completed a four game sweep of the Baby Bulls, including a 1-0 win on the road in the season opener. John Wolyniec’s side missed the playoffs for the first time in 2020, but return key players Jake LaCava and Omar Sowe. The two of them will try to pace the RBII attack against a Hartford side that has shown some holes in the back in preseason. 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #NYvHFD

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Bradford Jamieson IV, F, #7: 

Bradford Jamieson IV was the prize signing in free agency for Head Coach Harry Watling and we’ll see it on display on Friday night. Jamieson IV brings MLS experience and goal scoring ability to the Hartford attack. The Boys in Green have proven in the preseason their ability to score goals and the expectation is that Jamieson IV will be the focal point of the attack.

New York Red Bulls II, Omar Sowe, MF, #67:

Just 20 years old and already in his third season in the USL, Omar Sowe has made his mark on this RBII squad. Sowe was the leading scorer for RBII in 2020, scoring seven goals, including a hat trick against Philadelphia Union II. The Baby Bulls will look to Sowe as a leader on the pitch, especially with fellow midfielder Kyle Zajec out with a foot injury.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

For the second consecutive season, Hartford Athletic will open on the road against New York Red Bulls II. Last year, Hartford completed a four game sweep of the Baby Bulls, including a 1-0 win on the road in the season opener. John Wolyniec’s side missed the playoffs for the first time in 2020, but return key players Jake LaCava and Omar Sowe. The two of them will try to pace the RBII attack against a Hartford side that has shown some holes in the back in preseason. 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #NYvHFD