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Welcome back to the mailbag! You send in questions, we give you answers! If you want to submit a question for a player, a coach, or the front office, visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/mailbag. Let's get to your questions:

Dave A. asks, "Are there any Open Tryouts coming in the near future?"

HA: This was the most common question we received. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the safety of everyone who would be involved in the tryout, we do not currently have a date set. We do have every intention to run an Open Tryout. In two seasons, we have signed three players out of Open Tryouts, two of whom (Conor McGlynn and Alfonso Vazquez) are still with the Club. Stay tuned to this website and our social media channels for updates.

@CTSoccerMike asks, "What did Santa bring you this year?"

HA: Santa was really good to us this year. He brought us an exciting new player in Nii Armah Ashitey. If you haven't heard about him yet, he's a 20 year old midfielder from Ghana with a physical and aggressive style of play. He'll bring an intensity to the pitch that is very different than any we've seen in two years thus far. If you want to read up a little more on him, click here. We also got candy, a parka for the cold winter months, and a PS5. Jealous?

Victor F. asks, "Now that Lionel Messi is free to negotiate with foreign clubs, will we be looking to sign him to increase team depth?"

HA: This is an excellent question. According to a quote from Chairman Bruce Mandell in the New England Soccer Journal, "We want players who are committed to developing and want to get to the next level." I don't want to speak for Bruce here, but I'm not sure Messi fits that mold. Never say never though.

Michael K. asks the Coaching Staff, "What would you say you've learned from last season and how would you use that knowledge for this season?"

For this question, we reached out to our Director of Scouting and Performance Analysis, Luiz Silva.

LS: The 2020 season was the first for the club to have support of GPS devices and data on training and games to monitor the work load of the players and to create benchmarking. The data created is going to provide parameters for 2021 season when it comes to season and month periodization, week cycles, positional and individual benchmarking within our style of play, systems, game strategies and training database. Similar perspective can be applied to our Performance Analysis processes when it comes to game data we started to utilize for individual development plans, team’s performance and game strategies based on opposition analysis.

Sal S. asks, "How is the search for a new coach going?"

HA: The search is going quite well and is nearly complete. We were very fortunate to have a very competitive pool of candidates from all across the globe. Be on the lookout for an announcement this week!

Welcome back to the mailbag! You send in questions, we give you answers! If you want to submit a question for a player, a coach, or the front office, visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/mailbag. Let’s get to your questions:

Dave A. asks, “Are there any Open Tryouts coming in the near future?”

HA: This was the most common question we received. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the safety of everyone who would be involved in the tryout, we do not currently have a date set. We do have every intention to run an Open Tryout. In two seasons, we have signed three players out of Open Tryouts, two of whom (Conor McGlynn and Alfonso Vazquez) are still with the Club. Stay tuned to this website and our social media channels for updates.

@CTSoccerMike asks, “What did Santa bring you this year?”

HA: Santa was really good to us this year. He brought us an exciting new player in Nii Armah Ashitey. If you haven’t heard about him yet, he’s a 20 year old midfielder from Ghana with a physical and aggressive style of play. He’ll bring an intensity to the pitch that is very different than any we’ve seen in two years thus far. If you want to read up a little more on him, click here. We also got candy, a parka for the cold winter months, and a PS5. Jealous?

Victor F. asks, “Now that Lionel Messi is free to negotiate with foreign clubs, will we be looking to sign him to increase team depth?”

HA: This is an excellent question. According to a quote from Chairman Bruce Mandell in the New England Soccer Journal, “We want players who are committed to developing and want to get to the next level.” I don’t want to speak for Bruce here, but I’m not sure Messi fits that mold. Never say never though.

Michael K. asks the Coaching Staff, “What would you say you’ve learned from last season and how would you use that knowledge for this season?”

For this question, we reached out to our Director of Scouting and Performance Analysis, Luiz Silva.

LS: The 2020 season was the first for the club to have support of GPS devices and data on training and games to monitor the work load of the players and to create benchmarking. The data created is going to provide parameters for 2021 season when it comes to season and month periodization, week cycles, positional and individual benchmarking within our style of play, systems, game strategies and training database. Similar perspective can be applied to our Performance Analysis processes when it comes to game data we started to utilize for individual development plans, team’s performance and game strategies based on opposition analysis.

Sal S. asks, “How is the search for a new coach going?”

HA: The search is going quite well and is nearly complete. We were very fortunate to have a very competitive pool of candidates from all across the globe. Be on the lookout for an announcement this week!

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what's going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, we caught up with Justin Haak to reflect on his loan experience with the club. We also provide you with a positive update on Southampton FC’s continued success in the Premier League!  

Justin Haak shares his experience at Hartford 

Three training sessions were all 19-year-old Justin Haak got before taking the field on September 12th for Hartford Athletic against Group F foe Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Athletic suffered a defeat, but the loanee from NYCFC impressed the fans and showed his quality right away. “Before that, I trained only a couple of times but I was ready for the chance and I was happy to play right away,” he said. Although his debut was a defeat, Haak and Hartford helped each other grow.

One of the most beneficial parts of coming on loan to Hartford for Justin was playing time. "It was good to play and get my speed, because not playing games, it's hard to keep up with the quickness of the game. It helped improve my defensive game, intercepting balls and protecting the back four." Haak became one of the first names on the team sheet and provided Head Coach Radhi Jaïdi a solid option in the midfield. “(Radhi) was clear, he wanted me to protect the backline and get the ball up to Danny Barrera and (our forwards) so they can create." 

When asked about playing with Hartford’s returning captain Danny Barrera, Haak had nothing but praise for the veteran. “He played with a couple of my teammates at NYCFC, he was a great player to play with and made it easier for me." Justin still keeps in touch with many of his Hartford teammates because of the strong bond developed on and off the pitch. "There were a lot of guys I could relate to here that played in academy leagues or – I didn't go to college but I know about certain schools so I could talk with Alex Lara about stuff like that. Tyreke (Johnson) helped me a lot too. Since the first day I got there he would look out for me, invite me places if he was going somewhere with some of the guys, and he was my ride to training every day."

In the midst of the playoff push, Haak was able to experience the home faithful of Dillon Stadium, who despite not being at full capacity still made quite an impression. “To be able to play in front of the fans was great. You could feel the energy when we needed a boost in that game. They stepped it up and it really kept us going." Hartford earned a record of 5-1-1 once Haak entered the lineup, pushing the Club to the top of Group F and the first playoff appearance in it's history.

Justin's experience at Hartford was a big step towards achieving his top goal, earning his first MLS start. "Training every day, it helps you but you need to get good high quality games in. The amount of game time I was able to get at Hartford is going to help with my speed of play and the intensity I need to play." Justin will be back with NYCFC for the 2021 season and we wish him all the best as he chases his goals.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what’s going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, we caught up with Justin Haak to reflect on his loan experience with the club. We also provide you with a positive update on Southampton FC’s continued success in the Premier League!  

Justin Haak shares his experience at Hartford 

Three training sessions were all 19-year-old Justin Haak got before taking the field on September 12th for Hartford Athletic against Group F foe Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Athletic suffered a defeat, but the loanee from NYCFC impressed the fans and showed his quality right away. “Before that, I trained only a couple of times but I was ready for the chance and I was happy to play right away,” he said. Although his debut was a defeat, Haak and Hartford helped each other grow.

One of the most beneficial parts of coming on loan to Hartford for Justin was playing time. “It was good to play and get my speed, because not playing games, it’s hard to keep up with the quickness of the game. It helped improve my defensive game, intercepting balls and protecting the back four.” Haak became one of the first names on the team sheet and provided Head Coach Radhi Jaïdi a solid option in the midfield. “(Radhi) was clear, he wanted me to protect the backline and get the ball up to Danny Barrera and (our forwards) so they can create.” 

When asked about playing with Hartford’s returning captain Danny Barrera, Haak had nothing but praise for the veteran. “He played with a couple of my teammates at NYCFC, he was a great player to play with and made it easier for me.” Justin still keeps in touch with many of his Hartford teammates because of the strong bond developed on and off the pitch. “There were a lot of guys I could relate to here that played in academy leagues or – I didn’t go to college but I know about certain schools so I could talk with Alex Lara about stuff like that. Tyreke (Johnson) helped me a lot too. Since the first day I got there he would look out for me, invite me places if he was going somewhere with some of the guys, and he was my ride to training every day.”

In the midst of the playoff push, Haak was able to experience the home faithful of Dillon Stadium, who despite not being at full capacity still made quite an impression. “To be able to play in front of the fans was great. You could feel the energy when we needed a boost in that game. They stepped it up and it really kept us going.” Hartford earned a record of 5-1-1 once Haak entered the lineup, pushing the Club to the top of Group F and the first playoff appearance in it’s history.

Justin’s experience at Hartford was a big step towards achieving his top goal, earning his first MLS start. “Training every day, it helps you but you need to get good high quality games in. The amount of game time I was able to get at Hartford is going to help with my speed of play and the intensity I need to play.” Justin will be back with NYCFC for the 2021 season and we wish him all the best as he chases his goals.

Around the USL: 

– USL side Rio Grande Valley restructuring affiliate partnership with the Houston Dynamo of MLS  

Houston Dynamo FC, Rio Grande Valley FC Restructure Affiliate Partnership (uslchampionship.com) 

– A plethora of USL alumni featured in USMNT January camp squad  

https://twitter.com/NJEMurray/status/1346567621534232581?s=20 

Ralph Hasenhüttl crying and Southampton is flying! 

After the full-time whistle, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl broke down in tears on the touchline. His team had just beaten reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool, by one goal to nil. In a season that has been very successful for the Saints, the road to this victory has not been easy or straight forward. 

Danny Ings, the talisman and highest goal scorer went down with an injury in October and had to undergo minor surgery. Fast forward to December and Ings is back in the lineup for Southampton against West Ham. While Ings was able to play, his manager Hassanhuttl was not able to manage the team due to a positive COVID-19 test within his family.

Six days later, Hasenhüttl was back in the dugout for a massive fixture against league leaders Liverpool. In the 4th minute, the main man Ings broke the deadlock and put Southampton in front! The Saints defense held on against Liverpool’s lethal attacking trio of Sadio Mané, Mohammad Salah, and Roberto Firmino and came out with a huge three points. Hasenhüttl dropped to his knees in tears and the emotions of a monumental win. Southampton now sits in sixth position in the league and are only four points off of first! Former Hartford Athletic Head Coach Raidi Jaïdi had nothing but praise for the Southampton gaffer’s achievement. 

Around the USL: 

– USL side Rio Grande Valley restructuring affiliate partnership with the Houston Dynamo of MLS  

Houston Dynamo FC, Rio Grande Valley FC Restructure Affiliate Partnership (uslchampionship.com) 

– A plethora of USL alumni featured in USMNT January camp squad  

https://twitter.com/NJEMurray/status/1346567621534232581?s=20 

Ralph Hasenhüttl crying and Southampton is flying! 

After the full-time whistle, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl broke down in tears on the touchline. His team had just beaten reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool, by one goal to nil. In a season that has been very successful for the Saints, the road to this victory has not been easy or straight forward. 

Danny Ings, the talisman and highest goal scorer went down with an injury in October and had to undergo minor surgery. Fast forward to December and Ings is back in the lineup for Southampton against West Ham. While Ings was able to play, his manager Hassanhuttl was not able to manage the team due to a positive COVID-19 test within his family.

Six days later, Hasenhüttl was back in the dugout for a massive fixture against league leaders Liverpool. In the 4th minute, the main man Ings broke the deadlock and put Southampton in front! The Saints defense held on against Liverpool’s lethal attacking trio of Sadio Mané, Mohammad Salah, and Roberto Firmino and came out with a huge three points. Hasenhüttl dropped to his knees in tears and the emotions of a monumental win. Southampton now sits in sixth position in the league and are only four points off of first! Former Hartford Athletic Head Coach Raidi Jaïdi had nothing but praise for the Southampton gaffer’s achievement. 

HARTFORD, Conn. (January 6, 2021) – Hartford Athletic announced the signing of Ghanaian Midfielder Nii Armah Ashitey pending league and federation approval. He is the eighth player signed for the 2021 season.  

The 20-year-old comes to Hartford from Dreams FC of the Ghana Premier League. Ashitey’s professional career started at age 15 where he played for Still Believe FC of the Ghanaian Second Division. After spending a year with Crystal Palace Ghana, he joined Dreams FC in 2019 and was sent on loan to Berekum Chelsea to play in the Viareggio U20 Cup. In matches against Athletico Paranese (Brazil) and Spezia (Italy) he was named Man of the Match.  

Ashitey joins Defender Younes Boudadi as new signings for the 2021 season. The Club has already announced Forward Alfonso Vazquez, Midfielders Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Arthur Rogers, and Gabriel Torres, and Defender Alex Lara are all returning for the 2021 season. More returning and new player announcements will be announced in the coming weeks. 

HARTFORD, Conn. (January 6, 2021) – Hartford Athletic announced the signing of Ghanaian Midfielder Nii Armah Ashitey pending league and federation approval. He is the eighth player signed for the 2021 season.  

The 20-year-old comes to Hartford from Dreams FC of the Ghana Premier League. Ashitey’s professional career started at age 15 where he played for Still Believe FC of the Ghanaian Second Division. After spending a year with Crystal Palace Ghana, he joined Dreams FC in 2019 and was sent on loan to Berekum Chelsea to play in the Viareggio U20 Cup. In matches against Athletico Paranese (Brazil) and Spezia (Italy) he was named Man of the Match.  

Ashitey joins Defender Younes Boudadi as new signings for the 2021 season. The Club has already announced Forward Alfonso Vazquez, Midfielders Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Arthur Rogers, and Gabriel Torres, and Defender Alex Lara are all returning for the 2021 season. More returning and new player announcements will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic announced the signing of defender Younes Boudadi pending league and federation approval. He is the club’s first new player signing for 2021. 

Boudadi joins Hartford after spending the 2020 season with Reno 1868 FC, formerly of the USL Championship’s Western Conference. He played seven matches, starting two. He won 24 of his 27 duels, including a perfect 5 of 5 on aerial duels.  

Prior to joining Reno, Boudadi played collegiately at Creighton and Boston College. As a Sophomore at BC, he led the team in assists. He later transferred to Creighton and was named to the All-Big East Second Team in his Senior season. He was drafted by LAFC in the fourth round of the MLS SuperDraft in 2020 but did not sign with the club. Boudadi holds Belgian and Moroccan citizenship, but his international experience has been solely with Morocco. He earned 11 caps with the U17 and U20 squads, including four matches in the 2013 U-17 World Cup where he helped Morocco reach the Round of 16. 

The Club has already announced Forward Alfonso Vazquez, Midfielders Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Arthur Rogers, and Gabriel Torres, and Defender Alex Lara are all returning for the 2021 season. More returning and new player announcements will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic announced the signing of defender Younes Boudadi pending league and federation approval. He is the club’s first new player signing for 2021. 

Boudadi joins Hartford after spending the 2020 season with Reno 1868 FC, formerly of the USL Championship’s Western Conference. He played seven matches, starting two. He won 24 of his 27 duels, including a perfect 5 of 5 on aerial duels.  

Prior to joining Reno, Boudadi played collegiately at Creighton and Boston College. As a Sophomore at BC, he led the team in assists. He later transferred to Creighton and was named to the All-Big East Second Team in his Senior season. He was drafted by LAFC in the fourth round of the MLS SuperDraft in 2020 but did not sign with the club. Boudadi holds Belgian and Moroccan citizenship, but his international experience has been solely with Morocco. He earned 11 caps with the U17 and U20 squads, including four matches in the 2013 U-17 World Cup where he helped Morocco reach the Round of 16. 

The Club has already announced Forward Alfonso Vazquez, Midfielders Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Arthur Rogers, and Gabriel Torres, and Defender Alex Lara are all returning for the 2021 season. More returning and new player announcements will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what's going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, we spoke to two more members of the last season’s squad, Arthur Rogers and Alfonso Vazquez. The Club announced this week that both players will return to Hartford next season! Plus – the Champions League goal that every American Soccer fan needs to see! 

Arthur Rogers and Alfonso Vazquez return for the 2021 season:

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what’s going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, we spoke to two more members of the last season’s squad, Arthur Rogers and Alfonso Vazquez. The Club announced this week that both players will return to Hartford next season! Plus – the Champions League goal that every American Soccer fan needs to see! 

Arthur Rogers and Alfonso Vazquez return for the 2021 season:

Around the USL

– Former Hartford Athletic winger Sebastian Dalgaard extends with Tampa Bay Rowdies

– Check out the USL Transfer Tracker for every move made around the league

Weston McKennie's Scissor Kick

Last week in the Champions league, USMNT and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie scored in a stadium where no American has ever scored before. After getting on the end of a Juan Cuadrado cross, McKennie leapt off of both feet and scissor kicked passed Marc-Andre Ter Stegen! The midfielder has been in great form for coach Andrea Pirlo and proved again why he’s one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe. On loan from FC Shalke in Germany, Juventus have an option to buy McKennie in the Summer. If he keeps this form up it will be a no brainer for the Old Lady and Pirlo to keep hold of the Texan!  

Around the USL

– Former Hartford Athletic winger Sebastian Dalgaard extends with Tampa Bay Rowdies

– Check out the USL Transfer Tracker for every move made around the league

Weston McKennie’s Scissor Kick

Last week in the Champions league, USMNT and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie scored in a stadium where no American has ever scored before. After getting on the end of a Juan Cuadrado cross, McKennie leapt off of both feet and scissor kicked passed Marc-Andre Ter Stegen! The midfielder has been in great form for coach Andrea Pirlo and proved again why he’s one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe. On loan from FC Shalke in Germany, Juventus have an option to buy McKennie in the Summer. If he keeps this form up it will be a no brainer for the Old Lady and Pirlo to keep hold of the Texan!  

Hartford Athletic announced that Forward Alfonso Vazquez will return to the club for the 2021 season. 

Vazquez’s journey to Hartford began at Open Tryouts in December, less than 2 months after the completion of his senior season at Windham High School. He scored 55 goals his senior year, giving him 149 for his career, the most in Connecticut High School history. Vazquez was invited to preseason training in January and his performance earned him a professional contract at just 17 years old, the youngest signing in Club history. 

“I am so excited to be able to play for Hartford again next season,” said Vazquez. “Playing professionally in my home state where my family can come see me every match means so much to me. I want the fans to know I’m working as hard as I can to get better and make them proud. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch next season.” 

Vazquez made his professional debut as a substitute in the 87th minute against Philadelphia Union II. Eight days later he scored his first goal, a powerful strike off the crossbar, against Loudoun United in a 4-1 victory. He went on to make three other appearances the rest of the season, starting two. 

Vazquez joins defender Alex Lara and midfielders Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Arthur Rogers, and Gabriel Torres as returnees from the 2020 roster. More returning players and new player signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic announced that Forward Alfonso Vazquez will return to the club for the 2021 season. 

Vazquez’s journey to Hartford began at Open Tryouts in December, less than 2 months after the completion of his senior season at Windham High School. He scored 55 goals his senior year, giving him 149 for his career, the most in Connecticut High School history. Vazquez was invited to preseason training in January and his performance earned him a professional contract at just 17 years old, the youngest signing in Club history. 

“I am so excited to be able to play for Hartford again next season,” said Vazquez. “Playing professionally in my home state where my family can come see me every match means so much to me. I want the fans to know I’m working as hard as I can to get better and make them proud. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch next season.” 

Vazquez made his professional debut as a substitute in the 87th minute against Philadelphia Union II. Eight days later he scored his first goal, a powerful strike off the crossbar, against Loudoun United in a 4-1 victory. He went on to make three other appearances the rest of the season, starting two. 

Vazquez joins defender Alex Lara and midfielders Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Arthur Rogers, and Gabriel Torres as returnees from the 2020 roster. More returning players and new player signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

This story was originally published in New England Soccer Journal. Hartford Athletic supporters can apply the code HA25 at checkout 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.

Youth was a central theme for Hartford Athletic during the 2020 season, as the Connecticut-based club made the USL Championship Playoffs for the first time in its short history.

Former head coach Radhi Jaidi turned to those like wingback Tyreke Johnson and central midfielder Justin Haak, who were respectively on loan from the Premier League’s Southampton FC and MLS’s New York City FC. Although his appearances were limited, 18-year-old striker Alfonso Vazquez (Windham, Conn.) also showed great potential after signing straight out of high school.

That approach is expected to carry into 2021, the club’s third season in the second tier of American professional soccer.

“We want players who are committed to developing and want to get to the next level – they actually can verbalize that and commit to that,” co-owner and chairman Bruce Mandell said last week. “It’s players with an aggressive mentality where they’re going to give 100 percent. That lends itself to youth in many instances, and that’s around 23 or 24 and under. So when we’re all said and done, I think it’ll be a very young team again.”

Luiz Silva, Director of Scouting and Performance Analysis for Hartford Athletic, said they’re aiming to be a U-24 team. They’re focused on developing players who progress onto higher-tier teams, whether that’s domestically or internationally.

“We want the players to eventually leave because we’re moving them up to the next level,” Silva said. “It’s not that we’re not satisfying them, but since we’re building a young roster you’d expect for the players to grow and develop. We’re excited about the young players we’re bringing in, their potential.”

From the 2020 team, Mandell said he expects between a third and half to come back in 2021. That’s already surfaced with left wingback Gabriel Torres, center back Alex Lara and central midfielders Connor McGlynn and Arthur Rogers all returning – a quartet that’s 24 or younger.

Other signings are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, with Hartford Athletic also banking on some veteran leadership. Club captain Danny Barrera is returning for 2021, with the No. 10 providing balance alongside their youth.

“The more experienced players, they support the development of others and the performance of the team,” Silva said of the 30-year-old Barrera. “We know with their presence that we have a better chance to achieve our goals and drive further as a club.”

As Silva and other members of the technical department shape the team, they’re aiming for depth at all positions. That often translates into a starter and younger prospect, with competition for places fueling on-field results.

That approach could translate into outgoing transfers, an aspect of the global market that Mandell wants Hartford Athletic to become a greater participant in. It comes with financial benefits, but also the ability for fans to track departed players.

“We want to be a selling team,” Mandell said. “We want to be a team that develops players – also managers – and then sells them on. That’s the model for many teams around the world, it’s a growing model in the United States for our level that’s at the infancy, but it’s there and it’s important. We’re trying to build something.”

As Hartford Athletic’s 2021 roster build unfolds, the head-coach search is another key area to track. The club is down to a few candidates, and expects the domestic/international pool to result in a new hire that starts in Hartford by mid-February.

Whoever takes the reins, Silva said it’s important that Hartford Athletic has an identity and foundation that extends beyond any coach. The coach impacts the starting XI and can suggest players, but there are limits as well.

“The coach has an important role, but it’s important to understand that the club is bigger than the coach,” Silva said. “We have a very specific player philosophy, a style of play where the coach comes in and gives their ideas, their details. We provide the main options we have – the coach might bring other options – but at the end of day the core is there.”

The end result, Mandell hopes, is Hartford Athletic reaching greater heights in 2021. During a COVID-altered season, the club lost in the opening round of the playoffs and completed a remarkable turnaround after struggling as an expansion club in 2019.

As Hartford Athletic grows and evolves, they have a vision of what games at Dillon Stadium become known for. Each player, new and returning, is guided by the outlook.

“We want committed, aggressive players,” Mandell said. “That has to be the absolute given and they have to have the vulnerability and openness to take our direction and learn. But when you watch Hartford, we’re maybe not attacking and pressing every game like Liverpool, but they’re focused and switched on for 90-plus minutes and the fans can walk away proud.

“Just like our Saint Louis playoff game, win or lose, they walk away going, ‘Damn those guys gave everything that they had. They’re pros, they work hard, they play to win and the fans deserve that.’ Guys can make mistakes – they’re learning and growing out there – but if they don’t have that hard work, that commitment for the whole game, then they can’t be in Hartford.”

This story was originally published in New England Soccer Journal. Hartford Athletic supporters can apply the code HA25 at checkout 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.

Youth was a central theme for Hartford Athletic during the 2020 season, as the Connecticut-based club made the USL Championship Playoffs for the first time in its short history.

Former head coach Radhi Jaidi turned to those like wingback Tyreke Johnson and central midfielder Justin Haak, who were respectively on loan from the Premier League’s Southampton FC and MLS’s New York City FC. Although his appearances were limited, 18-year-old striker Alfonso Vazquez (Windham, Conn.) also showed great potential after signing straight out of high school.

That approach is expected to carry into 2021, the club’s third season in the second tier of American professional soccer.

“We want players who are committed to developing and want to get to the next level – they actually can verbalize that and commit to that,” co-owner and chairman Bruce Mandell said last week. “It’s players with an aggressive mentality where they’re going to give 100 percent. That lends itself to youth in many instances, and that’s around 23 or 24 and under. So when we’re all said and done, I think it’ll be a very young team again.”

Luiz Silva, Director of Scouting and Performance Analysis for Hartford Athletic, said they’re aiming to be a U-24 team. They’re focused on developing players who progress onto higher-tier teams, whether that’s domestically or internationally.

“We want the players to eventually leave because we’re moving them up to the next level,” Silva said. “It’s not that we’re not satisfying them, but since we’re building a young roster you’d expect for the players to grow and develop. We’re excited about the young players we’re bringing in, their potential.”

From the 2020 team, Mandell said he expects between a third and half to come back in 2021. That’s already surfaced with left wingback Gabriel Torres, center back Alex Lara and central midfielders Connor McGlynn and Arthur Rogers all returning – a quartet that’s 24 or younger.

Other signings are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, with Hartford Athletic also banking on some veteran leadership. Club captain Danny Barrera is returning for 2021, with the No. 10 providing balance alongside their youth.

“The more experienced players, they support the development of others and the performance of the team,” Silva said of the 30-year-old Barrera. “We know with their presence that we have a better chance to achieve our goals and drive further as a club.”

As Silva and other members of the technical department shape the team, they’re aiming for depth at all positions. That often translates into a starter and younger prospect, with competition for places fueling on-field results.

That approach could translate into outgoing transfers, an aspect of the global market that Mandell wants Hartford Athletic to become a greater participant in. It comes with financial benefits, but also the ability for fans to track departed players.

“We want to be a selling team,” Mandell said. “We want to be a team that develops players – also managers – and then sells them on. That’s the model for many teams around the world, it’s a growing model in the United States for our level that’s at the infancy, but it’s there and it’s important. We’re trying to build something.”

As Hartford Athletic’s 2021 roster build unfolds, the head-coach search is another key area to track. The club is down to a few candidates, and expects the domestic/international pool to result in a new hire that starts in Hartford by mid-February.

Whoever takes the reins, Silva said it’s important that Hartford Athletic has an identity and foundation that extends beyond any coach. The coach impacts the starting XI and can suggest players, but there are limits as well.

“The coach has an important role, but it’s important to understand that the club is bigger than the coach,” Silva said. “We have a very specific player philosophy, a style of play where the coach comes in and gives their ideas, their details. We provide the main options we have – the coach might bring other options – but at the end of day the core is there.”

The end result, Mandell hopes, is Hartford Athletic reaching greater heights in 2021. During a COVID-altered season, the club lost in the opening round of the playoffs and completed a remarkable turnaround after struggling as an expansion club in 2019.

As Hartford Athletic grows and evolves, they have a vision of what games at Dillon Stadium become known for. Each player, new and returning, is guided by the outlook.

“We want committed, aggressive players,” Mandell said. “That has to be the absolute given and they have to have the vulnerability and openness to take our direction and learn. But when you watch Hartford, we’re maybe not attacking and pressing every game like Liverpool, but they’re focused and switched on for 90-plus minutes and the fans can walk away proud.

“Just like our Saint Louis playoff game, win or lose, they walk away going, ‘Damn those guys gave everything that they had. They’re pros, they work hard, they play to win and the fans deserve that.’ Guys can make mistakes – they’re learning and growing out there – but if they don’t have that hard work, that commitment for the whole game, then they can’t be in Hartford.”

Get gifts for the whole family this holiday season at the Hartford Athletic Team Store! We're offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Place your order by Friday, December 18 to ensure it gets home by Christmas!

Get gifts for the whole family this holiday season at the Hartford Athletic Team Store! We’re offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Place your order by Friday, December 18 to ensure it gets home by Christmas!

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HARTFORD, Conn. (December 14, 2020) – Hartford Athletic midfielder Arthur Rogers will return to the squad for the 2021 campaign, the club announced today. 

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue my career here in Hartford,” Rogers said. “I’m incredibly proud of finishing at the top of Group F and making the playoffs for the first time in Club history. Those of us who are returning know there’s more work to be done and I’m excited for the challenge.” 

In his rookie season out of the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, Rogers played in sixteen out of seventeen matches and totaled 975 minutes of action. He made his debut in the season’s first match against New York Red Bulls II, coming on as a substitute in the 67th minute. Rogers scored his first professional goal against Loudoun United, a right-footed rocket from 25 yards out that flew past a diving keeper. The goal was nominated for USL Championship Goal of the Week.  

Rogers is now the fifth player who will return from last season’s squad. Midfielders Danny Barrera, Gabriel Torres, and Conor McGlynn have all been announced as returning along with defender Alex Lara. More returning players and new signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

HARTFORD, Conn. (December 14, 2020) – Hartford Athletic midfielder Arthur Rogers will return to the squad for the 2021 campaign, the club announced today. 

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue my career here in Hartford,” Rogers said. “I’m incredibly proud of finishing at the top of Group F and making the playoffs for the first time in Club history. Those of us who are returning know there’s more work to be done and I’m excited for the challenge.” 

In his rookie season out of the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, Rogers played in sixteen out of seventeen matches and totaled 975 minutes of action. He made his debut in the season’s first match against New York Red Bulls II, coming on as a substitute in the 67th minute. Rogers scored his first professional goal against Loudoun United, a right-footed rocket from 25 yards out that flew past a diving keeper. The goal was nominated for USL Championship Goal of the Week.  

Rogers is now the fifth player who will return from last season’s squad. Midfielders Danny Barrera, Gabriel Torres, and Conor McGlynn have all been announced as returning along with defender Alex Lara. More returning players and new signings will be announced in the coming weeks.