News Archive

Dear Fans,

I am reaching out to introduce myself as the new CEO of Hartford Athletic. Throughout the process of interviewing for this position, it quickly became clear how special our fanbase is and the exciting opportunity that we have at hand to help make our city and state the best place to live, work, and play. 

I cannot think of a better community or professional sport that represents heart, grit and diversity than professional soccer in the city of Hartford. I am honored to be entrusted with leading the business operations of Hartford Athletic and to join this community.

The milestones that YOU achieved in 2019 are impressive to say the least including:

• Over 11,000 fans rocking Rentschler Field for the first ever home match
• A sold out Dillon Stadium for its grand re-opening on July 13th
• Over 4,000 community tickets donated
• Two international friendlies celebrating key communities in Hartford (Puerto Rican and Jamaican respectively)
• A nationally televised home match on ESPNews 
• Eighteen locally televised games (which will increase to 34 in 2020!)
• Key corporate and community partnerships and so much more

Rest assured that both the Front Office and Technical Staff are hard at work building on our inaugural season as we continue to make 2020 bigger and better, and I look forward to joining this effort.

In this spirit, we have some important events coming up, and I hope to meet you there and throughout the season.

• March 3rd: Final preseason home match and it’s open to the public! (1:30pm at Farmington Sports Arena)
• March 5th: Preseason Party where you get to meet the team (click here for details)
• March 6th: Check out our 2020 jerseys for the first time in the brand new Hartford Athletic mobile app (iOS download here; Android download here)
• March 13th: Our first road match of the season and a watch party at City Steam (click here for details)
• March 21st: Home Opener – we need EVERYONE there to create the atmosphere we know and love at #FortressHartford (get your tickets here) 

Thank you so much to all our fans and especially to our Season Ticket Members who are the heart and soul of this club. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Season Ticket Member, please go here.

2020 is a big year for us. We strive to make this the best club in USL Championship and are dedicated to working with you as we build on the momentum.

Thank you for your continued support,

Jim Burda, CEO, Hartford Athletic

Dear Fans,

I am reaching out to introduce myself as the new CEO of Hartford Athletic. Throughout the process of interviewing for this position, it quickly became clear how special our fanbase is and the exciting opportunity that we have at hand to help make our city and state the best place to live, work, and play. 

I cannot think of a better community or professional sport that represents heart, grit and diversity than professional soccer in the city of Hartford. I am honored to be entrusted with leading the business operations of Hartford Athletic and to join this community.

The milestones that YOU achieved in 2019 are impressive to say the least including:

• Over 11,000 fans rocking Rentschler Field for the first ever home match
• A sold out Dillon Stadium for its grand re-opening on July 13th
• Over 4,000 community tickets donated
• Two international friendlies celebrating key communities in Hartford (Puerto Rican and Jamaican respectively)
• A nationally televised home match on ESPNews 
• Eighteen locally televised games (which will increase to 34 in 2020!)
• Key corporate and community partnerships and so much more

Rest assured that both the Front Office and Technical Staff are hard at work building on our inaugural season as we continue to make 2020 bigger and better, and I look forward to joining this effort.

In this spirit, we have some important events coming up, and I hope to meet you there and throughout the season.

• March 3rd: Final preseason home match and it’s open to the public! (1:30pm at Farmington Sports Arena)
• March 5th: Preseason Party where you get to meet the team (click here for details)
• March 6th: Check out our 2020 jerseys for the first time in the brand new Hartford Athletic mobile app (iOS download here; Android download here)
• March 13th: Our first road match of the season and a watch party at City Steam (click here for details)
• March 21st: Home Opener – we need EVERYONE there to create the atmosphere we know and love at #FortressHartford (get your tickets here) 

Thank you so much to all our fans and especially to our Season Ticket Members who are the heart and soul of this club. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Season Ticket Member, please go here.

2020 is a big year for us. We strive to make this the best club in USL Championship and are dedicated to working with you as we build on the momentum.

Thank you for your continued support,

Jim Burda, CEO, Hartford Athletic

Check out the Hartford Athletic App — your one stop for all things Hartford Athletic! This is also the easiest way to access your tickets!

LOGIN: If you download the app for the first time you will be prompted to sign up and create a login (this can be whatever you'd like).

TICKET BUYERS: Once you've signed up navigate to the "Tickets" tab. Once on the "Tickets" tab click on the menu option (three bars) and log in to your My Tickets account with your correct login (please note this may be different than what you used to sign up for the app on the initial screen). From here you will be able to access your tickets on matchday for scanning at the gates.

Download the app today for both iOS (Apple) and Android devices:

Check out the Hartford Athletic App — your one stop for all things Hartford Athletic! This is also the easiest way to access your tickets!

LOGIN: If you download the app for the first time you will be prompted to sign up and create a login (this can be whatever you’d like).

TICKET BUYERS: Once you’ve signed up navigate to the “Tickets” tab. Once on the “Tickets” tab click on the menu option (three bars) and log in to your My Tickets account with your correct login (please note this may be different than what you used to sign up for the app on the initial screen). From here you will be able to access your tickets on matchday for scanning at the gates.

Download the app today for both iOS (Apple) and Android devices:

Hartford Athletic announced today that Jim Burda has been named the Club’s CEO. 

Burda comes to Hartford by way of the New York Riptide of the National Lacrosse League where he launched the Club as its Chief Business Officer. Prior to his role with the Riptide, Burda also served as Chief Revenue Officer for the Chicago Sky of the WNBA for four years. While with the Sky, Jim grew sponsorship over 105% during his time positioning the Sky to lead sponsorship revenue for the WNBA.

“I cannot think of a better community or professional sport that represents heart, grit and diversity than professional soccer in the city of Hartford,” Burda said. “I am honored to be entrusted with leading the business operations of Hartford Athletic and to join this special community.”

“Jim will lead our effort to build a strong economic model, develop our Front Office talent, create the best fan experience in the league and support our important community efforts,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell. “The combination of great talent under Jim’s guidance along with Coach Jaïdi’s leadership on the soccer side will lead us to great success on and off the field.”

As CEO, Burda will be in charge of all commercial operations. He graduated from Kalamazoo College where he was a two-time NCAA DIII National Tennis Doubles Champion. Interim CEO Andy Smith, who supported the Club as a consultant during the transitional period, will move on from this role. Hartford Athletic kicks off its second season in the USL Championship on March 13th with its home opener at Dillon Stadium slated for March 21st at 4pm.

Hartford Athletic announced today that Jim Burda has been named the Club’s CEO. 

Burda comes to Hartford by way of the New York Riptide of the National Lacrosse League where he launched the Club as its Chief Business Officer. Prior to his role with the Riptide, Burda also served as Chief Revenue Officer for the Chicago Sky of the WNBA for four years. While with the Sky, Jim grew sponsorship over 105% during his time positioning the Sky to lead sponsorship revenue for the WNBA.

“I cannot think of a better community or professional sport that represents heart, grit and diversity than professional soccer in the city of Hartford,” Burda said. “I am honored to be entrusted with leading the business operations of Hartford Athletic and to join this special community.”

“Jim will lead our effort to build a strong economic model, develop our Front Office talent, create the best fan experience in the league and support our important community efforts,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell. “The combination of great talent under Jim’s guidance along with Coach Jaïdi’s leadership on the soccer side will lead us to great success on and off the field.”

As CEO, Burda will be in charge of all commercial operations. He graduated from Kalamazoo College where he was a two-time NCAA DIII National Tennis Doubles Champion. Interim CEO Andy Smith, who supported the Club as a consultant during the transitional period, will move on from this role. Hartford Athletic kicks off its second season in the USL Championship on March 13th with its home opener at Dillon Stadium slated for March 21st at 4pm.

You’ve seen the hats, you’ve seen the shirts, you’ve even seen vests. It looks like Hartford Athletic – but different. Not like the merchandise you’re used to. For all the people that are dressed in Blue and Green on matchday, you see others wearing black and grey with a bright Red Star. This is Red Star Athletic, Hartford Athletic merchandise – but not the way you know it.  

Red Star Athletic comes from the minds behind the Hartford Athletic crest. “One thing you always hear from Hartford Athletic fans, ‘What does the Red Star in the logo mean?’. It’s become a bit of an urban legend and it became this thing that we could rally around as we decided we wanted to create this special brand of merchandise,” the Red Star creators said.  

The merchandise from Red Star is designed to be different. One of the most popular items available is a grey t-shirt with an off-color Hartford Athletic logo, with the exception of the red star. “We've been all over the world and that informs our creative process.  We want the Red Star Athletic brand to be different and disruptive. If it’s straight down the middle, it’s not what we’re doing. We like it fresh and youthful.” 

The Red Star line currently includes a hat featuring an offset gasket with the Hartford Athletic logo, a Winter hat, a Trucker hat with the inscription ‘Verde Azul’, the previously mentioned t-shirt and a black vest with a red star. The future of the Red Star brand is even more exciting. “We’re just getting started with Red Star. We have ideas unlike anything we’ve done thus far, fun and funky yet true to HA and Red Star. We love the Green and Blue but mixing it up with different colors and styles is what we do. Our fans will soon have the opportunity to stand separate from the pack with great Red Star Merchandise.” 

To get your hands on the latest Red Star Athletic apparel visit our team store at shop.https://www.hartfordathletic.com. 

You’ve seen the hats, you’ve seen the shirts, you’ve even seen vests. It looks like Hartford Athletic – but different. Not like the merchandise you’re used to. For all the people that are dressed in Blue and Green on matchday, you see others wearing black and grey with a bright Red Star. This is Red Star Athletic, Hartford Athletic merchandise – but not the way you know it.  

Red Star Athletic comes from the minds behind the Hartford Athletic crest. “One thing you always hear from Hartford Athletic fans, ‘What does the Red Star in the logo mean?’. It’s become a bit of an urban legend and it became this thing that we could rally around as we decided we wanted to create this special brand of merchandise,” the Red Star creators said.  

The merchandise from Red Star is designed to be different. One of the most popular items available is a grey t-shirt with an off-color Hartford Athletic logo, with the exception of the red star. “We’ve been all over the world and that informs our creative process.  We want the Red Star Athletic brand to be different and disruptive. If it’s straight down the middle, it’s not what we’re doing. We like it fresh and youthful.” 

The Red Star line currently includes a hat featuring an offset gasket with the Hartford Athletic logo, a Winter hat, a Trucker hat with the inscription ‘Verde Azul’, the previously mentioned t-shirt and a black vest with a red star. The future of the Red Star brand is even more exciting. “We’re just getting started with Red Star. We have ideas unlike anything we’ve done thus far, fun and funky yet true to HA and Red Star. We love the Green and Blue but mixing it up with different colors and styles is what we do. Our fans will soon have the opportunity to stand separate from the pack with great Red Star Merchandise.” 

To get your hands on the latest Red Star Athletic apparel visit our team store at shop.https://www.hartfordathletic.com. 

You know Harry Swartz the soccer player. But you probably don't know as much about Harry Swartz the person. We caught up with Harry to find out how the preseason is going, what he does in his free time, pizza, and so much more. Get ready to find out more about Harry than you ever thought you would…

1. Year two, how would you describe the start of the season so far?

HS: I feel like it's been a really good start so far. You know sometimes you don't want to read too much into preseason games, but what are we, 3-0-1, and we’ve only let up three goals?* Results aside, I feel like we're growing a lot as a team – each week we're getting a lot better, more fit, and we're learning the system better.

*The interview was conducted before Saturday's match

2. Coach has been here for a couple weeks. He's obviously got a wealth of experience coming from Southampton. What have you learned from him so far? 

HS: I was speaking to a few guys recently about tactics. I think throughout my whole life, I don't really know if I've gone in-depth on tactics you know? How we're supposed to play, the style we're going to play, and I think coach does a really good job of telling us how he wants us to play, and this is how we're going to approach each game. Learning that has definitely made me a better player. I'm seeing the game differently because of stuff he says and points out, and it's all been good.

3. You're seeing the game differently I think that's an interesting thing to point out, because the word that best described you last year is versatile. You started multiple matches on defense, in the midfield, and at forward. So, how does that versatility work itself into the way coach is helping you see the game?

HS: I think he does a good job of helping us learn where we should be when we don’t have the ball and if you're standing somewhere, maybe this guy on the opposing team is focused now on you, which creates space for other players. I think he does a good job of explaining that even if you're not getting the ball, you're helping them in another way, by maybe taking a guy out of the way for somebody else, which I think is something that I never really looked at.

4. You and Nicky Downs developed a friendship over the course of last season. You guys are roommates this year. How did you develop that friendship? 

HS: I think just both being rookies and kind of new. I was thrown in in the middle of the season, and Nicky was one of the younger guys who was super nice and super personable when I first met him. We know a bunch of the same guys and growing up the same age, both playing in the northeast and in college, we just had a lot in common. Over time we both shared a love of pizza, so on off days we'd go grab a slice from the places in New Haven, Frank Pepe’s, Sally's, Modern, we’ve tried them all.

5. New Haven pizza, that's a big thing with our supporters. Which one is your favorite?

HS: My favorite is Frank Pepe’s. There's something about the cheese. It's just different. But I'd say the best-made pizza is probably Sally's. Nicky would say his overall favorite is Sally‘s. The taste of Frank Pepe’s I feel like is the most different, you know what I'm saying? But Sally‘s is probably like the best bite. It's crunchy but it's also soft, I mean that bread is like a different level.

6. So would you choose pizza as your last meal?

HS: No, it's got to be chipotle. I haven't been as much recently because I'm starting to cook a little bit on my own, but last year it was my night before a match meal because it kind of covers everything you know rice, beans chicken, a little sodium to get ready for matchday. 

7. What is your go-to order at Chipotle?

HS: My go-to is double brown rice – gotta get the extra rice – black beans, chicken, pico salsa, hot salsa, corn, guacamole and lettuce. I've cut out the cheese. That was a Nicky thing, it got into my head with him being vegan, but now it doesn't make a difference to me. 

8. As far as cooking goes, you live with Nicky, he's vegan. Does that mean that you are cooking and eating vegan when you guys are together? 

HS: No, I watch him eat his healthy vegan meal, and I cook something else. It's funny my family and friends back home, they think I'm a healthy eater. But when I put my plate next to Nicky's I'm like, ‘What am I eating? What's going on?’ But no I eat brown rice, chicken, veggies and he’ll have brown rice, veggies, and something vegan that's super healthy. He makes it look appetizing to be honest. I sometimes think I could try it out.

9. Who are some athletes that you looked up to growing up?

HS: I've been pretty fortunate growing up in Boston, being able to see all the championships I’ve seen. I think number one has to be Tom Brady. And I still look up to that guy. Just as a competitor, he was an underdog, counted out when he was younger, and now he's reached the height of his profession. 

10. Messi or Ronaldo?

HS: For me, it’s Messi. I'm not too big on the whole argument. I think both are so good, and I'd be happy with either one on my team. But I think when you watch Messi play it just looks so natural, and he just does things that are so incredible. The enjoyment of watching goes up one hundred percent when I watch Messi play. Ronaldo, he still finds a way to do it. I give him a lot of respect, when he was younger he played a lot differently and now he's adjusted his game to score goals. But if I had to pick somebody to watch play or watch train, it has to be Messi. 

11. Hollywood decides to make a movie about your life. Who do you pick to play you in the movie? 

HS: Oh man, you know I'd want to say like Brad Pitt or something. But I think a more accurate pick would be a Dave Franco type of guy. We're similar in size. You know what, yeah, Dave Franco is my choice. 

12. Best Movie you saw in 2019 was? 

HS: Probably ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. But I did see that movie ‘Good Boys’, I thought that was so funny. When it comes to the actual movie, ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ was critically a better movie, but I laughed a lot more and I enjoyed my time watching ‘Good Boys’ more.

13. Let’s stick with movies. You're stuck on a desert island and can only bring five movies. What are they?

HS: When I get asked what's my favorite movie, it's so tough but I feel like ‘Catch Me If You Can’ is probably up there.  I like to be a little different. I'm a humor guy, I prefer watching a movie to make me laugh so I probably would also go with ‘Superbad’. ‘Happy Gilmore’ makes the cut. And then, bringing it home, I’d go with ‘The Departed’ and you know what, the fifth one would be ‘The Dark Knight’ – the Heath Ledger one. I haven't seen that in a few years and that Christian Bale Batman with Heath Ledger, that movie still holds up. And ‘Space Jam’. I know that’s six and if I redid my five I would bring Space Jam. That’s a classic, I watched that every day as a kid.

14. You came here last year with an injury suffered at the MLS combine, and you were kind of working out as practice player. Then, all of a sudden, you’re starting at right back in our first-ever home match. How did you go from one role to the other?

HS: I guess one of the keys is belief. It just happened so fast where I was not a professional, to going right into a new team and a new season and I gotta give Jimmy (Nielsen), all the credit for just tossing me in. I didn't have time to really think about it, I didn't have time to have a few games to sit on the bench and watch, I was just in. So I guess just believing I could do it and not overthinking it. And of course, thanks to Jimmy for believing in me.

15. Now this year, you’ve stepped into more of a leadership role as one of eight guys who were bought back from last season. How does that change your mentality?

HS: I guess I just try and keep the same mindset, try not to overthink it. You know I try, and I've always tried, to lead by example. I don't think I'm a guy that's gonna go out there and make some crazy big speech but you know every day I show up and try to work as hard as everyone else and just try to get better. Hopefully people see that and do the same. 

16. What is the best sporting event you've ever attended?

HS: The best game I've ever seen live was probably Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS when David Ortiz hit that Grand Slam against the Detroit Tigers and the outfielder went over the wall. It was probably the craziest moment I've seen in sports. As a fan, that was insane.

17. You were in college, then I assume? 

HS: I was a senior in high school. My dad works at Fenway Park so me and all my buddies kind of snuck in and saw the game. We ended up with six seats and it was just one of the most electric experiences I've seen as a fan for sure.

18. What was the stadium like?

HS: It was crazy. I mean, I remember it because it was a crazy game it was like 5-1 at the time or something and when he hit it, everyone went mental, like, I couldn't even – oh my god it was insane. Kind of like Dillon on a Saturday night when we score a late goal to win.

19. What does a day off for Harry Swartz look like?

HS: A typical day off, is probably Nicky and I head into New Haven, probably going to Sally's or Frank Pepe’s and treating ourselves to a pizza. That or I go back home to Needham and see my family and friends, but one of those two.

20. Hopefully we’re a long way away from this, but when you retire and you look back on your career, what do you want to be known for?

HS: You know, that's something I think about from time to time. I don't know what's gonna happen at the end of my career, it could end sooner rather than later, you never know. But I just want to do it right. I want to put all my time into it and work as hard as I possibly can and be the best I possibly can. Sometimes I'll catch good breaks, sometimes I'll catch bad breaks I know that, but I don't want to have any regrets on how I worked. I don't want to look back and be like, ‘oh my god if I tried harder this time, this could’ve happened.’ If it doesn't work out, then that's okay but I don't want to have any regrets.

You know Harry Swartz the soccer player. But you probably don’t know as much about Harry Swartz the person. We caught up with Harry to find out how the preseason is going, what he does in his free time, pizza, and so much more. Get ready to find out more about Harry than you ever thought you would…

1. Year two, how would you describe the start of the season so far?

HS: I feel like it’s been a really good start so far. You know sometimes you don’t want to read too much into preseason games, but what are we, 3-0-1, and we’ve only let up three goals?* Results aside, I feel like we’re growing a lot as a team – each week we’re getting a lot better, more fit, and we’re learning the system better.

*The interview was conducted before Saturday’s match

2. Coach has been here for a couple weeks. He’s obviously got a wealth of experience coming from Southampton. What have you learned from him so far? 

HS: I was speaking to a few guys recently about tactics. I think throughout my whole life, I don’t really know if I’ve gone in-depth on tactics you know? How we’re supposed to play, the style we’re going to play, and I think coach does a really good job of telling us how he wants us to play, and this is how we’re going to approach each game. Learning that has definitely made me a better player. I’m seeing the game differently because of stuff he says and points out, and it’s all been good.

3. You’re seeing the game differently I think that’s an interesting thing to point out, because the word that best described you last year is versatile. You started multiple matches on defense, in the midfield, and at forward. So, how does that versatility work itself into the way coach is helping you see the game?

HS: I think he does a good job of helping us learn where we should be when we don’t have the ball and if you’re standing somewhere, maybe this guy on the opposing team is focused now on you, which creates space for other players. I think he does a good job of explaining that even if you’re not getting the ball, you’re helping them in another way, by maybe taking a guy out of the way for somebody else, which I think is something that I never really looked at.

4. You and Nicky Downs developed a friendship over the course of last season. You guys are roommates this year. How did you develop that friendship? 

HS: I think just both being rookies and kind of new. I was thrown in in the middle of the season, and Nicky was one of the younger guys who was super nice and super personable when I first met him. We know a bunch of the same guys and growing up the same age, both playing in the northeast and in college, we just had a lot in common. Over time we both shared a love of pizza, so on off days we’d go grab a slice from the places in New Haven, Frank Pepe’s, Sally’s, Modern, we’ve tried them all.

5. New Haven pizza, that’s a big thing with our supporters. Which one is your favorite?

HS: My favorite is Frank Pepe’s. There’s something about the cheese. It’s just different. But I’d say the best-made pizza is probably Sally’s. Nicky would say his overall favorite is Sally‘s. The taste of Frank Pepe’s I feel like is the most different, you know what I’m saying? But Sally‘s is probably like the best bite. It’s crunchy but it’s also soft, I mean that bread is like a different level.

6. So would you choose pizza as your last meal?

HS: No, it’s got to be chipotle. I haven’t been as much recently because I’m starting to cook a little bit on my own, but last year it was my night before a match meal because it kind of covers everything you know rice, beans chicken, a little sodium to get ready for matchday. 

7. What is your go-to order at Chipotle?

HS: My go-to is double brown rice – gotta get the extra rice – black beans, chicken, pico salsa, hot salsa, corn, guacamole and lettuce. I’ve cut out the cheese. That was a Nicky thing, it got into my head with him being vegan, but now it doesn’t make a difference to me. 

8. As far as cooking goes, you live with Nicky, he’s vegan. Does that mean that you are cooking and eating vegan when you guys are together? 

HS: No, I watch him eat his healthy vegan meal, and I cook something else. It’s funny my family and friends back home, they think I’m a healthy eater. But when I put my plate next to Nicky’s I’m like, ‘What am I eating? What’s going on?’ But no I eat brown rice, chicken, veggies and he’ll have brown rice, veggies, and something vegan that’s super healthy. He makes it look appetizing to be honest. I sometimes think I could try it out.

9. Who are some athletes that you looked up to growing up?

HS: I’ve been pretty fortunate growing up in Boston, being able to see all the championships I’ve seen. I think number one has to be Tom Brady. And I still look up to that guy. Just as a competitor, he was an underdog, counted out when he was younger, and now he’s reached the height of his profession. 

10. Messi or Ronaldo?

HS: For me, it’s Messi. I’m not too big on the whole argument. I think both are so good, and I’d be happy with either one on my team. But I think when you watch Messi play it just looks so natural, and he just does things that are so incredible. The enjoyment of watching goes up one hundred percent when I watch Messi play. Ronaldo, he still finds a way to do it. I give him a lot of respect, when he was younger he played a lot differently and now he’s adjusted his game to score goals. But if I had to pick somebody to watch play or watch train, it has to be Messi. 

11. Hollywood decides to make a movie about your life. Who do you pick to play you in the movie? 

HS: Oh man, you know I’d want to say like Brad Pitt or something. But I think a more accurate pick would be a Dave Franco type of guy. We’re similar in size. You know what, yeah, Dave Franco is my choice. 

12. Best Movie you saw in 2019 was? 

HS: Probably ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. But I did see that movie ‘Good Boys’, I thought that was so funny. When it comes to the actual movie, ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ was critically a better movie, but I laughed a lot more and I enjoyed my time watching ‘Good Boys’ more.

13. Let’s stick with movies. You’re stuck on a desert island and can only bring five movies. What are they?

HS: When I get asked what’s my favorite movie, it’s so tough but I feel like ‘Catch Me If You Can’ is probably up there.  I like to be a little different. I’m a humor guy, I prefer watching a movie to make me laugh so I probably would also go with ‘Superbad’. ‘Happy Gilmore’ makes the cut. And then, bringing it home, I’d go with ‘The Departed’ and you know what, the fifth one would be ‘The Dark Knight’ – the Heath Ledger one. I haven’t seen that in a few years and that Christian Bale Batman with Heath Ledger, that movie still holds up. And ‘Space Jam’. I know that’s six and if I redid my five I would bring Space Jam. That’s a classic, I watched that every day as a kid.

14. You came here last year with an injury suffered at the MLS combine, and you were kind of working out as practice player. Then, all of a sudden, you’re starting at right back in our first-ever home match. How did you go from one role to the other?

HS: I guess one of the keys is belief. It just happened so fast where I was not a professional, to going right into a new team and a new season and I gotta give Jimmy (Nielsen), all the credit for just tossing me in. I didn’t have time to really think about it, I didn’t have time to have a few games to sit on the bench and watch, I was just in. So I guess just believing I could do it and not overthinking it. And of course, thanks to Jimmy for believing in me.

15. Now this year, you’ve stepped into more of a leadership role as one of eight guys who were bought back from last season. How does that change your mentality?

HS: I guess I just try and keep the same mindset, try not to overthink it. You know I try, and I’ve always tried, to lead by example. I don’t think I’m a guy that’s gonna go out there and make some crazy big speech but you know every day I show up and try to work as hard as everyone else and just try to get better. Hopefully people see that and do the same. 

16. What is the best sporting event you’ve ever attended?

HS: The best game I’ve ever seen live was probably Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS when David Ortiz hit that Grand Slam against the Detroit Tigers and the outfielder went over the wall. It was probably the craziest moment I’ve seen in sports. As a fan, that was insane.

17. You were in college, then I assume? 

HS: I was a senior in high school. My dad works at Fenway Park so me and all my buddies kind of snuck in and saw the game. We ended up with six seats and it was just one of the most electric experiences I’ve seen as a fan for sure.

18. What was the stadium like?

HS: It was crazy. I mean, I remember it because it was a crazy game it was like 5-1 at the time or something and when he hit it, everyone went mental, like, I couldn’t even – oh my god it was insane. Kind of like Dillon on a Saturday night when we score a late goal to win.

19. What does a day off for Harry Swartz look like?

HS: A typical day off, is probably Nicky and I head into New Haven, probably going to Sally’s or Frank Pepe’s and treating ourselves to a pizza. That or I go back home to Needham and see my family and friends, but one of those two.

20. Hopefully we’re a long way away from this, but when you retire and you look back on your career, what do you want to be known for?

HS: You know, that’s something I think about from time to time. I don’t know what’s gonna happen at the end of my career, it could end sooner rather than later, you never know. But I just want to do it right. I want to put all my time into it and work as hard as I possibly can and be the best I possibly can. Sometimes I’ll catch good breaks, sometimes I’ll catch bad breaks I know that, but I don’t want to have any regrets on how I worked. I don’t want to look back and be like, ‘oh my god if I tried harder this time, this could’ve happened.’ If it doesn’t work out, then that’s okay but I don’t want to have any regrets.

Hartford Athletic preseason continued last week with two friendly matches against New England Revolution II, one at Farmington Sports Arena and the other at Gillette Stadium. The home side prevailed in each matchup.

Athletic played host on Wednesday afternoon. This was the first preseason friendly that was open to the public and fans came out in full force to support their club. Ever Guzmán gave those fans the show they were hoping for. One of Athletic's newest signings scored four times in the first 45 minutes to give Hartford a lead they would never look back from. He scored in every way imaginable, chipping the keeper, tapping a ball in off of a header, cutting back to avoid a defender and curl the ball inside the right goal post, and pressuring the keeper to force a turnover and bag his fourth goal of the afternoon. 

Revolution II scored on a free kick to cut the deficit to 3 early in the second half, but the Boys in Green answered with a trialist goal of their own. Alfonso Vazquez, a 17-year-old from Windham, CT, volleyed home a bouncing ball for the fifth Hartford goal of the afternoon and his second of the preseason. It was Hartford's third win of the preseason.

Just 3 days later, Hartford traveled up to Gillette Stadium for a rematch with Revolution II. New England midfielder Ryan Spaulding scored the game’s lone goal in the 31st minute, curling in a left-footed free-kick from just outside the box. Athletic had a number of chances throughout the afternoon but couldn't quite put anything together. 

This week, Hartford will travel to Philadelphia to take on Philadelphia Union II on Saturday. Follow us on Twitter for updates.

Hartford Athletic preseason continued last week with two friendly matches against New England Revolution II, one at Farmington Sports Arena and the other at Gillette Stadium. The home side prevailed in each matchup.

Athletic played host on Wednesday afternoon. This was the first preseason friendly that was open to the public and fans came out in full force to support their club. Ever Guzmán gave those fans the show they were hoping for. One of Athletic’s newest signings scored four times in the first 45 minutes to give Hartford a lead they would never look back from. He scored in every way imaginable, chipping the keeper, tapping a ball in off of a header, cutting back to avoid a defender and curl the ball inside the right goal post, and pressuring the keeper to force a turnover and bag his fourth goal of the afternoon. 

Revolution II scored on a free kick to cut the deficit to 3 early in the second half, but the Boys in Green answered with a trialist goal of their own. Alfonso Vazquez, a 17-year-old from Windham, CT, volleyed home a bouncing ball for the fifth Hartford goal of the afternoon and his second of the preseason. It was Hartford’s third win of the preseason.

Just 3 days later, Hartford traveled up to Gillette Stadium for a rematch with Revolution II. New England midfielder Ryan Spaulding scored the game’s lone goal in the 31st minute, curling in a left-footed free-kick from just outside the box. Athletic had a number of chances throughout the afternoon but couldn’t quite put anything together. 

This week, Hartford will travel to Philadelphia to take on Philadelphia Union II on Saturday. Follow us on Twitter for updates.

HARTFORD, Conn. (February 24, 2020) – Hartford Athletic announced today that Tyreke Johnson (Swindon, England) has joined the club on loan for the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval. The 21-year-old, who played for Hartford Athletic Head Coach Radhi Jaïdi on Southampton’s U-23 squad, recently signed an extension with the Saints through the summer of 2021. 

Johnson was handed his Premier League debut by Ralph Hasenhüttl in December of 2018, coming off the bench in a 3-2 victory over Arsenal. He also made two first team appearances in the FA Cup. Johnson moved up through the Saints U-18 and U-23 squads. This season, Johnson has been on loan with Woking FC of the National League. He made 12 apperances in league play, scoring two goals.  

The club’s roster now consists of 20 players with 8 returning from Hartford Athletic’s inaugural season.

2020 Hartford Athletic Roster:

GK: Parfait Mandanda, Mike Novotny

DF: Alex Davey, Alex Lara, Kevin Politz, Matheus Silva, Sam Strong, Gabriel Torres

MF: Danny Barrera, Nicky Downs, Tyreke Johnson, Mads Jørgensen, Aiden Mesias, Noah Paravicini, Arthur Rogers, Harry Swartz

F: Dre Deas, Alex Dixon, Ever Guzmán, Mac Steeves

HARTFORD, Conn. (February 24, 2020) – Hartford Athletic announced today that Tyreke Johnson (Swindon, England) has joined the club on loan for the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval. The 21-year-old, who played for Hartford Athletic Head Coach Radhi Jaïdi on Southampton’s U-23 squad, recently signed an extension with the Saints through the summer of 2021. 

Johnson was handed his Premier League debut by Ralph Hasenhüttl in December of 2018, coming off the bench in a 3-2 victory over Arsenal. He also made two first team appearances in the FA Cup. Johnson moved up through the Saints U-18 and U-23 squads. This season, Johnson has been on loan with Woking FC of the National League. He made 12 apperances in league play, scoring two goals.  

The club’s roster now consists of 20 players with 8 returning from Hartford Athletic’s inaugural season.

2020 Hartford Athletic Roster:

GK: Parfait Mandanda, Mike Novotny

DF: Alex Davey, Alex Lara, Kevin Politz, Matheus Silva, Sam Strong, Gabriel Torres

MF: Danny Barrera, Nicky Downs, Tyreke Johnson, Mads Jørgensen, Aiden Mesias, Noah Paravicini, Arthur Rogers, Harry Swartz

F: Dre Deas, Alex Dixon, Ever Guzmán, Mac Steeves

HARTFORD, Conn. (February 20, 2020) – Hartford Athletic announced today that Parfait Mandanda (Nevers, France) has been signed for the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval. Mandanda is the second goalkeeper on the roster along with Mike Novotny. Scott Levene and Carson D’Ambrosio have joined Athletic for preseason training. 

Mandanda signed with Sporting Charleroi of the Belgian Pro League in 2011 and has appeared in 99 matches for the club over the past nine seasons. Last year, he was loaned to Dynamo Bucharest for six months where he posted eight clean sheets in just twelve starts. Mandanda has also made seventeen starts in goal for Congo DR. In 2015, they took third place in the Africa Cup of Nations.  

Mandanda comes from a family of goalkeepers. His older brother Steve is the keeper for Marseille of French Ligue 1. His younger brothers Riffi and Over are also keepers in France.  

HARTFORD, Conn. (February 20, 2020) – Hartford Athletic announced today that Parfait Mandanda (Nevers, France) has been signed for the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval. Mandanda is the second goalkeeper on the roster along with Mike Novotny. Scott Levene and Carson D’Ambrosio have joined Athletic for preseason training. 

Mandanda signed with Sporting Charleroi of the Belgian Pro League in 2011 and has appeared in 99 matches for the club over the past nine seasons. Last year, he was loaned to Dynamo Bucharest for six months where he posted eight clean sheets in just twelve starts. Mandanda has also made seventeen starts in goal for Congo DR. In 2015, they took third place in the Africa Cup of Nations.  

Mandanda comes from a family of goalkeepers. His older brother Steve is the keeper for Marseille of French Ligue 1. His younger brothers Riffi and Over are also keepers in France.  

Preseason matches are underway as the Boys in Green completed their third week of preseason training yesterday. All in all, it was a very positive week for Athletic, winning both of this week's matches, scoring three goals in each match.

Newtown Pride FC came to FSA on Wednesday for the first friendly of the week. Things were a little less than friendly early on, a couple of hard fouls were committed by each side. Hartford opened the scoring roughly 30 minutes into the first half. Dre Deas whipped in a cross from just outside the box on the left and connected with Mac Steeves who headed it into the net to give Hartford the early lead. Hartford had a number of other great chances in the first half but couldn't finish and took a 1-0 lead into the half.

In the second half, Athletic continued the pace and pressure. After a forced turnover in the midfield, trialist Conor McGlynn ripped a shot from just inside the 18 for the second goal of the afternoon. Moments later, Tyler Turner collected a loose ball inside the 6' and tapped it home on an open net for the third goal and a 3-0 win. 

Friday afternoon, Athletic traveled south to New Jersey for a scrimmage with USL Championship foe New York Red Bulls II. Conditions were cold and windy and affected play early on. Red Bulls II took a 1-0 lead into the half. In the second half, the Athletic offense took off. Trialist Alfonso Vazquez scored the first goal for Hartford to tie the game at one. Just a few minutes later, Mads Jørgensen picked up where he left off in 2019 ripping one from outside the box and into the net to give Athletic a 2-1 lead. Red Bulls would add another goal to tie the game, but with less than 10 minutes remaining, Mac Steeves scored his second goal of the week to give the Boys in Green a 3-2 win!

Next week, Hartford plays a home-and-home with newly formed New England Revolution II. Hartford will host on Wednesday February 19th at Farmington Sports Arena at 1 PM. The match is open to the public. They will hit the road to take on Revolution II on Saturday in a closed scrimmage.

Preseason matches are underway as the Boys in Green completed their third week of preseason training yesterday. All in all, it was a very positive week for Athletic, winning both of this week’s matches, scoring three goals in each match.

Newtown Pride FC came to FSA on Wednesday for the first friendly of the week. Things were a little less than friendly early on, a couple of hard fouls were committed by each side. Hartford opened the scoring roughly 30 minutes into the first half. Dre Deas whipped in a cross from just outside the box on the left and connected with Mac Steeves who headed it into the net to give Hartford the early lead. Hartford had a number of other great chances in the first half but couldn’t finish and took a 1-0 lead into the half.

In the second half, Athletic continued the pace and pressure. After a forced turnover in the midfield, trialist Conor McGlynn ripped a shot from just inside the 18 for the second goal of the afternoon. Moments later, Tyler Turner collected a loose ball inside the 6′ and tapped it home on an open net for the third goal and a 3-0 win. 

Friday afternoon, Athletic traveled south to New Jersey for a scrimmage with USL Championship foe New York Red Bulls II. Conditions were cold and windy and affected play early on. Red Bulls II took a 1-0 lead into the half. In the second half, the Athletic offense took off. Trialist Alfonso Vazquez scored the first goal for Hartford to tie the game at one. Just a few minutes later, Mads Jørgensen picked up where he left off in 2019 ripping one from outside the box and into the net to give Athletic a 2-1 lead. Red Bulls would add another goal to tie the game, but with less than 10 minutes remaining, Mac Steeves scored his second goal of the week to give the Boys in Green a 3-2 win!

Next week, Hartford plays a home-and-home with newly formed New England Revolution II. Hartford will host on Wednesday February 19th at Farmington Sports Arena at 1 PM. The match is open to the public. They will hit the road to take on Revolution II on Saturday in a closed scrimmage.