News Archive

Thanks to the support of the City, State, fans, and our partners, Hartford Athletic continued to deliver on its mission to make our community the best place to live, work, and play in 2021. The Club continues to expand on an already robust lineup of impactful community programming with a number of exciting new activations. Here are some highlights: 

Green & Blue Foundation: 

Hartford Athletic launched the Green & Blue Foundation 501c3 which strives to enhance the quality of life for youth and disadvantaged people in Connecticut. The Foundation focuses on making a difference for communities in need in support of five key Community Pillars: Health and Wellness, Diversity and Inclusion, Youth and Family Education, Economic Development, and Veterans and First Responder support.  

The Foundation partnered with Walgreens on the #Changemakers Series and identified Period Poverty as the area of focus. The program kicked off with Walgreens, Hartford Athletic, and the Aurora Foundation hosting the first ever #Changemakers Women’s Leadership Luncheon. Hartford Athletic and Walgreens also highlight leaders in the community through the #Changemaker of the Month video series and welcomed in girls from the Hartford Boys and Girls Club for the first ever “Girls Run The Game” match. Participants shadowed Hartford Athletic staff and learned what it takes to put on a professional soccer match.  

The Green & Blue Foundation also hosted the first ever Veterans and Diversity Hiring Expo on September 7th. In partnership with the Connecticut Department of Labor, over 300 job seekers came out to meet with over 60 potential employers to apply for jobs. In addition to providing job opportunities, our partners were able to provide educational opportunities for those seeking resume assistance, interview strategies and dress for success advice to assist in the process. As a result of the Veterans and Diversity Hiring Expo, 42% of companies who attended had job seekers complete applications for vacant positions. 

The Foundation will continue to host these programs and more in 2022, including a STEM Education match. 

Corporate Partnerships: 

The Club continued to expand on its strong corporate support with 55 corporate partners including Founding Partners Trinity Health of New England, Stanley Black & Decker, Cigna, The Hartford, and Travelers. Key community elements are part of all corporate partnerships with a few highlights below: 

Trinity Health of New England served as presenting partner of Community Health Night and Stroke Awareness Night. First Responders and other healthcare heroes who have been serving their communities throughout the pandemic were honored during the match. Trinity Health of New England has been a beacon of support in the community, helping Connecticut become the 3rd most vaccinated state in the country. 

In the third annual Match for a Cause, Hartford Athletic and Stanley Black & Decker raised over $19,000 for The Legacy Foundation of Hartford. Hartford Athletic players wore special all-black kits which were auctioned off to fans as well as other HA items and experiences. The total was matched by Stanley Black & Decker and all proceeds were donated to The Legacy Foundation. 

Junior Fire Marshall Night returned to Dillon Stadium for the first time since 2019 in partnership with The Hartford. Hartford Fire Chief Rodney Barco conducted an on-field pledge at halftime of the match. Looking ahead, 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the Junior Fire Marshall program and Hartford Athletic and The Hartford will combine on a special campaign to honor the landmark anniversary. 

Hartford Athletic and Cigna teamed up with the Hartford Public Library to create The StoryWalk, an interactive children’s book display coming to Colt Park in 2022. A series of 20 podiums will each display two pages of a book in English and Spanish and challenge kids to complete a physical activity while walking to the next page. 

Hartford Athletic and Travelers were thrilled to bring back the Community Champion Program which had been cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. This year Travelers provided tickets to 100 refugee children and their families from the CT Institute for Refugees and Immigrants to attend a Hartford Athletic home match. The Travelers Mini Pitch continued to be the most popular fan zone for kids in the stadium on matchday. 

Nuovo Pasta, Stop & Shop, ConnectiCare, and Citizens Bank all combined to participate in the Goals for Meals program. For each goal Hartford Athletic scored in 2021, 300 meals and 24 boxes of pasta were donated to Connecticut Foodshare. 

Hartford Athletic and Gengras Motor Cars combined to run Youth Skills Clinics at Dillon Stadium throughout the summer. Participants were given the opportunity to train in a professional environment and learn from Hartford Athletic’s First Team coaching staff and participants received a free registration by contacting a Gengras dealership allowing for all to participate. 

For the fifth annual AARP Community Challenge, AARP received more than 3,500 applications from nonprofits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process to fund 244 quick-action projects across the country, helping urban, rural and suburban communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. AARP teamed up to grant Hartford Athletic's Green & Blue Foundation funds to enhance pedestrian safety, comfort and enjoyment with traffic calming features, accessible benches and a community garden in Colt Park. Earlier this year, Hartford Athletic staff worked with Trinity College Men’s Basketball to clean up trash in the streets surrounding the stadium and paint parking barriers in the Dillon Stadium parking lot with completion of additional projects planned for 2022. 

Community: 

The Community Ticket Program returned in 2021 welcoming those that may otherwise not have a chance to attend a match and celebrating our community heroes. Through donations from the Green & Blue Foundation, the Gitlin Family and Business Alliance partners, over 8,000 fans were welcomed to Hartford Athletic matches throughout the season through the Community Ticket Program. 

Hartford Athletic also continued to expand to hosting additional major community events at Dillon Stadium this fall. On October 30th, the Small State Great Beer Festival presented by Powerstation Events made its Dillon Stadium debut. Thousands of people flocked to Dillon for a festival celebrating all things Connecticut. Over 40 Connecticut breweries, cideries, distilleries, and vineyards brought samples of their beverages. Local restaurants and food trucks were also on hand to showcase their food while some of the state’s best bands combined to put on an all-day concert. 

The CIAC, governing body for Connecticut High School sports, once again chose Dillon Stadium as the site for its Soccer State Championships. All eight Boys and Girls State Championship matchups will be played on the weekend of November 20 and 21. 

Thanks to the support of the City, State, fans, and our partners, Hartford Athletic continued to deliver on its mission to make our community the best place to live, work, and play in 2021. The Club continues to expand on an already robust lineup of impactful community programming with a number of exciting new activations. Here are some highlights: 

Green & Blue Foundation: 

Hartford Athletic launched the Green & Blue Foundation 501c3 which strives to enhance the quality of life for youth and disadvantaged people in Connecticut. The Foundation focuses on making a difference for communities in need in support of five key Community Pillars: Health and Wellness, Diversity and Inclusion, Youth and Family Education, Economic Development, and Veterans and First Responder support.  

The Foundation partnered with Walgreens on the #Changemakers Series and identified Period Poverty as the area of focus. The program kicked off with Walgreens, Hartford Athletic, and the Aurora Foundation hosting the first ever #Changemakers Women’s Leadership Luncheon. Hartford Athletic and Walgreens also highlight leaders in the community through the #Changemaker of the Month video series and welcomed in girls from the Hartford Boys and Girls Club for the first ever “Girls Run The Game” match. Participants shadowed Hartford Athletic staff and learned what it takes to put on a professional soccer match.  

The Green & Blue Foundation also hosted the first ever Veterans and Diversity Hiring Expo on September 7th. In partnership with the Connecticut Department of Labor, over 300 job seekers came out to meet with over 60 potential employers to apply for jobs. In addition to providing job opportunities, our partners were able to provide educational opportunities for those seeking resume assistance, interview strategies and dress for success advice to assist in the process. As a result of the Veterans and Diversity Hiring Expo, 42% of companies who attended had job seekers complete applications for vacant positions. 

The Foundation will continue to host these programs and more in 2022, including a STEM Education match. 

Corporate Partnerships: 

The Club continued to expand on its strong corporate support with 55 corporate partners including Founding Partners Trinity Health of New England, Stanley Black & Decker, Cigna, The Hartford, and Travelers. Key community elements are part of all corporate partnerships with a few highlights below: 

Trinity Health of New England served as presenting partner of Community Health Night and Stroke Awareness Night. First Responders and other healthcare heroes who have been serving their communities throughout the pandemic were honored during the match. Trinity Health of New England has been a beacon of support in the community, helping Connecticut become the 3rd most vaccinated state in the country. 

In the third annual Match for a Cause, Hartford Athletic and Stanley Black & Decker raised over $19,000 for The Legacy Foundation of Hartford. Hartford Athletic players wore special all-black kits which were auctioned off to fans as well as other HA items and experiences. The total was matched by Stanley Black & Decker and all proceeds were donated to The Legacy Foundation. 

Junior Fire Marshall Night returned to Dillon Stadium for the first time since 2019 in partnership with The Hartford. Hartford Fire Chief Rodney Barco conducted an on-field pledge at halftime of the match. Looking ahead, 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the Junior Fire Marshall program and Hartford Athletic and The Hartford will combine on a special campaign to honor the landmark anniversary. 

Hartford Athletic and Cigna teamed up with the Hartford Public Library to create The StoryWalk, an interactive children’s book display coming to Colt Park in 2022. A series of 20 podiums will each display two pages of a book in English and Spanish and challenge kids to complete a physical activity while walking to the next page. 

Hartford Athletic and Travelers were thrilled to bring back the Community Champion Program which had been cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. This year Travelers provided tickets to 100 refugee children and their families from the CT Institute for Refugees and Immigrants to attend a Hartford Athletic home match. The Travelers Mini Pitch continued to be the most popular fan zone for kids in the stadium on matchday. 

Nuovo Pasta, Stop & Shop, ConnectiCare, and Citizens Bank all combined to participate in the Goals for Meals program. For each goal Hartford Athletic scored in 2021, 300 meals and 24 boxes of pasta were donated to Connecticut Foodshare. 

Hartford Athletic and Gengras Motor Cars combined to run Youth Skills Clinics at Dillon Stadium throughout the summer. Participants were given the opportunity to train in a professional environment and learn from Hartford Athletic’s First Team coaching staff and participants received a free registration by contacting a Gengras dealership allowing for all to participate. 

For the fifth annual AARP Community Challenge, AARP received more than 3,500 applications from nonprofits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process to fund 244 quick-action projects across the country, helping urban, rural and suburban communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. AARP teamed up to grant Hartford Athletic’s Green & Blue Foundation funds to enhance pedestrian safety, comfort and enjoyment with traffic calming features, accessible benches and a community garden in Colt Park. Earlier this year, Hartford Athletic staff worked with Trinity College Men’s Basketball to clean up trash in the streets surrounding the stadium and paint parking barriers in the Dillon Stadium parking lot with completion of additional projects planned for 2022. 

Community: 

The Community Ticket Program returned in 2021 welcoming those that may otherwise not have a chance to attend a match and celebrating our community heroes. Through donations from the Green & Blue Foundation, the Gitlin Family and Business Alliance partners, over 8,000 fans were welcomed to Hartford Athletic matches throughout the season through the Community Ticket Program. 

Hartford Athletic also continued to expand to hosting additional major community events at Dillon Stadium this fall. On October 30th, the Small State Great Beer Festival presented by Powerstation Events made its Dillon Stadium debut. Thousands of people flocked to Dillon for a festival celebrating all things Connecticut. Over 40 Connecticut breweries, cideries, distilleries, and vineyards brought samples of their beverages. Local restaurants and food trucks were also on hand to showcase their food while some of the state’s best bands combined to put on an all-day concert. 

The CIAC, governing body for Connecticut High School sports, once again chose Dillon Stadium as the site for its Soccer State Championships. All eight Boys and Girls State Championship matchups will be played on the weekend of November 20 and 21. 

Hartford Athletic Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell has been acquired by Miami FC via a temporary emergency loan. Caldwell joins Miami in advance of its game against Louisville City FC tomorrow, Saturday Nov. 6, in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

The emergency loan comes after Miami Goalkeeper Bryan Sylvestre became unavailable for Saturday's match. Under league rules, after the Roster Freeze date, if a club is reduced to a single available and healthy goalkeeper, that club may petition the league to register an emergency goalkeeper. The subsequent registration will be permitted until such time as one or more of the originally rostered goalkeepers becomes available and healthy.

Caldwell recorded a club record 109 saves in 2021, second best in the USL Championship. His 9 clean sheets were also a club record.  We wish Jeff all the best as he competes in the postseason!

Hartford Athletic Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell has been acquired by Miami FC via a temporary emergency loan. Caldwell joins Miami in advance of its game against Louisville City FC tomorrow, Saturday Nov. 6, in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

The emergency loan comes after Miami Goalkeeper Bryan Sylvestre became unavailable for Saturday’s match. Under league rules, after the Roster Freeze date, if a club is reduced to a single available and healthy goalkeeper, that club may petition the league to register an emergency goalkeeper. The subsequent registration will be permitted until such time as one or more of the originally rostered goalkeepers becomes available and healthy.

Caldwell recorded a club record 109 saves in 2021, second best in the USL Championship. His 9 clean sheets were also a club record.  We wish Jeff all the best as he competes in the postseason!

Walmer Martinez has been named to the Week 28 USL Championship Team of the Week for his performances against Charleston Battery and Pittsburgh Riverhounds last week. Walmer scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Charleston on Tuesday and completed 22 of 26 passes in the match as well. 

This is Walmer's first ever appearance on the Team of the Week. He joins teammates Arthur Rogers, Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera (3x), Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., Alex Lara, and Ash Apollon as Hartford players to earn the honor this season.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 28

GK – Patrick Rakovsky, Orange County SC: The German shot-stopper recorded a five-save shutout in a 1-0 victory against the LA Galaxy II that cemented OCSC’s second-place finish in the Pacific Division to close the season. 

D – Bradley Bourgeois, FC Tulsa: The veteran defender had a standout performance as Tulsa claimed the Black Gold Derby series with a 2-0 victory against OKC Energy FC on Saturday as he notched one assist, completed four key passes and 54 of 61 passes overall while recording five interceptions and 10 recoveries.

D – Baboucarr Nije, Rio Grande Valley FC: The Gambian defender started in both the Toros’ victories to seal a playoff place and across the two games won 20 of 26 duels, completed 99 of 109 passes and made five interceptions and 17 recoveries.

D – Kortne Ford, San Antonio FC: Kortne Ford scored the final goal in San Antonio’s 3-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and recorded four interceptions and four recoveries while winning the lone tackle and both aerial duels he contested.

D – Mark Segbers, Memphis 901 FC: Mark Sebgers recorded one goal and one assist across two victories for 901 FC while notching two key passes and completing 59 of 74 passes overall and recording three interceptions defensively.

M – Daniel Edelman, New York Red Bulls II: Daniel Edelman put in a fine two-way performance in New York’s 4-1 victory against Loudoun United FC, recording one goal and two key passes as he completed 32 of 38 passes overall. Defensively, he won 8 of 10 duels and 4 of 4 tackles and notched 13 recoveries. 

M – Chris Wehan, New Mexico United: Chris Wehan recorded a pair of goals and had three shots and one key pass while completing 19 of 23 passes in New Mexico’s 3-1 victory against Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday evening.

M – Laurent Kissiedou, Memphis 901 FC: Laurent Kissiedou recorded a pair of assists in Memphis’ 3-0 victory against Indy Eleven on Saturday night and finished the week with seven shots and eight key passes over two wins that sent 901 FC to the No. 3 seed in the Central Division.

F – Kyle Edwards, Rio Grande Valley FC: The St. Vincent and Grenadines international notched a pair of goals and had five shots overall in the Toros’ playoff-clinching 4-1 victory against El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday while also winning 5 of 5 duels and completing 4 of 4 dribbles.

F – Steevan Dos Santos, Tampa Bay Rowdies: The Cape Verde forward scored both goals as the Rowdies took a 2-1 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday while also notching four key passes and winning 8 of 12 duels as Tampa Bay earned the best record in the Championship’s regular season.

***F – Walmer Martinez, Hartford Athletic: The El Salvador international scored his first two goals in the Championship in the Athletic’s 2-0 victory against the Charleston Battery on Tuesday night and completed 22 of 26 passes and one key pass as well.

Bench: Brady Scott (MEM), Akeem Ward (OAK), Rodrigo Lopez (RGV), Steven Sserwada (NY), Gabriel Obertan (CLT), Christian Sorto (RGV), Jeremy Rafanello (NY)

Walmer Martinez has been named to the Week 28 USL Championship Team of the Week for his performances against Charleston Battery and Pittsburgh Riverhounds last week. Walmer scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Charleston on Tuesday and completed 22 of 26 passes in the match as well. 

This is Walmer’s first ever appearance on the Team of the Week. He joins teammates Arthur Rogers, Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera (3x), Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., Alex Lara, and Ash Apollon as Hartford players to earn the honor this season.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 28

GK – Patrick Rakovsky, Orange County SC: The German shot-stopper recorded a five-save shutout in a 1-0 victory against the LA Galaxy II that cemented OCSC’s second-place finish in the Pacific Division to close the season. 

D – Bradley Bourgeois, FC Tulsa: The veteran defender had a standout performance as Tulsa claimed the Black Gold Derby series with a 2-0 victory against OKC Energy FC on Saturday as he notched one assist, completed four key passes and 54 of 61 passes overall while recording five interceptions and 10 recoveries.

D – Baboucarr Nije, Rio Grande Valley FC: The Gambian defender started in both the Toros’ victories to seal a playoff place and across the two games won 20 of 26 duels, completed 99 of 109 passes and made five interceptions and 17 recoveries.

D – Kortne Ford, San Antonio FC: Kortne Ford scored the final goal in San Antonio’s 3-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and recorded four interceptions and four recoveries while winning the lone tackle and both aerial duels he contested.

D – Mark Segbers, Memphis 901 FC: Mark Sebgers recorded one goal and one assist across two victories for 901 FC while notching two key passes and completing 59 of 74 passes overall and recording three interceptions defensively.

M – Daniel Edelman, New York Red Bulls II: Daniel Edelman put in a fine two-way performance in New York’s 4-1 victory against Loudoun United FC, recording one goal and two key passes as he completed 32 of 38 passes overall. Defensively, he won 8 of 10 duels and 4 of 4 tackles and notched 13 recoveries. 

M – Chris Wehan, New Mexico United: Chris Wehan recorded a pair of goals and had three shots and one key pass while completing 19 of 23 passes in New Mexico’s 3-1 victory against Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday evening.

M – Laurent Kissiedou, Memphis 901 FC: Laurent Kissiedou recorded a pair of assists in Memphis’ 3-0 victory against Indy Eleven on Saturday night and finished the week with seven shots and eight key passes over two wins that sent 901 FC to the No. 3 seed in the Central Division.

F – Kyle Edwards, Rio Grande Valley FC: The St. Vincent and Grenadines international notched a pair of goals and had five shots overall in the Toros’ playoff-clinching 4-1 victory against El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday while also winning 5 of 5 duels and completing 4 of 4 dribbles.

F – Steevan Dos Santos, Tampa Bay Rowdies: The Cape Verde forward scored both goals as the Rowdies took a 2-1 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday while also notching four key passes and winning 8 of 12 duels as Tampa Bay earned the best record in the Championship’s regular season.

***F – Walmer Martinez, Hartford Athletic: The El Salvador international scored his first two goals in the Championship in the Athletic’s 2-0 victory against the Charleston Battery on Tuesday night and completed 22 of 26 passes and one key pass as well.

Bench: Brady Scott (MEM), Akeem Ward (OAK), Rodrigo Lopez (RGV), Steven Sserwada (NY), Gabriel Obertan (CLT), Christian Sorto (RGV), Jeremy Rafanello (NY)

Danny Barrera has won the 2021 Assists Champion Award for the USL Championship. Barrera's 12 assists this season were most in the league and the most he has ever recorded in a single-season. Barrera,  who also added 8 goals in an outstanding 2021 campaign, is now one assist behind Kenardo Forbes for the all-time lead in assists in USL regular season history. This is the first time Barrera has won the Assists Champion Award.

USL CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS: 

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced on Monday its first official awards for 2021 with a record-tying season by Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC forward Hadji Barry earning him the Championship Golden Boot. Barry was joined in being honored by Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper Evan Louro, who earned the Championship’s Golden Glove, and Hartford Athletic midfielder Danny Barrera, who claimed the Assists Champion award.

A new arrival in Colorado Springs this offseason, Barry had a career season with 25 goals that saw him equal the Championship’s single-season scoring record set by Louisville City FC’s Cameron Lancaster in 2018. The 28-year-old native of Guinea broke through the 50-goal mark for his career in the process and tied for the longest scoring streak in the Championship this season with goals in seven consecutive games between May 14 and June 25. Barry now sits in sixth place all-time in league history with 63 regular season goals.

Louro claimed the first Golden Glove award of his career as the anchor to a standout Tampa Bay Rowdies defense that conceded the fewest goals of any side in the league this season. Louro recorded a goals-against average of 0.74 as he appeared in all-but-one of the Rowdies’ games this season. He also completed the campaign with a league-leading 14 shutouts, one fewer than the single-season record of 15 held by current Canada Men’s National Team goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. Louro’s performance alongside his teammates saw the Rowdies finish the season with the best record in the Championship entering the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires.

One of the league’s top playmakers for a number of seasons, Barrera earned his first Assists Champion award this campaign after leading the league with 12 assists. Both a standout dead ball specialist and passer in open play, the 31-year-old native of Bogota, Colombia had a second consecutive standout season for the Athletic while ranking third in the league in Chances Created. Barrera is now only one behind first-placed Kenardo Forbes in the Championship’s all-time regular season assists leaders with 44 regular-season assists to his name in the league.

The 2021 USL Championship Golden Boot, Golden Glove and Assists Champion are the opening three awards that will be presented by the league this year. The Championship’s Most Valuable Player, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and the USL Championship All-League Teams will be announced later this month and in early December. 

Danny Barrera has won the 2021 Assists Champion Award for the USL Championship. Barrera’s 12 assists this season were most in the league and the most he has ever recorded in a single-season. Barrera,  who also added 8 goals in an outstanding 2021 campaign, is now one assist behind Kenardo Forbes for the all-time lead in assists in USL regular season history. This is the first time Barrera has won the Assists Champion Award.

USL CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS: 

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced on Monday its first official awards for 2021 with a record-tying season by Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC forward Hadji Barry earning him the Championship Golden Boot. Barry was joined in being honored by Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper Evan Louro, who earned the Championship’s Golden Glove, and Hartford Athletic midfielder Danny Barrera, who claimed the Assists Champion award.

A new arrival in Colorado Springs this offseason, Barry had a career season with 25 goals that saw him equal the Championship’s single-season scoring record set by Louisville City FC’s Cameron Lancaster in 2018. The 28-year-old native of Guinea broke through the 50-goal mark for his career in the process and tied for the longest scoring streak in the Championship this season with goals in seven consecutive games between May 14 and June 25. Barry now sits in sixth place all-time in league history with 63 regular season goals.

Louro claimed the first Golden Glove award of his career as the anchor to a standout Tampa Bay Rowdies defense that conceded the fewest goals of any side in the league this season. Louro recorded a goals-against average of 0.74 as he appeared in all-but-one of the Rowdies’ games this season. He also completed the campaign with a league-leading 14 shutouts, one fewer than the single-season record of 15 held by current Canada Men’s National Team goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. Louro’s performance alongside his teammates saw the Rowdies finish the season with the best record in the Championship entering the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires.

One of the league’s top playmakers for a number of seasons, Barrera earned his first Assists Champion award this campaign after leading the league with 12 assists. Both a standout dead ball specialist and passer in open play, the 31-year-old native of Bogota, Colombia had a second consecutive standout season for the Athletic while ranking third in the league in Chances Created. Barrera is now only one behind first-placed Kenardo Forbes in the Championship’s all-time regular season assists leaders with 44 regular-season assists to his name in the league.

The 2021 USL Championship Golden Boot, Golden Glove and Assists Champion are the opening three awards that will be presented by the league this year. The Championship’s Most Valuable Player, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and the USL Championship All-League Teams will be announced later this month and in early December. 

Hartford Athletic earned a difficult point on the road, drawing Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 0-0 on Saturday night. It is the first ever 0-0 draw in the Club's three-year history.

Despite being outshot seventeen to seven, Hartford earned the lion's share of good chances with Pittsburgh only getting one of their seventeen shots on frame. Hartford's defense found a bit of its early season form, blocking six of the Hounds' shots including two each from Arthur Rogers and Luka Prpa. In the 40th minute, Prpa gave Hartford the best chance of the match, letting a shot rip from 30 yards out that was kept out of the net by a diving save from Pittsburgh keeper Danny Vitiello.

The teams went back and forth in the second half. In the 60th minute, Conor McGlynn smashed a ball into the box off a set piece, the usually reliable Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. tried to redirect the ball into the top corner with his head but just sent the ball above the bar. Hartford had the better of the chances in the final 30 minutes of the match but were unable to find the back of the net and emerged with a point.

Hartford finishes the season with a record of 12-15-5 and 41 points, the most wins and points in a season in club history. Hartford will finish fifth out of eight teams in the challenging Atlantic Division this season. Follow the club throughout the offseason for updates on player signings and the 2022 schedule. For fans interested in 2022 season tickets, please visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets. 

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 7 (3) – 17 (1) Pittsburgh

Corners: Hartford 3-9 Pittsburgh

Fouls: Hartford 18-21 Pittsburgh

Offsides: Hartford 0-1 Pittsburgh

Possession: Hartford 43.6%-56.4% Pittsburgh

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 54.4%-63.3% Pittsburgh

Saves: Hartford 1-3 Pittsburgh

SCORING SUMMARY:

None

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

16' – Danny Barrera (Yellow)

28' – Nico Cardona (Yellow)

43' – Younes Boudadi (Yellow)

54' – Daniel Rovira (Yellow)

57' – Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Yellow)

75' – Danny Griffin (Yellow)

90' – Jeff Caldwell (Yellow)

90+1' – Walmer Martinez (Yellow)

90+1' – Jelani Peters (Yellow)

90+4' – Harry Watling (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 80 (DF) Justin Haak, 4 (DF) Nico Cardona, 6 (DF) Arthur Rogers (Ash Apollon, 70'); 11 (MF) Luka Prpa, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn, 10 (MF) Danny Barrera; 14 (FW) Derek Dodson (Preston Tabort Etaka, 55'), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Jeciel Cedeño, 89'), 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez

PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC  STARTING LINEUP:

1 (GK) Danny Vitiello; 4 (DF) Daniel Rovira (Anthony Velarde, 62'), 16 (DF) Shane Wiedt (Ezra Armstrong, 83'), 27 (DF) Jelani Peters, 17 (DF) Mekiel Williams; 14 (MF) Todd Wharton (Louis Perez, 63'), 11 (MF) Kenardo Forbes, 10 (MF) Russell Cicerone, 7 (FW) Alex Dixon, 12 (MF) Danny Griffin; 8 (FW) Tommy Williamson (Jordan Dover, 63')

Hartford Athletic earned a difficult point on the road, drawing Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 0-0 on Saturday night. It is the first ever 0-0 draw in the Club’s three-year history.

Despite being outshot seventeen to seven, Hartford earned the lion’s share of good chances with Pittsburgh only getting one of their seventeen shots on frame. Hartford’s defense found a bit of its early season form, blocking six of the Hounds’ shots including two each from Arthur Rogers and Luka Prpa. In the 40th minute, Prpa gave Hartford the best chance of the match, letting a shot rip from 30 yards out that was kept out of the net by a diving save from Pittsburgh keeper Danny Vitiello.

The teams went back and forth in the second half. In the 60th minute, Conor McGlynn smashed a ball into the box off a set piece, the usually reliable Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. tried to redirect the ball into the top corner with his head but just sent the ball above the bar. Hartford had the better of the chances in the final 30 minutes of the match but were unable to find the back of the net and emerged with a point.

Hartford finishes the season with a record of 12-15-5 and 41 points, the most wins and points in a season in club history. Hartford will finish fifth out of eight teams in the challenging Atlantic Division this season. Follow the club throughout the offseason for updates on player signings and the 2022 schedule. For fans interested in 2022 season tickets, please visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets. 

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 7 (3) – 17 (1) Pittsburgh

Corners: Hartford 3-9 Pittsburgh

Fouls: Hartford 18-21 Pittsburgh

Offsides: Hartford 0-1 Pittsburgh

Possession: Hartford 43.6%-56.4% Pittsburgh

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 54.4%-63.3% Pittsburgh

Saves: Hartford 1-3 Pittsburgh

SCORING SUMMARY:

None

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

16′ – Danny Barrera (Yellow)

28′ – Nico Cardona (Yellow)

43′ – Younes Boudadi (Yellow)

54′ – Daniel Rovira (Yellow)

57′ – Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Yellow)

75′ – Danny Griffin (Yellow)

90′ – Jeff Caldwell (Yellow)

90+1′ – Walmer Martinez (Yellow)

90+1′ – Jelani Peters (Yellow)

90+4′ – Harry Watling (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 80 (DF) Justin Haak, 4 (DF) Nico Cardona, 6 (DF) Arthur Rogers (Ash Apollon, 70′); 11 (MF) Luka Prpa, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn, 10 (MF) Danny Barrera; 14 (FW) Derek Dodson (Preston Tabort Etaka, 55′), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Jeciel Cedeño, 89′), 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez

PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC  STARTING LINEUP:

1 (GK) Danny Vitiello; 4 (DF) Daniel Rovira (Anthony Velarde, 62′), 16 (DF) Shane Wiedt (Ezra Armstrong, 83′), 27 (DF) Jelani Peters, 17 (DF) Mekiel Williams; 14 (MF) Todd Wharton (Louis Perez, 63′), 11 (MF) Kenardo Forbes, 10 (MF) Russell Cicerone, 7 (FW) Alex Dixon, 12 (MF) Danny Griffin; 8 (FW) Tommy Williamson (Jordan Dover, 63′)

PRESENTED BY CONNECTICUT ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Learn more about how you can earn 100% free tuition by joining the Connecticut Army National Guard here.

PRESENTED BY CONNECTICUT ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Learn more about how you can earn 100% free tuition by joining the Connecticut Army National Guard here.

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (12-15-4) vs PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS (17-8-6)

Date: Saturday, October 30th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Watch Party: Join us for the Small State Great Beer Festival at Dillon Stadium today as we debut the new videoboard for a watch party for the match. Get tickets here.

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

LAST TIME OUT:

On the back of a brace from Walmer Martinez, Hartford Athletic defeated Charleston Battery 2-0 on a cold and rainy Tuesday night in Hartford. Martinez scored once in each half, the second coming in the 70th minute on a beautiful through ball from Danny Barrera to seal the win in the final match at Dillon Stadium in 2021.

WONDERFUL WALMER:

What a journey it’s been for Walmer Martinez in 2021. Walmer was invited to Hartford Athletic’s invitational combine earned his first professional contract on April 12. Since then, he has made eighteen appearances for Hartford, and eight international appearances competing for El Salvador in Stages 2 and 3 of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers and the Gold Cup. The Santa Cruz, CA native has scored two goals for club and two for country and will very likely compete with El Salvador again in the next round of World Cup Qualifying matches.

REGULAR SEASON FINALE:

Hartford Athletic is 2-0-0 all time in regular season finales. In 2019, Hartford Athletic scored a dramatic goal in the 94’ to defeat Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-1. In 2020, Conor McGlynn hit an absolute screamer to secure a 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls II and the Group F title.

FROM THE GAFFER:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (12-15-4) vs PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS (17-8-6)

Date: Saturday, October 30th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Watch Party: Join us for the Small State Great Beer Festival at Dillon Stadium today as we debut the new videoboard for a watch party for the match. Get tickets here.

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

LAST TIME OUT:

On the back of a brace from Walmer Martinez, Hartford Athletic defeated Charleston Battery 2-0 on a cold and rainy Tuesday night in Hartford. Martinez scored once in each half, the second coming in the 70th minute on a beautiful through ball from Danny Barrera to seal the win in the final match at Dillon Stadium in 2021.

WONDERFUL WALMER:

What a journey it’s been for Walmer Martinez in 2021. Walmer was invited to Hartford Athletic’s invitational combine earned his first professional contract on April 12. Since then, he has made eighteen appearances for Hartford, and eight international appearances competing for El Salvador in Stages 2 and 3 of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers and the Gold Cup. The Santa Cruz, CA native has scored two goals for club and two for country and will very likely compete with El Salvador again in the next round of World Cup Qualifying matches.

REGULAR SEASON FINALE:

Hartford Athletic is 2-0-0 all time in regular season finales. In 2019, Hartford Athletic scored a dramatic goal in the 94’ to defeat Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-1. In 2020, Conor McGlynn hit an absolute screamer to secure a 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls II and the Group F title.

FROM THE GAFFER:

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Nico Cardona, DF, #4

There will be one focus for the Hartford back line on Saturday night, stop Russell Cicerone and Alex Dixon. On the year, Hartford have allowed Pittsburgh to score seven goals in just three matches, so Cardona, who has played every minute of the last five matches, will be important in leading a tight and cohesive group – especially with fellow center back Tulu's health in question.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Alex Dixon, FW #7

The former Hartford Athletic forward has had his old club's number in 2021. He scored twice in a comeback win in Pittsburgh in July and tied the match at 2 when the two clubs most recently met in August. Dixon has nine goals on the year, second on the team to Cicerone, and in a match that means so much to Pittsburgh's playoff chances, he'll be looking to bag another and lock up a home match in the first round of the playoffs.

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

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

Questionable: Ash Apollon (Groin), Thomas Janjigian (Hamstring), Alex Lara (Quad),  Richie Schlentz (Foot), Tulu (Hip)

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: 

Out: Josh Gatt (Knee)

Questionable: Albert Dikwa (Groin)

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Pittsburgh Riverhounds come into the match in third place in the Atlantic Division with 57 points and a chance to move up to second place which would secure a home game in the first round of the postseason. The Hounds come into the match with wins in their last three mathches and Forward Russell Cicerone, who has 16 goals on the season, has scored in two of those three wins. Hartford are 0-2-1 against Pittsburgh this season and 1-3-0 all-time in matches at Highmark Stadium. 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #PITvHFD

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Nico Cardona, DF, #4

There will be one focus for the Hartford back line on Saturday night, stop Russell Cicerone and Alex Dixon. On the year, Hartford have allowed Pittsburgh to score seven goals in just three matches, so Cardona, who has played every minute of the last five matches, will be important in leading a tight and cohesive group – especially with fellow center back Tulu’s health in question.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Alex Dixon, FW #7

The former Hartford Athletic forward has had his old club’s number in 2021. He scored twice in a comeback win in Pittsburgh in July and tied the match at 2 when the two clubs most recently met in August. Dixon has nine goals on the year, second on the team to Cicerone, and in a match that means so much to Pittsburgh’s playoff chances, he’ll be looking to bag another and lock up a home match in the first round of the playoffs.

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

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

Questionable: Ash Apollon (Groin), Thomas Janjigian (Hamstring), Alex Lara (Quad),  Richie Schlentz (Foot), Tulu (Hip)

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: 

Out: Josh Gatt (Knee)

Questionable: Albert Dikwa (Groin)

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Pittsburgh Riverhounds come into the match in third place in the Atlantic Division with 57 points and a chance to move up to second place which would secure a home game in the first round of the postseason. The Hounds come into the match with wins in their last three mathches and Forward Russell Cicerone, who has 16 goals on the season, has scored in two of those three wins. Hartford are 0-2-1 against Pittsburgh this season and 1-3-0 all-time in matches at Highmark Stadium. 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #PITvHFD

On a cold and rainy night in Hartford, Athletic posted it's second clean sheet in its last three matches en route to a 2-0 victory over Charleston Battery. 

The opening moments of the match were spent figuring out how to battle the elements and how to get footing on the slick pitch. The teams traded chances on and off in the early going but were unable to open their accounts. Hartford finally broke through in the 40th minute. Danny Barrera struck the inside of the post with a shot from just inside the box and Walmer Martinez pounced on the loose ball and powered it past on-coming defenders for the first goal of the match. It's the first goal in Blue and Green for the El Salvadorian International, but he wasn't quite done.

In the 70th minute, still leading 1-0, Danny Barrera played a beautiful ball through to Martinez. Martinez dodged a defender and curled a shot past the keeper who was well off his line for the second goal of the evening. It's the twelfth assist on the season for Barrera, the most he has ever recorded in a single-season. 

With the win, Hartford reaches 40 points in a season for the first time ever. They will have a chance at 43 points on Saturday night when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Riverhounds in the season finale. Fans can watch the match on WCTX-MyTV9.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 15 (6) – 8 (2) Charleston

Corners: Hartford 3-4 Charleston

Fouls: Hartford 20-15 Charleston

Offsides: Hartford 4-2 Charleston

Possession: Hartford 52.2%-47.8% Charleston

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 83.1%-82.5% Charleston

Saves: Hartford 2-4 Charleston

SCORING SUMMARY:

40' – Walmer Martinez 1-0

70' – Walmer Martinez (Danny Barrera) 2-0

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

8' – Walmer Martinez (Yellow)

84' – Nicolás Cardona (Yellow)

86' – Angelo Kelly (Yellow)

88' – Arthur Rogers (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 15 (DF) Tulu (Luka Prpa, 52'), 4 (DF) Nico Cardona, 6 (DF) Arthur Rogers; 80 (MF) Justin Haak, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn, 10 (MF) Danny Barrera; 14 (FW) Derek Dodson (Jeciel Cedeño, 80), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Preston Tabort Etaka, 57'), 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Sebastian Elney, 80')

CHARLESTON BATTERY STARTING LINEUP:

28 (GK) Paul Lewis; 17 (DF) Logan Gdula, 3 (DF) Pat Hogan, 14 (DF) Jarad van Schaik, 2 (DF) Ben DiRosa (Robbie Crawford, 78'); 21 (MF) Angelo Kelly, 12 (MF) Geobel Perez (Romario Piggott, 68'), 16 (MF) Burke Fahling; 19 (FW) DZ Harmon (Zeiko Lewis, 66'), 9 (FW) Stavros Zarokostas (Nicque Daley, 78'), 22 (FW) Joel Bunting (Claudio Repetto, 66')

On a cold and rainy night in Hartford, Athletic posted it’s second clean sheet in its last three matches en route to a 2-0 victory over Charleston Battery. 

The opening moments of the match were spent figuring out how to battle the elements and how to get footing on the slick pitch. The teams traded chances on and off in the early going but were unable to open their accounts. Hartford finally broke through in the 40th minute. Danny Barrera struck the inside of the post with a shot from just inside the box and Walmer Martinez pounced on the loose ball and powered it past on-coming defenders for the first goal of the match. It’s the first goal in Blue and Green for the El Salvadorian International, but he wasn’t quite done.

In the 70th minute, still leading 1-0, Danny Barrera played a beautiful ball through to Martinez. Martinez dodged a defender and curled a shot past the keeper who was well off his line for the second goal of the evening. It’s the twelfth assist on the season for Barrera, the most he has ever recorded in a single-season. 

With the win, Hartford reaches 40 points in a season for the first time ever. They will have a chance at 43 points on Saturday night when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Riverhounds in the season finale. Fans can watch the match on WCTX-MyTV9.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 15 (6) – 8 (2) Charleston

Corners: Hartford 3-4 Charleston

Fouls: Hartford 20-15 Charleston

Offsides: Hartford 4-2 Charleston

Possession: Hartford 52.2%-47.8% Charleston

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 83.1%-82.5% Charleston

Saves: Hartford 2-4 Charleston

SCORING SUMMARY:

40′ – Walmer Martinez 1-0

70′ – Walmer Martinez (Danny Barrera) 2-0

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

8′ – Walmer Martinez (Yellow)

84′ – Nicolás Cardona (Yellow)

86′ – Angelo Kelly (Yellow)

88′ – Arthur Rogers (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 15 (DF) Tulu (Luka Prpa, 52′), 4 (DF) Nico Cardona, 6 (DF) Arthur Rogers; 80 (MF) Justin Haak, 28 (MF) Conor McGlynn, 10 (MF) Danny Barrera; 14 (FW) Derek Dodson (Jeciel Cedeño, 80), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Preston Tabort Etaka, 57′), 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Sebastian Elney, 80′)

CHARLESTON BATTERY STARTING LINEUP:

28 (GK) Paul Lewis; 17 (DF) Logan Gdula, 3 (DF) Pat Hogan, 14 (DF) Jarad van Schaik, 2 (DF) Ben DiRosa (Robbie Crawford, 78′); 21 (MF) Angelo Kelly, 12 (MF) Geobel Perez (Romario Piggott, 68′), 16 (MF) Burke Fahling; 19 (FW) DZ Harmon (Zeiko Lewis, 66′), 9 (FW) Stavros Zarokostas (Nicque Daley, 78′), 22 (FW) Joel Bunting (Claudio Repetto, 66′)

PRESENTED BY CONNECTICUT ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Learn more about how you can earn 100% free tuition by joining the Connecticut Army National Guard here.

PRESENTED BY CONNECTICUT ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Learn more about how you can earn 100% free tuition by joining the Connecticut Army National Guard here.

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (11-15-4) vs CHARLESTON BATTERY (10-13-7)

Date: Tuesday, October 26th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3uBRcTU

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

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

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic lost to Charlotte Independence 2-1 on Friday night after allowing two goals in the second half. Hartford got on the board on an own goal after Preston Tabort Etaka crossed a ball in front of the net and defender Hugh Roberts made a sliding attempt to clear the ball but knocked it into his own goal. Charlotte came out strong in the second half and goals from Gabriel Obertan and Joel Johnson gave Charlotte the win.

HOME FINALE:

Tuesday’s match is the final home game of the 2021 season for Hartford Athletic. Through the club’s first two seasons, Hartford has a record of 1-0-1 in home finales, beating Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-1 and drawing with Philadelphia Union II 1-1 in 2020. In 2019, Wojciech Wojcik headed home a cross from Raymond Lee four minutes into stoppage time to earn the win at the death. 

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS:

This season, a number of Hartford players have had moments of glory that have caused change in the Athletic record books. Danny Barrera lengthened his lead atop the all-time assist charts, but his 11 assists this season are a club single-season record. Danny also moved to the top of the all-time goals scored charts for Hartford (13) while Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. has set a single-season record for goals (10) and goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell’s 105 saves are the most in a season for any Hartford keeper. 37 points are also the most Hartford has accumulated in a single season

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (11-15-4) vs CHARLESTON BATTERY (10-13-7)

Date: Tuesday, October 26th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3uBRcTU

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

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

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic lost to Charlotte Independence 2-1 on Friday night after allowing two goals in the second half. Hartford got on the board on an own goal after Preston Tabort Etaka crossed a ball in front of the net and defender Hugh Roberts made a sliding attempt to clear the ball but knocked it into his own goal. Charlotte came out strong in the second half and goals from Gabriel Obertan and Joel Johnson gave Charlotte the win.

HOME FINALE:

Tuesday’s match is the final home game of the 2021 season for Hartford Athletic. Through the club’s first two seasons, Hartford has a record of 1-0-1 in home finales, beating Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-1 and drawing with Philadelphia Union II 1-1 in 2020. In 2019, Wojciech Wojcik headed home a cross from Raymond Lee four minutes into stoppage time to earn the win at the death. 

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS:

This season, a number of Hartford players have had moments of glory that have caused change in the Athletic record books. Danny Barrera lengthened his lead atop the all-time assist charts, but his 11 assists this season are a club single-season record. Danny also moved to the top of the all-time goals scored charts for Hartford (13) while Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. has set a single-season record for goals (10) and goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell’s 105 saves are the most in a season for any Hartford keeper. 37 points are also the most Hartford has accumulated in a single season

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Preston Tabort Etaka, FW, #23

On Friday night, we saw the version of Preston that looked like the one we'd seen throughout the summer – pushing pace up the right hand side of the pitch and creating chances in the final third. Hartford is strong in attack when Preston has space to move and create and that's what they'll need against this Charleston squad tomorrow night. If we can see a bit more quality in the final third, Preston could have a chance to leave the match with a goal and an assist.

Charleston Battery, Nicque Daley, FW, #11

Daley has been a thorn in Hartford's side all year. He's scored three goals in three matches this season, including two goals in the most recent matchup between the two sides. Efficiency is key for Daley who is second on the team in goals with eight on eighteen shots on target. If Hartford can limit his chances, there's a good chance they can limit Daley.

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

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

Questionable: Ash Apollon (Groin), Thomas Janjigian (Hamstring), Alex Lara (Quad),  Richie Schlentz (Foot)

Charleston Battery: 

Out: Leland Archer (Leg), Mauro Cichero (Knee), Erik McCue (Chest), AJ Paterson (Knee), Nico Rittmeyer (Achilles)

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Charleston come to Hartford for the second time this season, the first being a 2-1 win for the home team in August. On the year, the home team has won each meeting in the series, giving Charleston a 2-1 edge. Charleston will not qualify for the postseason this year, something that hasn't happened since they have been a member of the USL.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvCHS

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Preston Tabort Etaka, FW, #23

On Friday night, we saw the version of Preston that looked like the one we’d seen throughout the summer – pushing pace up the right hand side of the pitch and creating chances in the final third. Hartford is strong in attack when Preston has space to move and create and that’s what they’ll need against this Charleston squad tomorrow night. If we can see a bit more quality in the final third, Preston could have a chance to leave the match with a goal and an assist.

Charleston Battery, Nicque Daley, FW, #11

Daley has been a thorn in Hartford’s side all year. He’s scored three goals in three matches this season, including two goals in the most recent matchup between the two sides. Efficiency is key for Daley who is second on the team in goals with eight on eighteen shots on target. If Hartford can limit his chances, there’s a good chance they can limit Daley.

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

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

Questionable: Ash Apollon (Groin), Thomas Janjigian (Hamstring), Alex Lara (Quad),  Richie Schlentz (Foot)

Charleston Battery: 

Out: Leland Archer (Leg), Mauro Cichero (Knee), Erik McCue (Chest), AJ Paterson (Knee), Nico Rittmeyer (Achilles)

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Charleston come to Hartford for the second time this season, the first being a 2-1 win for the home team in August. On the year, the home team has won each meeting in the series, giving Charleston a 2-1 edge. Charleston will not qualify for the postseason this year, something that hasn’t happened since they have been a member of the USL.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvCHS

Charlotte had the first chance of the game, when Dane Kelly snuck behind Tulu and Nico Cardona in the third minute. He fired a ball on frame but Jeff Caldwell made his first of X saves on the night. Back and forth the teams went until the 37th minute. Preston Tabort Etaka, sprinting past defenders up the right side of the pitch, delivered a cross for Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. in front of the net. Charlotte defender Hugh Roberts slid to try and clear the ball, but redirected it into his own net instead! Hartford took an early 1-0 lead into the break.

Charlotte responded strong in the second half. Gabriel Obertan, of Manchester United and French National Team fame, struck a beautiful left-footed volley to the far post and past a diving Jeff Caldwell to level the match. Just 12 minutes later, Joel Johnson dribbled into the box from his right and hit a beautiful curling ball into the top corner to give Charlotte the lead. Hartford had a handful of chances including a chip from Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. that just flew over the crossbar and after four minutes of stoppage time, the referees blew the whistle.

Hartford Athletic is back home for the final time in 2021 on Tuesday night against Charleston Battery. The match is a makeup from the postponed September 1st match. All tickets for September 1st are valid for this match. For tickets, visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/single.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 8 (2) – 14 (6) Charlotte

Corners: Hartford 2-6 Charlotte

Fouls: Hartford 15-6 Charlotte

Offsides: Hartford 2-3 Charlotte

Possession: Hartford 41.4%-58.6% Charlotte

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 81.6%-87.9% Charlotte

Saves: Hartford 4-2 Charlotte

SCORING SUMMARY:

37' – Hugh Roberts (Own Goal) 1-0

49' – Gabriel Obertan (Dane Kelly) 1-1

68' – Joel Johnson (Brandt Bronico) 1-2

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

16' – Luka Prpa (Yellow)

43' – Preston Tabort Etaka (Yellow)

90+2' – Justin Haak (Yellow)

90+3' – Dane Kelly (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 15 (DF) Tulu, 4 (DF) Nicolás Cardona, 6 (DF) Arthur Rogers; 80 (MF) Justin Haak, 11 (MF) Luka Prpa (Kenan Hot, 77'), 10 (MF) Danny Barrera; 23 (FW) Preston Tabort Etaka (Derek Dodson, 61'), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Sebastian Elney, 78')

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP:

1 (GK) Austin Pack; 2 (DF) Kevin Reascos, 3 (DF) Hugh Roberts, 22 (DF) Christian Fuchs; 4 (MF) Jake Areman (Valentín Sabella, 90+1'), 7 (MF) Joel Johnson, 13 (MF) Brandt Bronico, 32 (MF) Gabriel Obertan (Adam Armour, 77'), 56 (MF) Sylvain Marveaux (Marcelo Palomino, 45'); 19 (FW) Enzo Martinez, 29 (FW) Dane Kelly

Charlotte had the first chance of the game, when Dane Kelly snuck behind Tulu and Nico Cardona in the third minute. He fired a ball on frame but Jeff Caldwell made his first of X saves on the night. Back and forth the teams went until the 37th minute. Preston Tabort Etaka, sprinting past defenders up the right side of the pitch, delivered a cross for Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. in front of the net. Charlotte defender Hugh Roberts slid to try and clear the ball, but redirected it into his own net instead! Hartford took an early 1-0 lead into the break.

Charlotte responded strong in the second half. Gabriel Obertan, of Manchester United and French National Team fame, struck a beautiful left-footed volley to the far post and past a diving Jeff Caldwell to level the match. Just 12 minutes later, Joel Johnson dribbled into the box from his right and hit a beautiful curling ball into the top corner to give Charlotte the lead. Hartford had a handful of chances including a chip from Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. that just flew over the crossbar and after four minutes of stoppage time, the referees blew the whistle.

Hartford Athletic is back home for the final time in 2021 on Tuesday night against Charleston Battery. The match is a makeup from the postponed September 1st match. All tickets for September 1st are valid for this match. For tickets, visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/single.

FAST STATS:

Shots (On-Target): Hartford 8 (2) – 14 (6) Charlotte

Corners: Hartford 2-6 Charlotte

Fouls: Hartford 15-6 Charlotte

Offsides: Hartford 2-3 Charlotte

Possession: Hartford 41.4%-58.6% Charlotte

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 81.6%-87.9% Charlotte

Saves: Hartford 4-2 Charlotte

SCORING SUMMARY:

37′ – Hugh Roberts (Own Goal) 1-0

49′ – Gabriel Obertan (Dane Kelly) 1-1

68′ – Joel Johnson (Brandt Bronico) 1-2

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

16′ – Luka Prpa (Yellow)

43′ – Preston Tabort Etaka (Yellow)

90+2′ – Justin Haak (Yellow)

90+3′ – Dane Kelly (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP:

13 (GK) Jeff Caldwell; 3 (DF) Younes Boudadi, 15 (DF) Tulu, 4 (DF) Nicolás Cardona, 6 (DF) Arthur Rogers; 80 (MF) Justin Haak, 11 (MF) Luka Prpa (Kenan Hot, 77′), 10 (MF) Danny Barrera; 23 (FW) Preston Tabort Etaka (Derek Dodson, 61′), 29 (FW) Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., 18 (FW) Walmer Martinez (Sebastian Elney, 78′)

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP:

1 (GK) Austin Pack; 2 (DF) Kevin Reascos, 3 (DF) Hugh Roberts, 22 (DF) Christian Fuchs; 4 (MF) Jake Areman (Valentín Sabella, 90+1′), 7 (MF) Joel Johnson, 13 (MF) Brandt Bronico, 32 (MF) Gabriel Obertan (Adam Armour, 77′), 56 (MF) Sylvain Marveaux (Marcelo Palomino, 45′); 19 (FW) Enzo Martinez, 29 (FW) Dane Kelly