Samuel
Careaga

LAST SEASON

Samuel Careaga suits up for his second year with the Green & Blue after playing a pivotal role in Hartford’s 2025 success. The 23-year-old was a reliable feature of the Athletic front line, logging 1,566 minutes over 26 appearances and 16 starts. In regular season play, Careaga added two goals and two assists to his stat sheet. The 5’10” forward also connected 83.8% of his passes (third best on the team), made 23 key passes and put 14 crosses into the box. His 42.9% crossing accuracy (second on the squad) meant that whenever he put a ball into the box, it was bound to be trouble for the opposing defenders. Careaga also finished the season in fourth place for shots (29) and shots on target (10), showing that he was not afraid to test the opponent’s goalkeeper. After being on loan to Hartford Athletic from Argentinian side Lanús last season, Careaga has been permanently transferred to the Green & Blue through 2028.  

Hartford’s #10 was the side’s leading goalscorer throughout the Jägermeister Cup, netting three times on the Green & Blue’s quest for the crown. The first two came together in a set, both netted in Athletic’s 3-2 win over Westchester SC. This performance earned him the title of Player of the Round for Round Two of the tournament. Careaga struck again when it mattered most, scoring the one and only goal against Sacramento Republic FC in the final. He also added an assist to one of Jack Panayotou’s two goals in the side’s opening game of the Jägermeister Cup.

USL EXPERIENCE

Careaga came to Hartford after a productive stint with Memphis 901 FC, having joined the club on loan in September 2023 from Argentinian Primera División side Atlético Lanús. With just a few weeks left in the season, Careaga was able to make his mark, scoring two goals and adding one assist over just six appearances. The following year in 2024, the Argentine midfielder was a central part of 901 FC’s high-powered attack, contributing eight goals towards their 52 total (seventh-most in the Championship) and a third place finish in the Western Conference. 

OUTSIDE THE USL

The Avellaneda, Argentina native made his professional debut in Argentina’s top flight at just 19 years old, signing with Atlético Lanús in July of 2022. One of the country’s top prospects, Careaga saw action in 20 matches and logged an assist before his 18-month loan spell with Memphis.

HONORS & AWARDS

• Nominated for Hartford Athletic Fans’ Choice MVP (2025)
• Nominated for Hartford Athletic Fans’ Choice Goal of the Year (2025)
• USL Jägermeister Cup MVP (2025)
• USL TOTW, Week 26 (2025)
• USL TOTW, Week 25 (2025)
• USL Jägermeister Cup Player of the Round, Round 2 (2025)