Hartford Athletic has signed West Hartford, CT native, Pearse O’Brien to a USL Academy Contract ahead of the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval. The contract allows the 17-year-old to train and play for Hartford Athletic in both the USL Championship and 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup while retaining his NCAA eligibility. The attacking midfielder spent the 2021 season with Real Salt Lake Academy, making two appearances with former USL Championship Club Real Monarchs.
“I am so excited to contribute to my hometown Club this season,” O’Brien said. “Hartford is building a true professional pathway in Connecticut, and I am proud to be part of building this pathway. Coach Watling and Hartford Athletic have created a great plan for my continued development, and I look forward to competing with my teammates for a spot in the first team.”
O’Brien is a product of the Oakwood Soccer Club in Glastonbury, Connecticut. At just 16-years old, he earned a place on the club’s U19 team as the group’s youngest player and achieved a plethora of accolades on his way to becoming the region’s top-ranked prospect.
“This is an incredibly exciting signing for both our Academy and our first team,” said Hartford Athletic Academy Director Robin Schuppert. “There is an abundance of talented soccer players here in Connecticut, and as we build out our Academy, bringing those players inside our doors is paramount. Pearse will be a great example of the valuable experience that our talented youth can obtain through the Hartford Athletic Academy by training and competing in a professional environment that is not offered anywhere else in Connecticut.”
O’Brien holds dual-citizenship in the United States and Ireland, as he also spent time with the Irish Youth National Team in 2020.
“Signing a player like Pearse is what this Club is all about, finding local talent and developing it,” said Hartford Athletic head coach Harry Watling. “At just 17-years-old, he has tremendous potential and experience beyond his years. Pearse will have every opportunity to earn a spot in the first team, and I believe he has the talent and determination to do just that.”
Hartford Athletic will kick off the 2022 season on the road against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on March 19th. The Boys in Green will open the doors to Dillon Stadium on April 2nd at 7 PM against Atlanta United 2 for the Home Opener. Fans interested in purchasing tickets can visit hartfordathletic.com/tickets.
