PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS
Date: Saturday, April 7th, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Trinity Health Stadium, (250 Huyshope Ave., Hartford, CT)
Local TV: WCTX MyTV9
Tickets: Click here
Streaming: ESPN+
HARTFORD ATHLETIC (0-2-1) vs OYSTER BAY UNITED FC (1-0-0)
LAST TIME OUT:
Hartford Athletic are coming off a 2-1 loss in their home opener to Atlanta United 2 last Saturday, April 2nd. In an overall frustrating night for the Green and Blue, Hartford struggled to execute offensively and gave up two goals that head coach Harry Watling deemed “unacceptable.” The goals both came on headers from 21-year-old Nicholas Firmino, one in first half stoppage time, and the other in the 57th minute. Hartford outshot Atlanta 18 to 9, but the final action and finishing ability was simply not there. Their lone goal came on a mistake from Atlanta, an own goal deflected into their net off a cross from Younes Boudadi. Forward Andre Lewis stated that “It was just not our night tonight.”
HARTFORD’S U.S. OPEN CUP HISTORY:
Hartford Athletic last played in the Open Cup in May of 2019. The Green and Blue hosted the New York Cosmos B at the University of Hartford in their Inaugural season and secured their first ever victory. Harry Swartz and Mads Jorgenson tallied Hartford’s goals in the 2-1 win. The club went on to lose to Memphis 901 FC in the round of 32.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Hartford Athletic, Peter-Lee Vassell MF #8
Peter-Lee Vassell is a dynamic attacking midfielder who has not seen much game time for Hartford so far in 2022, as he received a red card (that was later rescinded) in the first half of Hartford’s opener against Pittsburgh, and missed the following match due to a Jamaican national team call up. One of the headliners of Hartford’s offseason signings, he is extremely quick on the ball with great stop-and-go ability. The Green and Blue would love to see him spark their struggling offense on Thursday night.
Oyster Bay United, Junior Rosario FW #25
Rosario was at the heart of Oyster Bay’s 3-0 victory over Hartford City FC in the opening round of the Open Cup two weeks ago. The forward scored early in the 16th minute and provided the assists on his club’s next two goals, all three coming in the first half. He is the leader of a capable offensive unit, and will be challenged by Hartford’s experienced back line.
ABOUT THE OPPONENT:
Oyster Bay United FC are coming off a comfortable 3-0 opening round victory over Hartford City FC at Trinity Health Stadium. The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) club was founded just last year, and will be looking to make some noise with a chance to be a USL Championship club at their home stadium. They are led by their 26-year-old manager Jose Esqueche, a former professional player for Venezuelan club Metropolitanos FC.
INJURY REPORT:
Hartford Athletic:
None
Oyster Bay United:
None
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic
