PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS
Date: Saturday, April 30th, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Local TV: WCTX MyTV9
Streaming: ESPN+ or hartfordathletic.com/watch
HARTFORD ATHLETIC (0-5-1) vs INDY ELEVEN (3-2-2)
LAST TIME OUT:
Hartford Athletic are coming off a 2-1 loss to Detroit City FC last Saturday at Trinity Health Stadium. For the second time this season, it was a late goal off of a corner kick that downed the Green and Blue. Hartford got out to a 1-0 lead after Rashawn Dally scored his first goal of the season in the 42nd minute, with Prince Saydee recording his third assist. They looked to be in control and playing the match at their pace in the second half, until Deklan Wynne played a ball that deflected off Younes Boudadi and spun over the goal line, leveling the match at one. Hartford generated several chances in their attempt to gain back the lead, including a shot off the crossbar from Luka Prpa in the 81st minute. In stoppage time, Detroit was given a corner kick that delivered the dagger to Hartford. The ball was lobbed in, headed off the post, and Stephen Carroll flicked in the rebound to provide the game winner for the visiting side.
FOOT ON THE GAS:
Hartford Athletic got out to a 1-0 lead against Detroit last week, which was a massive boost to a home side that had been playing from behind in almost every game so far. However, Hartford has given up two goals in every league match this season and have been unable to find two of their own. The Green and Blue had opportunities to go up 2-0 against Detroit, but fell short, keeping the door open for a fortuitous goal to be an equalizer instead of a goal that Hartford could manage to concede and still win the game. Keeping their foot on the gas and taking advantage of opportunities to extend a lead against Indy will be key for Hartford on Saturday.
CALLING IN REINFORCEMENTS
With the absence of Juan Carlos ObregĂłn Jr. due to a knee injury suffered on April 7th, Hartford Athletic are missing their top striker and his timetable for a return is indefinite at the moment. Despite the unfortunate set back, the club has called in some reinforcements with the addition of two experienced forwards. Hartford signed Ariel MartĂnez last Tuesday and he came off the bench against Detroit City last Saturday night, recording a shot and creating three chances. This week, Hartford inked one of the most prolific goal scorers in the USL Championship, Corey Hertzog, who’s 73 career goals are the second most in league history.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Hartford Athletic: Corey Hertzog, FW #12
The signing of Corey Hertzog made headlines in Hartford this week, as the 31-year-old is an elite-level goal scorer in the league that can immediately improve Hartford’s finishing in the final third. His 73 career goals are the second-most in league history, and he’s coming off a strong season with the San Diego Loyal in 2021. He’s been training with the club over the past week and he will be a valuable weapon for Hartford to debut on Saturday night.
Indy Eleven, Stefano Pinho, FW #21
Stefano Pinho is coming off a quality performance last week that earned him USL Team of the Week Honors. He scored a goal and tallied an assist in Indy’s 3-1 win over Orange County SC, and won nine duels and seven aerial duels as well. He’s been impressive in Indy Eleven’s front line this season, as he’s started every game this season and leads the team with four goals. Hartford’s back line will have their hands full containing the Brazilian striker.
INJURY REPORT:
Hartford Athletic:
Out: Juan Carlos ObregĂłn Jr. (knee)
Out: Prince Saydee (Hamstring)
Indy Eleven:
TBD
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #INDvHFD
