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PITTSBURGH, PA (March 22, 2025) – Hartford Athletic dropped a hard-fought battle on the road Saturday night, falling 1-0 to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium.

Hartford showed early promise with sharp ball movement and solid defensive shape, limiting Pittsburgh’s chances through the opening 45 minutes. Defender Joe Farrell, making his return to Pittsburgh, led a disciplined back line that frustrated the Riverhounds’ attack and helped keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.

The game opened up in the second half, with both teams pushing for a breakthrough. Pittsburgh broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when Danny Griffin headed one past Hartford keeper Antony Siaha to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Despite a late push from Hartford the equalizer didn’t come, and the Green and Blue were forced to settle for a narrow defeat.

Hartford Athletic returns home next Saturday, March 29th for the regular season home opener to face off against El Paso Locomotive at Trinity Health Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m.

Fast Stats

	HARTFORD	PITTSBURGH
Shots	8	6
Shots On Target	1	3
Corners	2	4
Fouls	10	15
Offsides	0	0
Possession	38%	62%
Passing Accuracy	67.5%	81.9%
Saves	2	1

Scoring Summary

HARTFORD	PITTSBURGH
	75’ – Danny Griffin

Disciplinary Summary

HARTFORD	PITTSBURGH
	31’ – Illal Ousmanu (Yellow)

Lineups

HARTFORD	PITTSBURGH
77 (GK) Antony Siaha	1 (GK) Eric Dick
2 (DF) Sebastian Anderson	8 (DF) Junior Etou (Max Broughton – 85’)
15 (DF) Joe Farrell	5 (DF) Sean Suber
4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett (C)	28 (DF) Illal Ousmanu
22 (DF) TJ Presthus	13 (DF) Luke Biasi
94 (MF) Marlon Hairston	42 (MF) Jackson Walti
17 (MF) Jonathan Jimenez (Junior Moreira – 78′)	14 (MF) Robbie Mertz (Bradley Sample – 85’)
6 (MF) Beverly Makangila	2 (MF) Danny Griffin
11 (FW) Michee Ngalina	16 (MF) Roberto Ydrach
9 (FW) Mamadou Dieng	9 (FW) Augustine Williams (Brigham Larson – 89’)
7 (FW) Deshane Beckford (Adewale Obalola – 78’)	4 (FW) Aidan O’Toole (Jason Bourgey – 62’)

Hartford Athletic ships up to the Steel City on Saturday to square off with Eastern Conference foe Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Highmark Stadium. Hartford (0-1-0) took care of business 3-0 against NPSL side New York Shockers on March 18 in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Their lone regular season match was a 2-0 defeat on the road to newly minted USL Championship side Lexington SC on March 8. The Riverhounds (0-1-1) secured a point on March 8 against North Carolina FC in a 1-1 decision before being kept off the scoresheet against San Antonio FC 2-0 on March 15. Saturday is Pittsburgh’s first match at home of the 2025 season. Here’s what you need to know about the match:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC

WHEN: Saturday, March 22nd, 7 PM

WHERE: Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

HOW TO WATCH: MyTV9, wtnh.com, or the Golazo Network

No Shock in the Open Cup

Hartford overwhelmed the Shockers in a dominant 3-0 showing at Trinity Health Stadium, advancing to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup. The stats speak for itself:

• Hartford: 15 shots (7 on target), NY: 1 shot (0 on target)
• Hartford: 80% possession rate, NY: 20%
• Hartford: 759 passes (91% accuracy), NY: 197 passes (61% accuracy)
• Hartford: 9 corners, NY: 0 corners

Nigerian forward Adewale Obalola got Hartford on the board with a left footed touch from point blank range in the 12’. Mamadou Dieng beat the Shockers keeper on a shot that snuck just within the left post in the 38’ after a beautiful delivery from Michee Ngalina to spring Dieng free down the field. Ngalina put the game out of reach with a goal of his own after Obalola zipped in a cross using the inside of his boot on the connection. Hartford improves their Open Cup record to 4-4 all-time.

Michee in Motion

Michee Ngalina is a workhorse that leaves his footprint every time he steps out on the pitch. The 25-year old forward brings back a dynamic style of play with speed that kills and finesse to break down any keeper to match. Winner of the 2024 Hartford Athletic Fans Choice Offensive Player of the Year, Ngalina logged the most minutes played for the Boys in Green last season (2,623) while pacing the team in assists (5) and finishing second in goals scored with eight. He notched a goal and assist against New York Shockers, making his impact known early on in 2025.

Across the Allegheny

Hartford and Pittsburgh have squared off 15 times in the past 6 seasons and trips to Highmark Stadium haven’t been the most encouraging for the Hartford faithful, winning once and drawing once in eight tries. The lone win for Athletic came during the 2020 season, a 1-0 victory which saw Hartford keeper Parfait Mandanda draw a red card in the 71st minute. Backup goalkeeper Mike Novotny came on and completed the clean sheet all while down a man.

About the Opponent

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC come off a down season for their standards, finishing in 7th place in the Eastern conference in 2024. One of the longest standing members of the USL, they’ve qualified for the postseason every year since 2018. Featuring something of a rebuilt roster, some familiar faces remain. Wethersfield, CT native Danny Griffin returns for his 7th season in Black and Yellow and veteran midfielders Robbie Mertz and Junior Etou return to help solidify the midfield. Goalkeeper Eric Dick returns for his second season keeping some familiarity in goal. Bob Lilley’s squads have been known for stingy defense and finding a way to pull out positive results, but the Hounds are off to a slow start in 2025, earning 1 point from two games and conceding 3 goals.

Players to Watch

Hartford – Mamadou Dieng, FW, #9

At just 20 years old, Dieng emerged as Hartford Athletic’s top goal scorer last season with 11 and registered a team best 30 shots on target. The Senegalese forward found the back of the net in his second appearance of 2025 against NPSL side New York Shockers. It was the second goal in a 3-0 shutout, helping his team advance to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup. Dieng is a force to be reckoned with in the attacking third. His 6’2, 170-pound frame makes him a nightmare for defenders, especially in the air, where he outleaps opponents for headers. With a natural instinct for goal, he is a key member of Hartford’s attack. 

Pittsburgh – Augustine Williams, FW, #9

One of the purest goal scorers in the league, Augustine Williams brings more than just firepower— he knows how to lead a winning club. The 27-year old Sierra Leonean forward was the top scorer for Charleston Battery in 2023, bringing them within inches of their second USL Championship title before falling in a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Phoenix Rising. Now in his first season with Pittsburgh, Williams has already tallied a goal, which came as the equalizer in the 57’ of the Riverhounds’ season opener, a 1-1 draw on the road against North Caroline FC. He suited up in 2024 for Indy Eleven, where he had 10 goals in 31 appearances. Having previously faced Hartford Athletic during his stints with Charleston and Indy, Williams is a familiar threat— and will be one of the main focuses in Hartford’s pre-match preparations.

Join the Conversation

For live updates, follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #PITvHFD

Dear Hartford Athletic Fans,

Today marks a historic moment for American soccer. With the USL’s announcement of its plan to adopt promotion and relegation, we stand on the verge of a transformative era, one that aligns perfectly with Hartford’s vision for the game.

Since our club’s inception, we’ve always believed in the potential of Hartford as a Tier 1 soccer community. The passion of our fans, the commitment of our partners, and the support of our city and state officials have laid the foundation for us to compete at the highest levels. Now, we have an opportunity to take the next step together.

Hartford is ranked as the 32nd largest media market in the country and the largest without a major professional men’s team, proof of the untapped potential that exists here. We are a proven soccer city, hosting U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team matches every year and drawing passionate crowds for both club and country.

Trinity Health Stadium continues to be an incredible home for our club and the sport. We regularly host sellout crowds for Hartford Athletic matches in addition to over 200 annual events with THS serving once again as a true community hub for soccer and beyond. With the capacity to expand to 15,000 seats, we have the infrastructure to match our ambition.  

Achieving our goals will take all of us— fans, corporate partners, public officials and club staff and ownership—working together to elevate Hartford to new heights. We are an aspirational club in an aspirational city in an aspirational league. This is our moment to show that Hartford belongs at the top.

Thank you to everyone has already joined us on this journey. We would not be in this position without you. Now it’s time to bring everyone else you know on board. 

Bruce Mandell

Chairman, Hartford Athletic

Hartford Athletic put in a dominant performance to advance to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup with a 3-0 win over the New York Shockers on Tuesday night at Trinity Health Stadium.

Hartford came out of the gates hot, controlling the ball and generating good chances. After just 11 minutes, the home side broke through. Jonathan Jimenez running through the channel centered beautiful to a waiting Addie Obalola whose left footed strike flew past the keeper for the opening goal of the night and his first for the club.

The Boys in Green continued to control the run of play generating an overwhelming 82% of possession in the opening stanza. In the 38th minute they doubled the lead, when Michee Ngalina played a delightful ball to a streaking Mamadou Dieng who got past the Shockers back line and beat the keeper with a beautiful left-footed strike. It was Dieng’s first of the year and twelfth in all competitions. Hartford went into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

For most of the second half, Hartford continued to own possession, finishing the game at 79%. Finally, in the 87th minute, Ngalina put the game away, finishing a wonderful cross from Obalola to give Hartford their third and final goal of the evening.

Athletic will hit the road on Saturday as it resumes USL Championship play against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at 7 PM. The Boys in Green return to Trinity Health Stadium on Saturday, March 29th at 2 PM against El Paso Locomotive. Tickets are on sale now, visit hartfordathletic.com/tickets to learn more.

Fast Stats

	HARTFORD	NEW YORK
Shots	15	1
Shots On Target	7	0
Corners	9	0
Fouls	7	8
Offsides	2	1
Possession	79.2%	20.8%
Passing Accuracy	91.2%	61.9%
Saves	0	4

Scoring Summary

HARTFORD	NEW YORK
12′ – Adewale Obalola (Jonathan Jimenez)
38′ – Mamadou Dieng (Michee Ngalina)
87′ – Ngalina (Obalola)

Disciplinary Summary

HARTFORD	NEW YORK
	73′ – Antonio Linge (Yellow)

Lineups

HARTFORD	NEW YORK
77 (GK) Antony Siaha	1 (GK) Ryan Henning (Tyler Brennan – 66′)
2 (DF) Sebastian Anderson	3 (DF) Antonio Lingue
15 (DF) Joe Farrell	10 (DF) Adel Cekic
4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett (C)	14 (DF) Byron Drysdale (Anthony Rouse – 79′)
22 (DF) TJ Presthus	5 (DF) Thomas Sams
94 (MF) Marlon Hairston	23 (MF) Seth Scarano (Kyle Macfarlane – 45′)
17 (MF) Jonathan Jimenez (Junior Moreira – 70′)	4 (MF) Elias Ehlin
6 (MF) Beverly Makangila	2 (MF) Dylan Maxon
11 (FW) Michee Ngalina (Spencer Gordon – 89′)	6 (FW) Bilal Hersi (Rood Apolon – 72′)
9 (FW) Mamadou Dieng (Kauan Ribeiro – 89′)	9 (FW) Filippo Bellu
81 (FW) Adewale Obalola	11 (FW) Jackson Leon (Joseph DiPreta – 45′)

Hartford Athletic begin their quest for the cup on Tuesday night when they welcome NPSL side New York Shockers to Trinity Health Stadium. Both clubs enter in the first round in the newly revamped version of this historic tournament which kicks off at 6:30 PM.

Hartford Athletic in the Open Cup

Hartford Athletic has an all-time record of 3-4 in the U.S. Open Cup. The club’s first official victory came in the Open Cup, a 2-1 victory over the New York Cosmos in 2019. That game was played at the University of Hartford while Trinity Health Stadium, then Dillon Stadium, was still under construction. After a two-year hiatus, Hartford Athletic was ousted from the tournament in back-to-back years by MLS sides New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution, both by a score of 2-1. Last season, the Boys in Green drew NYCFC II in the first round and lost 3-2. The NYCFC comeback was powered by an exciting young player named Jonathan Jimenez who was one of Athletic’s first signings this off-season. 

Mo’ Momo

Affectionately known around the Hartford locker room as “Momo”, Mamadou Dieng is expected to be an even bigger fixture of the attack in 2025. Appearing on several preseason watch lists, including the USL Championship’s 15 young players to know, there is great anticipation for what the 21-year-old can bring to the pitch for Hartford this season after delivering a franchise single-season record 11 goals in 2024.

Keeper Kit for a Cause

Hartford Athletic have introduced their brand-new Kit for a Cause campaign, with the Kick Out Cancer kits. This initiative, in partnership with the American Cancer Society through their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement, is the club’s first of its kind. A portion of proceeds from each Kick Out Cancer Kit sold is donated to ACS, to fund research for a breast cancer cure. The kit debuted in the season opening match and will be worn for the majority of the club’s home games this season.

About the Opponent

The New York Shockers are a relatively new club to the NPSL, joining the league in 2021. They have quickly made themselves a formidable presence in the league, going all the way to the NPSL’s East region final where they lost to FC Motown. They finished the 2024 season at the top of the North Atlantic Conference standings with a record of 8-1-1.

Players to Watch

Hartford Athletic – Jordan Scarlett, DF, #4

Moments like these are where leaders are needed to step up and this is the perfect opportunity for Hartford’s captain to rally his team and generate some positive momentum. Head Coach Brendan Burke has consistently praised Scarlett’s effort, energy and leadership in the locker room and he’ll be looked to to steady the back line and get Hartford back to winning ways.

New York Shockers – Anthony Rouse, FW, #28

The Shockers leading goal scorer from the 2024 campaign is the player you’ll want to keep your eyes on Tuesday night. Rouse is aggressive, fast and dynamic in the final third and has a knack for scoring in big moments. He will be a focal point of both the Shockers attack and the Hartford defense.

Join the Conversation

For live updates, follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #HFDvNY

Despite a large returning core that led Hartford Athletic to a 7-6-3 finish to end the 2024 season, Lexington SC took the season opening match 2-0 over Hartford. 

Both teams took some time to find their form early on, as possession changed hands consistently in the first few minutes of the match. Lexington was first to capitalize on an opportunity in the ninth minute. Hartford cleared a corner kick out of the box, which bounced straight to the foot of right back Joe Hafferty. The 26 year-old struck with one touch, and delivered a wonder-strike into the top right corner of the net.

Lexington’s first half strategy focused on crosses into the center, as the Greens attempted 13 of them in the first 45’. Hartford’s defense held strong, anchored by goalkeeper Antony Siaha. The 6’5” goalkeeper accumulated two saves and a claimed cross in the first half, all occurring in the five-minute stretch between the 35th and 40th minutes. Referee Nabil Bensalah blew the whistle at 45’+4, as the Green & Blue entered the locker room down a goal.

The second half started similarly to the first, with possession flip flopping between the two squads. In the 54th minute, Arturo Diz Pe went down with an injury, and was subsequently subbed off for Joe Farrell in the 56th. Hartford followed up with two midfield substitutions in the 62nd minute, as Samuel Careaga replaced Jonathan Jimenez, and Beverly Makangila replaced Junior Moreira.

Lexington matched with two midfield substitutions of their own in the 72nd minute, replacing Jack Beer with Eliot Goldthorp and Nick Firmino with Braudilio Rodrigues. The two newcomers made their statement quickly, connecting in the 79th minute to double Lexington’s lead. A slide tackle from Kieran Sargeant left the ball at the foot of Rodrigues, who delivered a pass across the middle third of the field to Goldthorp, who broke past his defender and keeper to find the back of the net.

Hartford was unable to muster any significant offensive action throughout the rest of the match, and the final score remained 2-0 in favor of Lexington.

Athletic begin their season at 0-1-0, and will look to rebound in their next USL match on March 22nd when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Riverhounds at 7PM ET. The Green & Blue will compete in the first round of the US Open Cup on March 18th at 6:30PM ET, playing host to the New York Shockers of the NPSL.

FAST STATS

	HARTFORD	LEXINGTON
Shots	7	13
Shots On Target	0	5
Corners	4	3
Fouls	11	9
Offsides	0	1
Possession	52.1%	47.9%
Passing Accuracy	83.3%	88.0%
Saves	3	0

SCORING SUMMARY

HARTFORD	LEXINGTON
	9′ – Hafferty
	79′ – Goldthorp (Rodrigues)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

HARTFORD	LEXINGTON
73′ – Siaha (Yellow)
81′ – Hairston (Yellow)
90’+2 Samadia (Red)

LINEUPS

HARTFORD	LEXINGTON
77 (GK) Antony Siaha	1 (GK) Logan Ketterer
2 (DF) Sebastian Anderson	6 (DF) Joe Hafferty
19 (DF) Emmanuel Samadia	24 (DF) Kieran Sargeant
4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett (C)	5 (DF) Kendall Burks
30 (DF) Arturo Diz Pe (Farrell, ’56)	14 (DF) Daniel Barbir
94 (MF) Marlon Hairston	3 (MF) Sofiane Djeffal
17 (MF) Jonathan Jimenez (Careaga, 62′)	8 (MF) Nicholas Firmino (Rodrigues, 72′)
8 (MF) Junior Moreira (Makangila, 62′)	80 (MF) Devon Williams
11 (FW) Michee Ngalina	28 (MF) Jack Beer (Goldthorp, 72′)
9 (FW) Mamadou Dieng	11 (MF) Marchs Epps (Gibert, 90′)
7 (FW) Deshane Beckford (Edwards, 85′)	17 (FW) Cameron Lancaster (Greene, 81′)

Hartford Athletic travel to Lexington, Kentucky to welcome newcomers Lexington SC to the USL Championship. The inaugural league match for the Greens comes after a transfer from USL One. Hartford looks to set the tone of the season early while on the road in the Western Conference.

FIRST TIME OUT

Entering their seventh season, Hartford is 3-3 all-time in opening day matches. The Green & Blue looks to set a favorable opening day record, replicating their early-season success from last year. Hartford won their opening day match in 2024, besting Western Conference foe El Paso Locomotive 1-0 on the road.

DUDE! WE’RE GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER

Hartford returns 11 players to their roster this year, a substantial increase from the four players who returned from 2023 to 2024. The returnees include at least one member of each position group, consisting of one goalkeeper, two defenders, three midfielders, and five forwards. Returning players account for 29 of the 39 goals scored by Hartford in 2024.

Notable returners include defensive anchors Joe Farrell and captain Jordan Scarlett, who ranked first and second on the squad in clearances (225 combined) and blocks (62 combined). Additionally, they contributed a combined 51 interceptions and 60 tackles.

Also back for a second season is a forceful group of forwards, including 2024 Hartford Athletic Fans Choice Offensive Player of the Year Michee Ngalina and Fans Choice Most Valuable Player Mamadou Dieng. Ngalina led the team in assists (5) and minutes played (2,623) by a margin of more than 200, and finished second on the squad with eight goals and 27 shots on target. Dieng led the team with 11 goals and 30 shots on target, setting the franchise record for goals scored in a season.

The Green & Blue returns two players for a third season, forward Kyle Edwards and midfielder Beverly Makangila. Combined, the duo has competed in 87 matches across 2023 and 2024, accumulating 4,711 total minutes.

NEW THREADS

Hartford Athletic will debut two of their freshly unveiled kits on Saturday night. The State-inspired “Connecti-Kit” warm up makes its first appearance on-field, with a nod to the history and culture of Connecticut-based soccer.

Hartford Athletic goalkeepers will don the modern and impactful “Kick Out Cancer Kit”, released as part of a meaningful partnership with the American Cancer Society, through their movement, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. As the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement, it has made strides in fundraising efforts that have benefitted millions of Americans. Hartford Athletic joins the fundraising efforts with Kit for a Cause by donating a portion of proceeds from each Kick Out Cancer Kit sold throughout the season. The new kit will serve as the primary goalkeeper kit for home matches in 2025, as well as select away matches throughout the season. More information about the initiative and partnership can be found here.

NEWTON’S FIRST LAW

Hartford looks to continue their positive momentum from the end of the 2024 season, earning points in 13 of their last 16 games. In that stretch, the squad orchestrated a record of 7-6-3, outscoring opponents 23-19. Five of their seven wins came against opponents who made the playoffs, including regular season champions Louisville City FC (2-1, Aug 24), and playoff semi finalists Las Vegas Lights (2-1, Aug 17). The hot streak included an unbeaten streak of seven games from August 17th through October 5th, winning four games and drawing three. The Green & Blue finished the season winning four of their last seven matches, leaving them just four points out of a playoff position.

REUNION TOUR

Hartford will see some familiar faces in the opposition, as two players from the 2024 squad have joined Lexington SC. Goalkeeper Brooks Thompson signed with Hartford in January of 2024, and trained with the squad until he was loaned to Spokane Velocity FC (USL1) in May. He did not compete in any matches for Hartford. He was transferred to Lexington in January of 2025. 

Winger Marcus Epps signed with Lexington in the offseason, after a strong 2024 season on Hartford’s front line. He led the squad by appearing in 34 games for the Green & Blue, starting 28 of them. The next-closest player competed in 30 matches for Hartford. Across 2,360 minutes, Epps contributed three goals (T-3rd on the team), two assists, and 28 shots (13 on target). He was one of two players on the team to score a goal both right-footed (1) and left-footed (2).

MATCHUP HISTORY

This is the first matchup between the two sides, which will be the case for most Lexington contests this season. The only familiar faces that the Greens will see are North Carolina FC from both clubs’ USL One days, as well as a rematch from their 2023 US Open Cup pairing with Louisville City FC.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Lexington SC was founded in October of 2021 as a USL League One expansion team, but did not compete in a USL1 match until March of 2023. Lexington is the second team to transition from USL1 to USLC, joining North Carolina FC in that category. NCFC followed a different trajectory, joining the USLC in 2018, transitioning to USL1 in 2021, and then transitioning back to the USLC for the 2024 season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hartford Athletic: Mamadou Dieng, FW #9

Mamadou Dieng is poised for an exciting second season in Hartford, coming off a record-setting 2024 campaign. The 21-year-old Senegalese striker broke into the USL Championship last year with a statement, delivering a franchise-record 11 goals while leading the team in shots on target (30). His tall figure tormented defenses across the league, as four of his goals came from headers. Across 30 appearances and 19 starts, Dieng’s performance earned himself recognition as the 2024 Hartford Athletic Fans Choice Most Valuable Player. Fans should look to see improved strength and agility, following an offseason spent training back home in Senegal. The hype continues to grow for Dieng, as he was recognized by the USL as one of the 15 Young Players to Know and was a consistent mention in the 2025 Eastern Conference Season Preview. He’ll be a crucial part of the Athletic’s effort Saturday night, as the club looks to start the season on the right foot.

Lexington: Cameron Lancaster, FW #17

Lancaster is one of a few handful of players returning to Lexington from the 2024 squad. The 32-year old signed with the Greens in January, 2024, from Louisville City FC. Lancaster left Louisville as the club’s all-time leading scorer with 75 goals and ranks third in USL Championship history with 80 regular-season goals. He wasted no time settling into his new Kentucky club, scoring 13 goals across nearly 2,000 minutes in 2024. The USL noted Lancaster as Lexington’s Key Returnee in their 2025 Western Conference Season Preview, noting his knack for finding the back of the net.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For live updates, follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #LEXvHFD

Hartford Athletic announced the re-signing of forward Kauan Ribeiro and goalkeeper Justin DiCarlo to USL Academy contracts, pending league and federation approval. Both players are returning to the first-team roster for the second consecutive season, continuing their development within the club after signing Academy contracts during the 2024 campaign.

Kauan Ribeiro is the club’s first true homegrown player, having been part of Hartford Athletic’s original academy team at age 14, in 2021. Kauan continued to work his way through the academy’s professional pathway and signed a USL Academy contract with Hartford in September of 2024, after spending the season with Hartford’s Reserve Team. The 18 year-old from Bridgeport, CT made multiple appearances on the 18-man roster throughout the remainder of the season, and re-signed ahead of 2025.

“Bringing in local talent like Kauan and Justin is a clear representation of our commitment to growth and finding success in this area,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “Both of these guys bring valuable depth to our squad, and having trained with us for a few years, have a clear idea of who we are and how we compete. As our Academy continues to grow we hope to welcome more promising young players into our environment each year.”

Kauan’s pathway to pro journey is a testament to Hartford’s commitment to developing local talent and the strength of their Academy program. The Academy has grown from one boys team in 2021 to 17 boys teams and five girls teams, consisting of 327 players from ages 7 – 19. Players interested in participating in Hartford Athletic’s Youth Academy and Clinic programming can visit hartfordathletic.com/academy to learn more.

Justin DiCarlo, a 6’2, 20-year-old shot-stopper from Canton, Connecticut, began his journey with the Athletic in 2021. At just 16 years old, his performance at open tryouts earned him an invitation to train with the first team throughout the season. DiCarlo rejoined the club for another training stint during the 2023 regular season, and signed a USL Academy contract in February, 2024 ahead of a season where he was a mainstay on the 18-man roster.

DiCarlo’s local soccer roots trace back to his youth days with the Oakwood SC U12 and U14 teams before enrolling at The Hotchkiss School in 2018. Over his four-year high school career, he was a cornerstone of the program in goal, earning a varsity letter each season. His senior year saw him lead as team captain, achieving All-League First Team and All-Region Honorable Mention honors, along with the prestigious Lucien Swift Strong Memorial Award for Loyalty, Leadership, and Spirit. He capped off his high school career with All-State recognition, recording four shutouts and averaging seven saves per game in his final season.

Beyond high school, DiCarlo continued his development with AC Connecticut’s U17 team and USL Academy U19 squad in 2021. In 2022, following his graduation from Hotchkiss, he competed for Oakwood SC’s MLS Next U19 club. He committed to Dayton University in January of 2023, where he joined the Division I program for the spring. That fall semester, DiCarlo was part of the Flyers’ A10 Championship squad.

The squad hits the road for their first regular season matchup tomorrow, Saturday, March 8th. Kickoff is set for 7PM Eastern in Lexington. The boys in Green & Blue will return to Hartford for two home matches in March, the first of which on Tuesday, March 18th as they compete in a first-round U.S. Open Cup matchup. Tickets are available now on SeatGeek.

A portion of proceeds from each jersey sale donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer; Kit will first appear on-field on March 8

(HARTFORD, Conn) – Hartford Athletic unveiled their brand new, high impact “Kick Out Cancer” kit for the 2025 season, in partnership with the American Cancer Society. The new kit will serve as the primary goalkeeper kit for home matches in 2025, as well as select away matches throughout the season.

A portion of proceeds from the sale of each goalkeeper kit will be donated directly to breast cancer research through one of the ACS’s signature events, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Kits can be purchased online at the Hartford Athletic Team Store, or on game days at either merchandise location.

“Breast cancer affects too many of our loved ones, and the American Cancer Society is committed to funding groundbreaking research, providing critical patient support programs, and ensuring access to lifesaving screenings right here in Connecticut,” said Erin DiLillo, Director of Development, American Cancer Society. “Through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, we unite communities in the fight against this disease, raising essential funds to fuel progress. Every dollar raised helps us continue offering free rides to treatment, patient navigation services, and cutting-edge research that brings us closer to a world without breast cancer. Together, we are making a difference for survivors, thrivers, and those currently in the fight.”

“When selecting a focus for this initiative, we wanted to support a cause that resonates both nationally and within our Connecticut community,” said Roux. “By building on the tremendous success of our Match for a Cause event with Liberty Bank, we’re able to create an even greater impact through this season-long campaign. The American Cancer Society is an incredible organization that supports hundreds of thousands of individuals and families nationwide. We are proud of this partnership and grateful to both Liberty Bank for their ongoing commitment to community impact and everyone at Hartford Athletic who contributed to bringing this meaningful project to life.”

Hartford Athletic will debut the jerseys at its season opener Saturday night on the road against Lexington SC. Hartford Athletic fans can catch their first in-person look of the kit at the club’s US Open Cup home match on March 18th. Tickets are available online at hartfordathletic.com/tickets. Fans looking for more ways to make an impact can register for this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement. Visit makingstrideswalk.org/hartfordct to register today.