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After snagging a road point in Birmingham last weekend, Hartford Athletic returns home for a Friday night, battle with Bethlehem Steel FC. Friday will mark Hartford’s final contest at Rentschler Field before moving to Dillon Stadium. Here’s what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs. BETHLEHEM STEEL FC

Date: Friday, June 28

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT

Streaming: ESPN+

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

WHERE TO WATCH:

Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, 140 Huyshope Ave., Hartford

City Steam Brewery and Cafe, 942 Main St., Hartford

TK's American Cafe, 255 White St., Danbury 

2nd Bridge Brewing Co., 642 Hilliard St., Manchester

Lakeview Restaurant & Bar, 50 Lake St., Coventry

V's Trattoria, 280 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic earned a massive, 2-2 draw at Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday night, leading twice in the process. Athletic got on the scoresheet first in the 14th minute, as a sliding Harry Swartz tapped Alex Dixon’s well-timed cutback pass into the back of the net. After multiple near-misses, Birmingham pegged Hartford back in the 31st minute; the boys in green struggled to play out of their own half and the ball eventually found its way to Chandler Hoffman, whose curler from the top of the 18 found the upper left corner. Logan Gdula helped Hartford reclaim the lead 12 minutes later, tapping Mads Jørgensen’s dangerous inswinging free kick past Birmingham goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel. However, despite starting the second half on the back foot, Legion equalized again in the 52nd minute, as Hartford failed to clear its lines and Mikey Lopez drove his low shot into the bottom left corner. Both sides created multiple dangerous chances before the final whistle, but Frederik Due kept Birmingham at bay and Hartford had a goal disallowed (offside) in the 78th minute. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Frederik Due, GK

Due has yet to keep a clean sheet this season, but he deserves praise for his recent form. He has single-handedly kept Hartford in multiple matches this year, making multiple massive saves when the boys in green need his services the most. The Dane earned Cigna Man of the Match honors this past weekend for his efforts against Birmingham, stopping 8 shots and keeping Hartford level when the Legion peppered his goal in the final half-hour. Due must be at the top of his game if Hartford hopes to earn another positive result this weekend.

Bethlehem Steel FC – Faris Pemi Moumbagna, F

Pemi Moumbagna is one of the youngest players on Bethlehem's roster; he will not turn 19 until July 1. However, the Cameroonian forward shows no signs of inexperience on the pitch, serving as one of the squad's most prolific attacking threats. Pemi Moumbagna has a clear eye for goal, leading Steel FC in both goals (4) and shots (24) this season. Hartford must keep the ball away from the 18-year old whenever he makes his way into the penalty area, as Pemi Moumbagna has scored all of his goals in the box.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Bethlehem Steel FC sits in 11th in the Eastern Conference standings and is right in the thick of the playoff hunt, trailing 10th-placed Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC by 3 points. However, Steel FC’s form has dipped over the past few weeks; Bethlehem has lost three of its last four and has only won one of its last ten matches. The Philadelphia Union development side scores by committee, featuring five players with 3 or more goals. Zach Zandi leads the squad with 5 assists, more than double any other player on the Bethlehem roster.

FOLLOW ONLINE:

Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @hfdathletic or by following #HFDvBST. 

After snagging a road point in Birmingham last weekend, Hartford Athletic returns home for a Friday night, battle with Bethlehem Steel FC. Friday will mark Hartford’s final contest at Rentschler Field before moving to Dillon Stadium. Here’s what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs. BETHLEHEM STEEL FC

Date: Friday, June 28

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT

Streaming: ESPN+

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

WHERE TO WATCH:

Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, 140 Huyshope Ave., Hartford

City Steam Brewery and Cafe, 942 Main St., Hartford

TK’s American Cafe, 255 White St., Danbury 

2nd Bridge Brewing Co., 642 Hilliard St., Manchester

Lakeview Restaurant & Bar, 50 Lake St., Coventry

V’s Trattoria, 280 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic earned a massive, 2-2 draw at Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday night, leading twice in the process. Athletic got on the scoresheet first in the 14th minute, as a sliding Harry Swartz tapped Alex Dixon’s well-timed cutback pass into the back of the net. After multiple near-misses, Birmingham pegged Hartford back in the 31st minute; the boys in green struggled to play out of their own half and the ball eventually found its way to Chandler Hoffman, whose curler from the top of the 18 found the upper left corner. Logan Gdula helped Hartford reclaim the lead 12 minutes later, tapping Mads Jørgensen’s dangerous inswinging free kick past Birmingham goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel. However, despite starting the second half on the back foot, Legion equalized again in the 52nd minute, as Hartford failed to clear its lines and Mikey Lopez drove his low shot into the bottom left corner. Both sides created multiple dangerous chances before the final whistle, but Frederik Due kept Birmingham at bay and Hartford had a goal disallowed (offside) in the 78th minute. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Frederik Due, GK

Due has yet to keep a clean sheet this season, but he deserves praise for his recent form. He has single-handedly kept Hartford in multiple matches this year, making multiple massive saves when the boys in green need his services the most. The Dane earned Cigna Man of the Match honors this past weekend for his efforts against Birmingham, stopping 8 shots and keeping Hartford level when the Legion peppered his goal in the final half-hour. Due must be at the top of his game if Hartford hopes to earn another positive result this weekend.

Bethlehem Steel FC – Faris Pemi Moumbagna, F

Pemi Moumbagna is one of the youngest players on Bethlehem’s roster; he will not turn 19 until July 1. However, the Cameroonian forward shows no signs of inexperience on the pitch, serving as one of the squad’s most prolific attacking threats. Pemi Moumbagna has a clear eye for goal, leading Steel FC in both goals (4) and shots (24) this season. Hartford must keep the ball away from the 18-year old whenever he makes his way into the penalty area, as Pemi Moumbagna has scored all of his goals in the box.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Bethlehem Steel FC sits in 11th in the Eastern Conference standings and is right in the thick of the playoff hunt, trailing 10th-placed Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC by 3 points. However, Steel FC’s form has dipped over the past few weeks; Bethlehem has lost three of its last four and has only won one of its last ten matches. The Philadelphia Union development side scores by committee, featuring five players with 3 or more goals. Zach Zandi leads the squad with 5 assists, more than double any other player on the Bethlehem roster.

FOLLOW ONLINE:

Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @hfdathletic or by following #HFDvBST. 

Welcome back to the mailbag! The questions get better and better with each week. Keep 'em coming! If you want to submit a question for the mailbag, click here. Let's get to your questions:

Jill S asks, "Where is the parking at Dillon Stadium? Is there a charge for parking?"

There is plenty of parking at Dillon Stadium and parking will cost $10. We'll have parking in many of the surrounding lots as well as some parking at Bulkley High School. Check out the map below for parking:

For more information on Dillon Stadium go to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/dillon-stadium.

Darren B asks, "Can we wave flags?"

Hi Darren, at Rentschler Field you can bring in a flag, but not a flagpole. Flags must enter with the Supporters Groups. At Dillon Stadium, however, you will be allowed to bring in flags on flagpoles.

Cristobal R asks, "Will there be a brass bonanza button?"

There is always a brass bonanza button my friend

@CTSoccerMike asks, "What is/was your favorite memory at Rentschler Field?"

Harry Swartz: I'd have to say the win over St. Louis. Nothing better than a win, especially in front of our amazing fans!

Nicky Downs: Beating St. Louis and getting our first official Championship home win. It was especially exciting to win the game in the final minutes.

Alex Dixon: Seeing the fans Rock The Rent 12,000 strong for our first ever home match was an incredible sight. The energy and atmosphere that night was electric! 

@DamonTweet asks, "What’s the difference between Jelly and Jam?"

In jelly, the fruit comes in the form of fruit juice. Jelly has the smoothest consistency and is usually clear. In jam, the fruit comes in the form of fruit pulp or crushed fruit. This makes jam less stiff than jelly.

Jenna Z asks, "Are you planning to come out with player jerseys?"

We've gotten this question a lot as I'm sure you're all dying to get jerseys with your favorite player on the back. If you go over to TeamSports (which has three locations – one in Farmington, one in Glastonbury, and one in West Springfield) you can order customized jerseys at their store. You can not order these online yet. 

NEXT HOME MATCH:

The Boys in Green are home tomorrow night, June 28th, at 7:30 PM against Bethlehem Steel FC! Gates at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field open at 6:30 PM, and we've got $5 Draft Beers until the 19th minute. Get your tickets here, and get ready to #RockTheRent!

Welcome back to the mailbag! The questions get better and better with each week. Keep ’em coming! If you want to submit a question for the mailbag, click here. Let’s get to your questions:

Jill S asks, “Where is the parking at Dillon Stadium? Is there a charge for parking?”

There is plenty of parking at Dillon Stadium and parking will cost $10. We’ll have parking in many of the surrounding lots as well as some parking at Bulkley High School. Check out the map below for parking:

For more information on Dillon Stadium go to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/dillon-stadium.

Darren B asks, “Can we wave flags?”

Hi Darren, at Rentschler Field you can bring in a flag, but not a flagpole. Flags must enter with the Supporters Groups. At Dillon Stadium, however, you will be allowed to bring in flags on flagpoles.

Cristobal R asks, “Will there be a brass bonanza button?”

There is always a brass bonanza button my friend

@CTSoccerMike asks, “What is/was your favorite memory at Rentschler Field?”

Harry Swartz: I’d have to say the win over St. Louis. Nothing better than a win, especially in front of our amazing fans!

Nicky Downs: Beating St. Louis and getting our first official Championship home win. It was especially exciting to win the game in the final minutes.

Alex Dixon: Seeing the fans Rock The Rent 12,000 strong for our first ever home match was an incredible sight. The energy and atmosphere that night was electric! 

@DamonTweet asks, “What’s the difference between Jelly and Jam?”

In jelly, the fruit comes in the form of fruit juice. Jelly has the smoothest consistency and is usually clear. In jam, the fruit comes in the form of fruit pulp or crushed fruit. This makes jam less stiff than jelly.

Jenna Z asks, “Are you planning to come out with player jerseys?”

We’ve gotten this question a lot as I’m sure you’re all dying to get jerseys with your favorite player on the back. If you go over to TeamSports (which has three locations – one in Farmington, one in Glastonbury, and one in West Springfield) you can order customized jerseys at their store. You can not order these online yet. 

NEXT HOME MATCH:

The Boys in Green are home tomorrow night, June 28th, at 7:30 PM against Bethlehem Steel FC! Gates at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field open at 6:30 PM, and we’ve got $5 Draft Beers until the 19th minute. Get your tickets here, and get ready to #RockTheRent!

FC Cincinnati have recalled defender Logan Gdula from Hartford Athletic. Gdula will be available for selection for FC Cincinnati’s match against Minnesota United FC on June 29.

Gdula rejoins FC Cincinnati after making six appearances, all starts, across all competitions with Hartford Athletic. The defender recorded his first professional goal at Birmingham Legion FC this past Saturday. 

Hartford Athletic will be back at home on Friday night against Bethlehem Steel FC. Tickets start as low as $10 and can be purchased here. 

FC Cincinnati have recalled defender Logan Gdula from Hartford Athletic. Gdula will be available for selection for FC Cincinnati’s match against Minnesota United FC on June 29.

Gdula rejoins FC Cincinnati after making six appearances, all starts, across all competitions with Hartford Athletic. The defender recorded his first professional goal at Birmingham Legion FC this past Saturday. 

Hartford Athletic will be back at home on Friday night against Bethlehem Steel FC. Tickets start as low as $10 and can be purchased here. 

Hartford Athletic looks to rebound from last weekend’s heartbreaking home defeat as it travels to Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday evening. Here’s what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC at BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC

Date: Saturday, June 22

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Location: BBVA Compass Field, Birmingham, AL

Streaming: ESPN+

Local TV: None

WHERE TO WATCH: 

Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, 140 Huyshope Ave., Hartford

City Steam Brewery and Cafe, 942 Main St., Hartford

TK's American Cafe, 255 White St., Danbury 

2nd Bridge Brewing Co., 642 Hilliard St., Manchester

Lakeview Restaurant & Bar, 50 Lake St., Coventry

V's Trattoria, 280 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103

LAST TIME OUT: 

Hartford Athletic fell against top-three side Nashville SC on Sunday afternoon, suffering a crushing, 3-2 defeat in the friendly confines of Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Nashville broke the initial deadlock in the 31st minute; Ropapa Mensah scooped up an errant pass from Hartford goalkeeper Frederik Due and played it across for teammate Daniel Ríos, who calmly placed his shot in the back of the net. Hartford replied swiftly and decisively, taking control of the match in the following 30 minutes. Winger Sebastian Dalgaard produced the equalizer in the 32nd, poking his head at Raymond Lee’s diagonal cross and driving the ball past Nashville Goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Defender Sem de Wit got the better of Pickens 26 minutes later, as his looping header soared into the side netting. However, Nashville would not be denied in the final third of the match, grabbing two goals to sneak out of Hartford with a victory. Their equalizer came in the 62nd minute, when Lebo Moloto cleaned up a mess in the Hartford penalty area by slotting his rebound shot past Due. Then, substitute Cameron Lancaster broke Hartford hearts with an astonishing bar-down screamer from about 20 yards, giving Nashville a 3-2 lead it would not relinquish.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Sem de Wit, D 

de Wit is arguably Hartford’s most consistent defender, serving as a true leader in his center back role. The young Dutchman wards off opposition attacks in composed fashion, and his contributions have undoubtedly help Athletic ascend the Eastern Conference standings. The 23-year old is among the team leaders in interceptions (27, T-1st) and tackles won (15, 4th) and total duels won (80, 2nd), while also leading the squad in aerial duels won (47). If de Wit can log a solid performance on Saturday, Birmingham will struggle to hit the back of the net. 

Birmingham Legion FC – Matt Van Oekel, GK 

Birmingham has been struggling at the back recently, conceding 10 goals in its last 4 matches (all losses). Van Oekel has done his best to compensate for his side’s porous defensive line, but he has still conceded 19 goals in 9 appearances and currently posts a 61.2% save rate. The 32-year old is battling with Trevor Spangenberg for the starting job, and he will undoubtedly look to impress coach Tom Soehn if he gets the nod on Saturday night. If Hartford wants to bounce back this weekend, it must pepper the Birmingham goal and hope Van Oekel’s struggles persist.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Birmingham Legion FC sits in 14th in the Eastern Conference standings, four points off playoff pace and three points ahead of Hartford Athletic. However, Coach Soehn’s side have struggled mightily of late, failing to win any of its last nine USL Championship matches, dropping its last five games (all competitions), and obtaining only two points in that span. After exploding for 6 goals in its first 4 league contests, the Legion attack has cooled off considerably, hitting the back of the net only 5 times since April 13th and tumbling down to the bottom of the USL Championship goal standings.

FOLLOW ONLINE: 

Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @hfdathletic or by following #BHMvHFD

Hartford Athletic looks to rebound from last weekend’s heartbreaking home defeat as it travels to Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday evening. Here’s what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC at BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC

Date: Saturday, June 22

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Location: BBVA Compass Field, Birmingham, AL

Streaming: ESPN+

Local TV: None

WHERE TO WATCH: 

Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, 140 Huyshope Ave., Hartford

City Steam Brewery and Cafe, 942 Main St., Hartford

TK’s American Cafe, 255 White St., Danbury 

2nd Bridge Brewing Co., 642 Hilliard St., Manchester

Lakeview Restaurant & Bar, 50 Lake St., Coventry

V’s Trattoria, 280 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103

LAST TIME OUT: 

Hartford Athletic fell against top-three side Nashville SC on Sunday afternoon, suffering a crushing, 3-2 defeat in the friendly confines of Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Nashville broke the initial deadlock in the 31st minute; Ropapa Mensah scooped up an errant pass from Hartford goalkeeper Frederik Due and played it across for teammate Daniel Ríos, who calmly placed his shot in the back of the net. Hartford replied swiftly and decisively, taking control of the match in the following 30 minutes. Winger Sebastian Dalgaard produced the equalizer in the 32nd, poking his head at Raymond Lee’s diagonal cross and driving the ball past Nashville Goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Defender Sem de Wit got the better of Pickens 26 minutes later, as his looping header soared into the side netting. However, Nashville would not be denied in the final third of the match, grabbing two goals to sneak out of Hartford with a victory. Their equalizer came in the 62nd minute, when Lebo Moloto cleaned up a mess in the Hartford penalty area by slotting his rebound shot past Due. Then, substitute Cameron Lancaster broke Hartford hearts with an astonishing bar-down screamer from about 20 yards, giving Nashville a 3-2 lead it would not relinquish.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Sem de Wit, D 

de Wit is arguably Hartford’s most consistent defender, serving as a true leader in his center back role. The young Dutchman wards off opposition attacks in composed fashion, and his contributions have undoubtedly help Athletic ascend the Eastern Conference standings. The 23-year old is among the team leaders in interceptions (27, T-1st) and tackles won (15, 4th) and total duels won (80, 2nd), while also leading the squad in aerial duels won (47). If de Wit can log a solid performance on Saturday, Birmingham will struggle to hit the back of the net. 

Birmingham Legion FC – Matt Van Oekel, GK 

Birmingham has been struggling at the back recently, conceding 10 goals in its last 4 matches (all losses). Van Oekel has done his best to compensate for his side’s porous defensive line, but he has still conceded 19 goals in 9 appearances and currently posts a 61.2% save rate. The 32-year old is battling with Trevor Spangenberg for the starting job, and he will undoubtedly look to impress coach Tom Soehn if he gets the nod on Saturday night. If Hartford wants to bounce back this weekend, it must pepper the Birmingham goal and hope Van Oekel’s struggles persist.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Birmingham Legion FC sits in 14th in the Eastern Conference standings, four points off playoff pace and three points ahead of Hartford Athletic. However, Coach Soehn’s side have struggled mightily of late, failing to win any of its last nine USL Championship matches, dropping its last five games (all competitions), and obtaining only two points in that span. After exploding for 6 goals in its first 4 league contests, the Legion attack has cooled off considerably, hitting the back of the net only 5 times since April 13th and tumbling down to the bottom of the USL Championship goal standings.

FOLLOW ONLINE: 

Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @hfdathletic or by following #BHMvHFD

Welcome to another edition of the Mailbag! Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! If you want to submit a question to the mailbag, click here. Let's get right to it:

Nancy K. asks, "What will be the handicapped accessibility at Dillon Stadium?"

We are very conscious of all our customers, and the fan always comes first. We are well-equipped with handicapped accessibility at Dillon Stadium, and to purchase a handicap seating option please call 860-216-0816 and select option 2. One of our representatives will be happy to help you.

Cristobal R. asks, "Is there a Kitman?"

There is a Kitman, his name is Mike Peters, and he is a LEGEND! Mike does all the dirty work behind the scenes making sure our players have everything they need for matches and practices. Click here to read more about Mike.

Tom K. asks, "Why no watch parties in the New Haven area?"

While we may not have a bar in the New Haven area, you should connect with Elm City Casuals who often gathers at local New Haven bars to watch our away matches. Of course, you'll probably have to join them at Dillon Stadium for our home matches – the best watch party of them all.

@L33tsw33p3r asks, "If a woodchuck could chuck wood, how much wood would a woodchuck chuck?"

Woodchucks don't actually chuck wood, of course, but, since they are a burrowing rodent, they do know well how to toss around some dirt. So calculating a typical size of a woodchuck burrow, which consists of three rooms and a tunnel leading to it that is roughly six inches wide and extends 25 to 30 feet, 35 square feet of soil needs to be excavated to create such a burrow. Knowing that a cubic foot of soil weighs 20 pounds, a woodchuck can chuck 700 pounds of dirt. Should a woodchuck be so inclined, he could chuck about 700 pounds of wood as well.

Robert I. asks, "Where can I get an Athletic car magnet – I don’t see them on line and I am happy to see them on other cars – I need to get them for my cars too!"

Unfortunately we don't sell the magnets online – but we do give them away when we attend different events throughout CT.  Come find us on Friday at the United Way Block Party in Hartford or on Saturday at Guilford's Soccerfest to get yours!

Neil M. asks, "How much will parking be at Dillon Stadium? Will there be different parking options?"

Great news – parking at Dillon Stadium will be just $10. There will be plenty of parking options around the stadium as well as other options that are short walks away like the Convention Center garage. 

NEXT HOME MATCH:

The Boys in Green are on the road this weekend to take on Birmingham Legion FC, but will return home next Friday night, June 28th, at 7:30 PM! Gates at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field open at 6:30 PM, and we've got $5 Draft Beers. Get your tickets here, and get ready to #RockTheRent!

Welcome to another edition of the Mailbag! Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! If you want to submit a question to the mailbag, click here. Let’s get right to it:

Nancy K. asks, “What will be the handicapped accessibility at Dillon Stadium?”

We are very conscious of all our customers, and the fan always comes first. We are well-equipped with handicapped accessibility at Dillon Stadium, and to purchase a handicap seating option please call 860-216-0816 and select option 2. One of our representatives will be happy to help you.

Cristobal R. asks, “Is there a Kitman?”

There is a Kitman, his name is Mike Peters, and he is a LEGEND! Mike does all the dirty work behind the scenes making sure our players have everything they need for matches and practices. Click here to read more about Mike.

Tom K. asks, “Why no watch parties in the New Haven area?”

While we may not have a bar in the New Haven area, you should connect with Elm City Casuals who often gathers at local New Haven bars to watch our away matches. Of course, you’ll probably have to join them at Dillon Stadium for our home matches – the best watch party of them all.

@L33tsw33p3r asks, “If a woodchuck could chuck wood, how much wood would a woodchuck chuck?”

Woodchucks don’t actually chuck wood, of course, but, since they are a burrowing rodent, they do know well how to toss around some dirt. So calculating a typical size of a woodchuck burrow, which consists of three rooms and a tunnel leading to it that is roughly six inches wide and extends 25 to 30 feet, 35 square feet of soil needs to be excavated to create such a burrow. Knowing that a cubic foot of soil weighs 20 pounds, a woodchuck can chuck 700 pounds of dirt. Should a woodchuck be so inclined, he could chuck about 700 pounds of wood as well.

Robert I. asks, “Where can I get an Athletic car magnet – I don’t see them on line and I am happy to see them on other cars – I need to get them for my cars too!”

Unfortunately we don’t sell the magnets online – but we do give them away when we attend different events throughout CT.  Come find us on Friday at the United Way Block Party in Hartford or on Saturday at Guilford’s Soccerfest to get yours!

Neil M. asks, “How much will parking be at Dillon Stadium? Will there be different parking options?”

Great news – parking at Dillon Stadium will be just $10. There will be plenty of parking options around the stadium as well as other options that are short walks away like the Convention Center garage. 

NEXT HOME MATCH:

The Boys in Green are on the road this weekend to take on Birmingham Legion FC, but will return home next Friday night, June 28th, at 7:30 PM! Gates at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field open at 6:30 PM, and we’ve got $5 Draft Beers. Get your tickets here, and get ready to #RockTheRent!

Hartford Athletic suffered its second home defeat in club history on Sunday afternoon, falling 3-2 to Nashville SC in gut-wrenching fashion. The loss snapped Hartford’s four-match unbeaten run in USL Championship play and dropped the squad to 17th in the Eastern Conference standings.

Hartford and Nashville went back and forth in the opening 30 minutes, with both sides creating (but failing to finish) a series of notable chances. Athletic created the more dangerous opportunities, with its most glaring chance coming in the 27th minute. Mads Jorgensen’s knuckling effort from a long-range free kick sailed past Nashville keeper Matt Pickens, but it ricocheted off the crossbar and the score remained level.

However, it was Nashville that eventually opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Hartford goalkeeper Frederik Due attempted to roll the ball to Logan Gdula, but Nashville winger Ropapa Mensah intercepted the pass. As he saw Due closing in, Mensah laid the ball off to Daniel Ríos, who slotted it into the bottom-right corner of the Hartford net.

Hartford responded almost instantly, getting an equalizer just one minute after conceding. Raymond Lee whipped in a beautiful diagonal cross from left side of the Nashville penalty area, and Sebastian Dalgaard’s header bounced past Pickens’ outstretched arms.

Athletic then took control of the match early in the second half. After Pickens saved a Jose Angulo penalty, Hartford broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Defender Sem De Wit floated his header past Pickens, giving Hartford its first lead of the match.

Nashville, with its back against the wall, responded like a true top-three side. The boys from the “Music City” leveled the scoreline four minutes later; although Frederik Due managed to save Ríos’ one-on-one effort, Lebo Moloto scooped up the rebound and curled it past the Hartford keeper. Then, substitute Cameron Lancaster gave Nashville a lead it would not relinquish, scoring with a stunning, bar-down rocket from just outside the Hartford penalty area. 

Hartford Athletic will travel to Birmingham Legion FC next Saturday night for a crucial Eastern Conference clash at 8 PM. The boys in green will return home to Pratt and Whitney Stadium the following Friday evening, taking on Bethlehem Steel FC at 7:30 PM.

STATS:

Shots: 32-11 NSH

Shots on Target: 11-5 NSH

Corner Kicks: 12-4 NSH

Fouls Committed: 8-5 HFD

Saves: 8-3 HFD

Offside: 1-1 HFD | NSH

Possession: 56-44 NSH

Passing Accuracy: 80-76 NSH

SCORING SUMMARY

NSH – Daniel Rios 31'

HFD – Sebastian Dalgaard 32'

HFD – Sem de Wit 58'

NSH – Lebo Moloto 62'

NSH – Cameron Lancaster 85'

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

88' – Daniel Rios (Yellow)

90 + 4' – Logan Gdula (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

Frederik Due; Raymond Lee (c.), Logan Gdula, Sem de Wit, Kyle Curinga; Nicky Downs, Mads Jørgensen, Harry Swartz (Danny Barrera 90'), Sebastian Dalgaard; Jose Angulo (Mac Steeves 74'), Wojciech Wojcik (Alex Dixon 75').

NASHVILLE SC STARTING LINEUP

Matt Pickens; Justin Davis, Darnell King, Liam Doyle; Kosuke Kimura (Kharlton Belmar 72'), Taylor Washington, Michael Reed (c.), Matt LaGrassa; Daniel Rios, Lebo Moloto (Boluwatife Akinyode 87'), Ropapa Mensah (Cameron Lancaster 68'). 

Hartford Athletic suffered its second home defeat in club history on Sunday afternoon, falling 3-2 to Nashville SC in gut-wrenching fashion. The loss snapped Hartford’s four-match unbeaten run in USL Championship play and dropped the squad to 17th in the Eastern Conference standings.

Hartford and Nashville went back and forth in the opening 30 minutes, with both sides creating (but failing to finish) a series of notable chances. Athletic created the more dangerous opportunities, with its most glaring chance coming in the 27th minute. Mads Jorgensen’s knuckling effort from a long-range free kick sailed past Nashville keeper Matt Pickens, but it ricocheted off the crossbar and the score remained level.

However, it was Nashville that eventually opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Hartford goalkeeper Frederik Due attempted to roll the ball to Logan Gdula, but Nashville winger Ropapa Mensah intercepted the pass. As he saw Due closing in, Mensah laid the ball off to Daniel Ríos, who slotted it into the bottom-right corner of the Hartford net.

Hartford responded almost instantly, getting an equalizer just one minute after conceding. Raymond Lee whipped in a beautiful diagonal cross from left side of the Nashville penalty area, and Sebastian Dalgaard’s header bounced past Pickens’ outstretched arms.

Athletic then took control of the match early in the second half. After Pickens saved a Jose Angulo penalty, Hartford broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Defender Sem De Wit floated his header past Pickens, giving Hartford its first lead of the match.

Nashville, with its back against the wall, responded like a true top-three side. The boys from the “Music City” leveled the scoreline four minutes later; although Frederik Due managed to save Ríos’ one-on-one effort, Lebo Moloto scooped up the rebound and curled it past the Hartford keeper. Then, substitute Cameron Lancaster gave Nashville a lead it would not relinquish, scoring with a stunning, bar-down rocket from just outside the Hartford penalty area. 

Hartford Athletic will travel to Birmingham Legion FC next Saturday night for a crucial Eastern Conference clash at 8 PM. The boys in green will return home to Pratt and Whitney Stadium the following Friday evening, taking on Bethlehem Steel FC at 7:30 PM.

STATS:

Shots: 32-11 NSH

Shots on Target: 11-5 NSH

Corner Kicks: 12-4 NSH

Fouls Committed: 8-5 HFD

Saves: 8-3 HFD

Offside: 1-1 HFD | NSH

Possession: 56-44 NSH

Passing Accuracy: 80-76 NSH

SCORING SUMMARY

NSH – Daniel Rios 31′

HFD – Sebastian Dalgaard 32′

HFD – Sem de Wit 58′

NSH – Lebo Moloto 62′

NSH – Cameron Lancaster 85′

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

88′ – Daniel Rios (Yellow)

90 + 4′ – Logan Gdula (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

Frederik Due; Raymond Lee (c.), Logan Gdula, Sem de Wit, Kyle Curinga; Nicky Downs, Mads Jørgensen, Harry Swartz (Danny Barrera 90′), Sebastian Dalgaard; Jose Angulo (Mac Steeves 74′), Wojciech Wojcik (Alex Dixon 75′).

NASHVILLE SC STARTING LINEUP

Matt Pickens; Justin Davis, Darnell King, Liam Doyle; Kosuke Kimura (Kharlton Belmar 72′), Taylor Washington, Michael Reed (c.), Matt LaGrassa; Daniel Rios, Lebo Moloto (Boluwatife Akinyode 87′), Ropapa Mensah (Cameron Lancaster 68′). 

ATHLETIC LOOKS TO KEEP UNBEATEN STREAK ALIVE

 

Hartford Athletic, fresh off its first home win in club history last weekend, will host top-three side Nashville SC on Sunday afternoon. Hartford is currently riding a four-match unbeaten run, and it will hope to add more fuel to its playoff push with a positive result against one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. Here’s what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs NASHVILLE SC

Date: Sunday, June 16

Time: 3:00 PM ET

Location: Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field

Tickets: https://bit.ly/2MQE6Rw Use the promo code HAFDAY for a special Buy One Get One offer!

Streaming: ESPN+

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

WHERE TO WATCH: 

Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, 140 Huyshope Ave., Hartford

City Steam Brewery and Cafe, 942 Main St., Hartford

TK's American Cafe, 255 White St., Danbury 

2nd Bridge Brewing Co., 642 Hilliard St., Manchester

Lakeview Restaurant & Bar, 50 Lake St., Coventry

V's Trattoria, 280 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103

LAST TIME OUT: 

Hartford Athletic defeated Saint Louis FC at Rentschler Field last Saturday night, earning a come-from-behind, 2-1 victory. The visitors struck first in the 16th minute, when Saint Louis fullback Matt Bahner’s first-time, curling effort off a weak Hartford clearance hit the top left post and fell into the back of the net. Hartford equalized 11 minutes later, as Harry Swartz acrobatically dinked Wojciech Wojcik’s diagonal cross past the diving Jake Fenalson. Swartz, Sebastian Dalgaard, and company largely controlled the rest of the match and created numerous threatening chances, and their efforts were finally rewarded in the 84th minute. Dalgaard fielded an awkward cross and was clipped by Bahner as he cut inside, winning a penalty for Hartford. Substitute Philip Rasmussen calmly blasted the spot-kick into the top-left corner, powering the Athletic to its first-ever home win.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Sebastian Dalgaard, MF 

Dalgaard, a winger, easily possesses one of the squad’s more dangerous skillsets. The 27-year old is a phenomenal distributor, whipping in the most crosses on the team this season (31) while also tying for the team lead in key passes (13). Additionally, Dalgaard is extremely skilled with the ball at his feet, skipping past defenders on the wing and making incisive runs toward goal. The Dane was arguably Hartford’s best attacking player on Saturday night, creating 3 chances and winning the eventual go-ahead penalty. He must maintain his confidence and assertiveness if Hartford hopes to create against Nashville’s rock-solid back line. 

Nashville SC – Daniel Ríos, FW 

Ríos is one of the USL Championship’s most prolific attackers. The Mexican forward, who earned 2018 All-League First Team honors, has picked up right where he left off this season, hitting the back of the net 8 times in 14 matches (T-4th in the league). He is a complete menace in the penalty area, getting on the end of teammates’ crosses and turning them goalward. Hartford must try to close down Nashville wingers and minimize Ríos’ service in order to stymie one of the league’s best attacking sides.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Nashville SC currently occupies 3rd place in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing New York Red Bulls II and the league-best Tampa Bay Rowdies by 1 and 4 points, respectively. The “Music City” side is unbeaten in its last five league matches, winning three and drawing two over that span. The visitors are also one of the more well-rounded teams in the USL Championship, currently top ten in goals scored and goals conceded. While forward Daniel Ríos leads the team with 8 goals, South African midfielder Lebo Moloto is the side’s best assist man (4).

FOLLOW ONLINE: 

Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @hfdathletic or by following #HFDvNSH.

ATHLETIC LOOKS TO KEEP UNBEATEN STREAK ALIVE

 

Hartford Athletic, fresh off its first home win in club history last weekend, will host top-three side Nashville SC on Sunday afternoon. Hartford is currently riding a four-match unbeaten run, and it will hope to add more fuel to its playoff push with a positive result against one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. Here’s what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs NASHVILLE SC

Date: Sunday, June 16

Time: 3:00 PM ET

Location: Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field

Tickets: https://bit.ly/2MQE6Rw Use the promo code HAFDAY for a special Buy One Get One offer!

Streaming: ESPN+

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

WHERE TO WATCH: 

Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, 140 Huyshope Ave., Hartford

City Steam Brewery and Cafe, 942 Main St., Hartford

TK’s American Cafe, 255 White St., Danbury 

2nd Bridge Brewing Co., 642 Hilliard St., Manchester

Lakeview Restaurant & Bar, 50 Lake St., Coventry

V’s Trattoria, 280 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103

LAST TIME OUT: 

Hartford Athletic defeated Saint Louis FC at Rentschler Field last Saturday night, earning a come-from-behind, 2-1 victory. The visitors struck first in the 16th minute, when Saint Louis fullback Matt Bahner’s first-time, curling effort off a weak Hartford clearance hit the top left post and fell into the back of the net. Hartford equalized 11 minutes later, as Harry Swartz acrobatically dinked Wojciech Wojcik’s diagonal cross past the diving Jake Fenalson. Swartz, Sebastian Dalgaard, and company largely controlled the rest of the match and created numerous threatening chances, and their efforts were finally rewarded in the 84th minute. Dalgaard fielded an awkward cross and was clipped by Bahner as he cut inside, winning a penalty for Hartford. Substitute Philip Rasmussen calmly blasted the spot-kick into the top-left corner, powering the Athletic to its first-ever home win.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Sebastian Dalgaard, MF 

Dalgaard, a winger, easily possesses one of the squad’s more dangerous skillsets. The 27-year old is a phenomenal distributor, whipping in the most crosses on the team this season (31) while also tying for the team lead in key passes (13). Additionally, Dalgaard is extremely skilled with the ball at his feet, skipping past defenders on the wing and making incisive runs toward goal. The Dane was arguably Hartford’s best attacking player on Saturday night, creating 3 chances and winning the eventual go-ahead penalty. He must maintain his confidence and assertiveness if Hartford hopes to create against Nashville’s rock-solid back line. 

Nashville SC – Daniel Ríos, FW 

Ríos is one of the USL Championship’s most prolific attackers. The Mexican forward, who earned 2018 All-League First Team honors, has picked up right where he left off this season, hitting the back of the net 8 times in 14 matches (T-4th in the league). He is a complete menace in the penalty area, getting on the end of teammates’ crosses and turning them goalward. Hartford must try to close down Nashville wingers and minimize Ríos’ service in order to stymie one of the league’s best attacking sides.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Nashville SC currently occupies 3rd place in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing New York Red Bulls II and the league-best Tampa Bay Rowdies by 1 and 4 points, respectively. The “Music City” side is unbeaten in its last five league matches, winning three and drawing two over that span. The visitors are also one of the more well-rounded teams in the USL Championship, currently top ten in goals scored and goals conceded. While forward Daniel Ríos leads the team with 8 goals, South African midfielder Lebo Moloto is the side’s best assist man (4).

FOLLOW ONLINE: 

Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @hfdathletic or by following #HFDvNSH.

Welcome back to the Mailbag! Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! If you want to submit a question to the mailbag, click here. Let's get right to it:

Joe C. asks, "When can I buy tickets for matches at Dillon Stadium?"

Joe, great news! You can do that right now! Click here!

AthleticGreenMonster asks Harry Swartz and Wojciech Wójcik, "What your favorite spot to get pizza in New Haven? Also how does it feel to get your first home win in franchise history this week?

Harry: Such a great feeling winning in front of our unbelievable fans! Now we just have to build off Saturday and keep moving forward. As for pizza, I actually tried Modern Pizza in New Haven last night and I think that takes home the trophy for me!

Woj: Feels amazing! We’re ready to put in work this weekend! As for the pizza, Frank Pepe is my choice.

@TheRazor51 asks, "Will the Club endorse playing high school championships at Dillon?"

Absolutely! We'd love to have any number of high school events at Dillon. State Championships, the Thanksgiving Day football game, you name it, we want it to be played at Dillon. The stadium is an important community asset and we want it to be utilized as much as possible.

@CTSoccerMike asks, "If you could ask your pets any question, what would it be?"

This is another question where we'll give you a sampling of answers from people in our front office:

"Do you actually like me?"

"What is the most annoying thing I've ever done in your presence?"

"Why do you keep barking?"

"Who is your favorite person in the family?"

"What is your birth name?"

John M asks, "Are you going to eventually have more/different HA gear for the public?"

For this year, you'll mostly see the gear we've had all year long. However, there may be some exclusive gear available for purchase at a particularly important game this year…

@WhaleCity_FC asks, "When's the next $2 beer night?"

Unfortunately we don't know when the next $2 beer night is. However, for BOTH of our final matches at Rentschler Field, we'll have $5 draft beers from when the gates open until the 19th minute. We know it's not $2, but a discount is a discount right?

NEXT HOME MATCH:

Speaking of, join us on Sunday for a special Father's Day edition of Hartford Athletic soccer. Click here and use the promo code HAFDAY for an exclusive buy-one-get-one free offer! That's right, two tickets for you and Dad for the price of one! Gates at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field open at 2 PM. Get ready to #RockTheRent!

Welcome back to the Mailbag! Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! If you want to submit a question to the mailbag, click here. Let’s get right to it:

Joe C. asks, “When can I buy tickets for matches at Dillon Stadium?”

Joe, great news! You can do that right now! Click here!

AthleticGreenMonster asks Harry Swartz and Wojciech Wójcik, “What your favorite spot to get pizza in New Haven? Also how does it feel to get your first home win in franchise history this week?

Harry: Such a great feeling winning in front of our unbelievable fans! Now we just have to build off Saturday and keep moving forward. As for pizza, I actually tried Modern Pizza in New Haven last night and I think that takes home the trophy for me!

Woj: Feels amazing! We’re ready to put in work this weekend! As for the pizza, Frank Pepe is my choice.

@TheRazor51 asks, “Will the Club endorse playing high school championships at Dillon?”

Absolutely! We’d love to have any number of high school events at Dillon. State Championships, the Thanksgiving Day football game, you name it, we want it to be played at Dillon. The stadium is an important community asset and we want it to be utilized as much as possible.

@CTSoccerMike asks, “If you could ask your pets any question, what would it be?”

This is another question where we’ll give you a sampling of answers from people in our front office:

“Do you actually like me?”

“What is the most annoying thing I’ve ever done in your presence?”

“Why do you keep barking?”

“Who is your favorite person in the family?”

“What is your birth name?”

John M asks, “Are you going to eventually have more/different HA gear for the public?”

For this year, you’ll mostly see the gear we’ve had all year long. However, there may be some exclusive gear available for purchase at a particularly important game this year…

@WhaleCity_FC asks, “When’s the next $2 beer night?”

Unfortunately we don’t know when the next $2 beer night is. However, for BOTH of our final matches at Rentschler Field, we’ll have $5 draft beers from when the gates open until the 19th minute. We know it’s not $2, but a discount is a discount right?

NEXT HOME MATCH:

Speaking of, join us on Sunday for a special Father’s Day edition of Hartford Athletic soccer. Click here and use the promo code HAFDAY for an exclusive buy-one-get-one free offer! That’s right, two tickets for you and Dad for the price of one! Gates at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field open at 2 PM. Get ready to #RockTheRent!

Hartford Athletic announced the signing of Danny Barrera (Thousand Oaks, CA) for the rest of the season today, pending league and federation approval. Barrera, a 29 year-old midfielder who was born in Colombia, has totaled 97 career USL Championship appearances. Barrera played for Sacramento Republic FC from 2015-2017 and continued his career in the Championship with Fresno FC in 2018.

He made 62 appearances scoring 6 goals during his time with Sacramento. Barrera, who is the Sacramento Republic all-time leader in assists, was also named Captain of the Club. 

Prior to his professional career, Barrera made multiple appearances with the United States U17 and U18 teams. Barrera attended UC-Santa Barbara for 3 seasons where he scored 10 goals and notched 22 assists in 66 matches.

Barrera will be available for selection on Sunday at 3 PM when Hartford Athletic hosts Nashville SC. For tickets click here and use the promo code HAFDAY for a Buy One Get One Free ticket offer!

Hartford Athletic announced the signing of Danny Barrera (Thousand Oaks, CA) for the rest of the season today, pending league and federation approval. Barrera, a 29 year-old midfielder who was born in Colombia, has totaled 97 career USL Championship appearances. Barrera played for Sacramento Republic FC from 2015-2017 and continued his career in the Championship with Fresno FC in 2018.

He made 62 appearances scoring 6 goals during his time with Sacramento. Barrera, who is the Sacramento Republic all-time leader in assists, was also named Captain of the Club. 

Prior to his professional career, Barrera made multiple appearances with the United States U17 and U18 teams. Barrera attended UC-Santa Barbara for 3 seasons where he scored 10 goals and notched 22 assists in 66 matches.

Barrera will be available for selection on Sunday at 3 PM when Hartford Athletic hosts Nashville SC. For tickets click here and use the promo code HAFDAY for a Buy One Get One Free ticket offer!