News

Hartford Athletic has signed forward Sebastian Elney pending league and federation approval.  

Elney spent the past two seasons playing for Eastern Conference rival New York Red Bulls II. He made 37 appearances and scored seven goals, two of which came against the Boys in Green at Dillon Stadium. Prior to joining RBII he played four years at Maryland where he scored 17 goals in 78 games and won a National Championship in his senior season. He was also a member of the U17 and U18 US Men’s National Teams.  

“We are so excited to bring Sebastian to the club,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He will be essential to the team, contributing with goals along with a relentless energy to cover every blade of grass for the team. He will be a nightmare for any defender he plays against, not giving them a moments rest.”  

On Tuesday, Sebastian was named to Haiti’s preliminary roster for CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying. The final squads will be confirmed on March 8. 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Sebastian Elney, Tabort Etaka Preston, Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Nicolás Cardona, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic has signed forward Sebastian Elney pending league and federation approval.  

Elney spent the past two seasons playing for Eastern Conference rival New York Red Bulls II. He made 37 appearances and scored seven goals, two of which came against the Boys in Green at Dillon Stadium. Prior to joining RBII he played four years at Maryland where he scored 17 goals in 78 games and won a National Championship in his senior season. He was also a member of the U17 and U18 US Men’s National Teams.  

“We are so excited to bring Sebastian to the club,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He will be essential to the team, contributing with goals along with a relentless energy to cover every blade of grass for the team. He will be a nightmare for any defender he plays against, not giving them a moments rest.”  

On Tuesday, Sebastian was named to Haiti’s preliminary roster for CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying. The final squads will be confirmed on March 8. 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Sebastian Elney, Tabort Etaka Preston, Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Nicolás Cardona, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Background

The new defender slots in competing for center back and defensive midfielder roles. Cardona is a product of GPS Conquistadores de Guaynabo (Puerto Rico), where he was part of Youth National Teams often wearing the captain’s arm band. During his time there, he was invited by Levante UD to their Pro-Levante program and joined the High Performance Center TNGS in Spain. Cardona then was offered a scholarship by DePaul University in Chicago and finished his college degree with Assumption University in Massachusetts. In 2019, Cardona was called up to the Puerto Rico senior team for the international friendly against Hartford Athletic at Dillon Stadium and played right back in that match. Following his college career, in the summer of 2020, Cardona went to UB Conquense in the Spanish Segunda División B where he would train with the first team and play with their U23s. Cardona looks forward representing and connecting with the vibrant Puerto Rican community in Hartford and wants to open doors for more players. 

What to Watch For

• Aggressiveness in challenging for the ball, taking away space, and closing down the opposition 
• High motor and resilience boosts his defensive actions 
• Spatial awareness and strong positioning
• Positional versatility: comfortable and effective playing on and off the ball as a CDM and CB

Highlights

Background

The new defender slots in competing for center back and defensive midfielder roles. Cardona is a product of GPS Conquistadores de Guaynabo (Puerto Rico), where he was part of Youth National Teams often wearing the captain’s arm band. During his time there, he was invited by Levante UD to their Pro-Levante program and joined the High Performance Center TNGS in Spain. Cardona then was offered a scholarship by DePaul University in Chicago and finished his college degree with Assumption University in Massachusetts. In 2019, Cardona was called up to the Puerto Rico senior team for the international friendly against Hartford Athletic at Dillon Stadium and played right back in that match. Following his college career, in the summer of 2020, Cardona went to UB Conquense in the Spanish Segunda División B where he would train with the first team and play with their U23s. Cardona looks forward representing and connecting with the vibrant Puerto Rican community in Hartford and wants to open doors for more players. 

What to Watch For

• Aggressiveness in challenging for the ball, taking away space, and closing down the opposition 
• High motor and resilience boosts his defensive actions 
• Spatial awareness and strong positioning
• Positional versatility: comfortable and effective playing on and off the ball as a CDM and CB

Highlights

Cardona's Take

"I am thrilled and honored to start my professional career with Hartford Athletic. I played at Dillon Stadium in a friendly match as a member of the Puerto Rico National Team in 2019 and I'll never forget how passionate and enthusiastic the fans are. I also won't forget how the Puerto Rican community in Hartford embraced us. Representing my country on the pitch is one of the highest honors I have achieved in my career and I am excited to play professionally in a city and state that is rich with Puerto Rican culture."

Coach's Corner

“Nicolás will add some steel to our team. He has a natural passion to defend and will put it all on the line for the team. He’s very talented with the ball and will help the style of play. Having an Puerto Rican International goes to show where the club is going and how attractive we are to players playing at the highest level.” – Coach Watling

Cardona’s Take

“I am thrilled and honored to start my professional career with Hartford Athletic. I played at Dillon Stadium in a friendly match as a member of the Puerto Rico National Team in 2019 and I’ll never forget how passionate and enthusiastic the fans are. I also won’t forget how the Puerto Rican community in Hartford embraced us. Representing my country on the pitch is one of the highest honors I have achieved in my career and I am excited to play professionally in a city and state that is rich with Puerto Rican culture.”

Coach’s Corner

“Nicolás will add some steel to our team. He has a natural passion to defend and will put it all on the line for the team. He’s very talented with the ball and will help the style of play. Having an Puerto Rican International goes to show where the club is going and how attractive we are to players playing at the highest level.” – Coach Watling

Hartford Athletic has signed defender Nicolás Cardona pending league and federation approval.  

Cardona made his official debut for the Puerto Rico National Team last month in a 1-0 win over the Dominican Republic. He earned a second cap just a few days later in a 1-0 loss to Guatemala. Cardona was also a starter for Puerto Rico in 2019 when they took on Hartford Athletic in the Club’s first international friendly match at Dillon Stadium. Cardona earned 5 caps as a member of the Puerto Rico U20 team in 2018.  

“Nicolás will add some steel to our team,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He has a natural passion to defend and will put it all on the line for the team. He’s very talented with the ball and will help the style of play. Having an Puerto Rican International goes to show where the club is going and how attractive we are to players playing at the highest level.” 

Cardona played two seasons at Assumption College where he made 33 appearances, 30 of them starts. He was named captain of the team in his junior season in 2019. He was named All-NE10 Conference Second Team after a season in which he helped the team post its lowest GAA in over five years and was key in helping the team earn its best record since 2009. In the summer of 2020, he went to UB Conquense in the Spanish Segunda División B where he trained with the first team and played with the U23s. 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Tabort Etaka Preston, Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Nicolás Cardona, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic has signed defender Nicolás Cardona pending league and federation approval.  

Cardona made his official debut for the Puerto Rico National Team last month in a 1-0 win over the Dominican Republic. He earned a second cap just a few days later in a 1-0 loss to Guatemala. Cardona was also a starter for Puerto Rico in 2019 when they took on Hartford Athletic in the Club’s first international friendly match at Dillon Stadium. Cardona earned 5 caps as a member of the Puerto Rico U20 team in 2018.  

“Nicolás will add some steel to our team,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He has a natural passion to defend and will put it all on the line for the team. He’s very talented with the ball and will help the style of play. Having an Puerto Rican International goes to show where the club is going and how attractive we are to players playing at the highest level.” 

Cardona played two seasons at Assumption College where he made 33 appearances, 30 of them starts. He was named captain of the team in his junior season in 2019. He was named All-NE10 Conference Second Team after a season in which he helped the team post its lowest GAA in over five years and was key in helping the team earn its best record since 2009. In the summer of 2020, he went to UB Conquense in the Spanish Segunda División B where he trained with the first team and played with the U23s. 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Tabort Etaka Preston, Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Nicolás Cardona, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what's going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, hear from some fellow Hartford Athletic fans about their experiences with the club. Additionally, scroll to the bottom of the page to read about a player whose name you may have not heard about in a while.

From Your Fellow Fan…

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what’s going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, hear from some fellow Hartford Athletic fans about their experiences with the club. Additionally, scroll to the bottom of the page to read about a player whose name you may have not heard about in a while.

From Your Fellow Fan…

Around the USL:

– League shows love for Hartford’s newest signing 

https://twitter.com/USLChampionship/status/1362507181132705792?s=20

– 2021 USL match ball unveiled 

Championship, Select Unveil Official 2021 Match Ball (uslchampionship.com)

Alexandre Pato comes to Major League Soccer 

Pato is a name that if you have been following Soccer for a while, you will recognize. Alexandre Pato is still only 31 years old, but it feels like hes been around the game forever. If anyone needs a refresher about Pato’s natural ability, watch this video of him scoring at the Camp Nou in 24 seconds.

https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1362779159991361537?s=20

After bouncing around multiple clubs and continents over the last 5-10 years, Pato has found a home in MLS. Orlando City announced this past week that the Brazilian will be joining them for the 2021 season. In past years, the league has seen forwards come to America and revitlize their careers. Sebastian Giovinco, Bradley Wright Phillips, and Jozy Altidore to name a few.

Pato is a player with experience and pedigree but will certainly have his work cut out for him. Orlando City already have talented forwards at their disposable. The likes of Tesho Akinola, Benji Michel, and Daryl Dike all posses quality. Be on the lookout for Pato in the 2021 season and maybe see some shades of the Pato that we fell in love with at AC Milan. 

Around the USL:

– League shows love for Hartford’s newest signing 

https://twitter.com/USLChampionship/status/1362507181132705792?s=20

– 2021 USL match ball unveiled 

Championship, Select Unveil Official 2021 Match Ball (uslchampionship.com)

Alexandre Pato comes to Major League Soccer 

Pato is a name that if you have been following Soccer for a while, you will recognize. Alexandre Pato is still only 31 years old, but it feels like hes been around the game forever. If anyone needs a refresher about Pato’s natural ability, watch this video of him scoring at the Camp Nou in 24 seconds.

https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1362779159991361537?s=20

After bouncing around multiple clubs and continents over the last 5-10 years, Pato has found a home in MLS. Orlando City announced this past week that the Brazilian will be joining them for the 2021 season. In past years, the league has seen forwards come to America and revitlize their careers. Sebastian Giovinco, Bradley Wright Phillips, and Jozy Altidore to name a few.

Pato is a player with experience and pedigree but will certainly have his work cut out for him. Orlando City already have talented forwards at their disposable. The likes of Tesho Akinola, Benji Michel, and Daryl Dike all posses quality. Be on the lookout for Pato in the 2021 season and maybe see some shades of the Pato that we fell in love with at AC Milan. 

Background

Hailing from Cameroon, Tabort Etaka Preston will compete for roles in the attacking front. Preston has the ability to play both as a forward and as a winger. The 22-year-old got his first taste of professional soccer playing for New Star FC in Cameroon's top flight. Preston has been part of Youth National Teams, playing for Cameroon in the U-20 African Cup of Nations in 2017. Over the course of his career, Preston has played in Europe including Albania and the Czech Republic. Despite his young age, he already has plenty of experience in the USL Championship, playing for three different teams (Charlotte, Las Vegas, and San Antonio) including a stellar 2019 season with Las Vegas, where he scored 8 goals and had 3 assists in 31 games. Preston defines himself as a team player that wants to make an impact and leave a legacy.  The Cameroonian is still a stranger to the New England area, but is eager to meet his new teammates and get to work to be ready for the upcoming season.

What to Watch For

• Aggressiveness and ability to take players on 1v1 to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
• Pace in the final third and attacking on the counter.
• Smart without the ball, good positioning in between the lines that allows him to be an option to receive a pass and go attack the opposition's back-line.
• Positional versatility: Feels comfortable playing both as a classic number 9 striker and as a winger, especially on the right wing.

Highlights

Background

Hailing from Cameroon, Tabort Etaka Preston will compete for roles in the attacking front. Preston has the ability to play both as a forward and as a winger. The 22-year-old got his first taste of professional soccer playing for New Star FC in Cameroon’s top flight. Preston has been part of Youth National Teams, playing for Cameroon in the U-20 African Cup of Nations in 2017. Over the course of his career, Preston has played in Europe including Albania and the Czech Republic. Despite his young age, he already has plenty of experience in the USL Championship, playing for three different teams (Charlotte, Las Vegas, and San Antonio) including a stellar 2019 season with Las Vegas, where he scored 8 goals and had 3 assists in 31 games. Preston defines himself as a team player that wants to make an impact and leave a legacy.  The Cameroonian is still a stranger to the New England area, but is eager to meet his new teammates and get to work to be ready for the upcoming season.

What to Watch For

• Aggressiveness and ability to take players on 1v1 to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
• Pace in the final third and attacking on the counter.
• Smart without the ball, good positioning in between the lines that allows him to be an option to receive a pass and go attack the opposition’s back-line.
• Positional versatility: Feels comfortable playing both as a classic number 9 striker and as a winger, especially on the right wing.

Highlights

Preston's Take

"I am so excited to have signed with Hartford for the coming season! I have been training for weeks and can't wait to get started. I look forward to meeting Coach Watling and learning more about his style of play. Most importantly, I can't wait to score goals and celebrate with a little Brass Bonanza."

Coach's Corner

"Preston has an X factor. He's an exciting attacking player who will be a fan favorite. Adding goals and assists to the roster was key and in Preston, I trust his ability to do exactly that." – Harry Watling

Preston’s Take

“I am so excited to have signed with Hartford for the coming season! I have been training for weeks and can’t wait to get started. I look forward to meeting Coach Watling and learning more about his style of play. Most importantly, I can’t wait to score goals and celebrate with a little Brass Bonanza.”

Coach’s Corner

“Preston has an X factor. He’s an exciting attacking player who will be a fan favorite. Adding goals and assists to the roster was key and in Preston, I trust his ability to do exactly that.” – Harry Watling

Hartford Athletic has signed Cameroonian Forward Tabort Etaka Preston pending league and federation approval.  

Preston’s top season in the USL Championship came in 2019 as a member of Las Vegas Lights FC. In 31 league appearances with Las Vegas, Preston scored eight goals and recorded three assists in 2,249 minutes played. The 21-year-old also added 34 key passes over the course of the season for the Lights. 

“Preston has an X factor. He’s an exciting attacking player who will be a fan favorite,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “Adding goals and assists to the roster was key and in Preston, I trust his ability to do exactly that.” 

The forward has also spent time in the Albanian first division with KS Kastrioti Kruje where he played during the 2018-19 season. In addition, the Cameroon native has represented his country at the U-20 level where he made three appearances at the African U-20 Cup of Nations in 2017. He signed with San Antonio FC to start the 2020 season, but mutually parted ways with the club shortly after the season’s restart.  

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Tabort Etaka Preston, Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic has signed Cameroonian Forward Tabort Etaka Preston pending league and federation approval.  

Preston’s top season in the USL Championship came in 2019 as a member of Las Vegas Lights FC. In 31 league appearances with Las Vegas, Preston scored eight goals and recorded three assists in 2,249 minutes played. The 21-year-old also added 34 key passes over the course of the season for the Lights. 

“Preston has an X factor. He’s an exciting attacking player who will be a fan favorite,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “Adding goals and assists to the roster was key and in Preston, I trust his ability to do exactly that.” 

The forward has also spent time in the Albanian first division with KS Kastrioti Kruje where he played during the 2018-19 season. In addition, the Cameroon native has represented his country at the U-20 level where he made three appearances at the African U-20 Cup of Nations in 2017. He signed with San Antonio FC to start the 2020 season, but mutually parted ways with the club shortly after the season’s restart.  

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Tabort Etaka Preston, Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic has signed 22-year-old midfielder Luka Prpa pending league and federation approval.  

After a decorated collegiate career at Marquette University, Prpa played his rookie season with Western Conference side Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in 2020. He appeared in ten matches, starting seven, and recorded two goals and an assist in 569 minutes. He was also tied for second on the team with thirteen chances created.  

During his four years at Marquette, Prpa was named All-Big East First Team, All-Big East Second Team (2x), All-Big East Freshman Team and Big East Freshman of the Year. He scored 18 goals and had 21 assists over four years. The Houston Dynamo selected him with the 34th overall pick of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. In his youth career, Luka was a member of the U-14, U-15, and U-17 national teams. 

“Luka is exactly the type of player I wanted to bring to Hartford,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He is technically and tactically capable of carrying out the philosophy we want to implement and a player who will give everything for the shirt. He’s young, fearless, and exciting with the ball and shows bright imagination. We have a good one in Luka!” 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic has signed 22-year-old midfielder Luka Prpa pending league and federation approval.  

After a decorated collegiate career at Marquette University, Prpa played his rookie season with Western Conference side Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in 2020. He appeared in ten matches, starting seven, and recorded two goals and an assist in 569 minutes. He was also tied for second on the team with thirteen chances created.  

During his four years at Marquette, Prpa was named All-Big East First Team, All-Big East Second Team (2x), All-Big East Freshman Team and Big East Freshman of the Year. He scored 18 goals and had 21 assists over four years. The Houston Dynamo selected him with the 34th overall pick of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. In his youth career, Luka was a member of the U-14, U-15, and U-17 national teams. 

“Luka is exactly the type of player I wanted to bring to Hartford,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He is technically and tactically capable of carrying out the philosophy we want to implement and a player who will give everything for the shirt. He’s young, fearless, and exciting with the ball and shows bright imagination. We have a good one in Luka!” 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what's going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, find out which US men’s national team player played with Conor McGlynn in this edition of  “Playing Favorites”. Plus, an update on the updated format of this year's US Open Cup.

Playing favorites with Conor McGlynn

Favorite part about playing at Dillon? 

CM: Getting to give it my all in front of the best fans in the USL

Favorite memory as a Hartford Athletic player

CM: Scoring the goal against NYRB2 to secure first in the group or getting to play against/ tackle Jack

Best player you’ve ever played with/against?

CM: Weston McKennie. He was my roommate at U14 National Camp for a week. Christian Pulisic was also at that camp.

Favorite offseason activity?

CM: Learning new languages (Spanish and Portuguese)

Favorite US city?

CM: New York City

Favorite TV show?

CM: The Office

Favorite music?

CM: EDM

Favorite restaurant in CT?

CM: Frank Pepe's Pizza

Around the USL

– For those die-hard Hartford Athletic fans, you may remember our first victory as a club, a 2-1 win over New York Cosmos in the US Open Cup. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament did not take place in 2020 and will take place in an abbreviated form in 2021. Click the link below to read more.

U.S. Soccer Announces Open Cup Schedule, Format, Contingency Plan (uslchampionship.com)

Tigres becomes first North American club to make the Club World Cup Final  

Tigres fell to European champions Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Club World Cup Final in Qatar on Thursday. Despite the loss, the Liga MX club made history. Tigres became the first CONCACAF club (The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) to make it to the final of the Club world cup. 

How did Tigres get to play the Champions League winners Bayern Munich in the final? The Mexican club needed to win the CONCACAF Champions League to qualify for the Club World Cup, which they did back in December defeating MLS side LAFC 2-1 in the final. The player who scored the winning goal in that game was André-Pierre Gignac. The 35-year-old French striker continued his hot goalscoring streak into this tournament winning the golden boot with three goals in four games. But, his outstanding performance in the tournament wasn’t enough in the final to match a Benjamin Pavard goal and sixth trophy in a row for Bayern Munich.

Gignac, the Tigres players, and supporters will surely be proud of the way they played throughout this season and the road to the final. Tigres has now solidified itself as the cream of the crop in North American Soccer. 

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what’s going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, find out which US men’s national team player played with Conor McGlynn in this edition of  “Playing Favorites”. Plus, an update on the updated format of this year’s US Open Cup.

Playing favorites with Conor McGlynn

Favorite part about playing at Dillon? 

CM: Getting to give it my all in front of the best fans in the USL

Favorite memory as a Hartford Athletic player

CM: Scoring the goal against NYRB2 to secure first in the group or getting to play against/ tackle Jack

Best player you’ve ever played with/against?

CM: Weston McKennie. He was my roommate at U14 National Camp for a week. Christian Pulisic was also at that camp.

Favorite offseason activity?

CM: Learning new languages (Spanish and Portuguese)

Favorite US city?

CM: New York City

Favorite TV show?

CM: The Office

Favorite music?

CM: EDM

Favorite restaurant in CT?

CM: Frank Pepe’s Pizza

Around the USL

– For those die-hard Hartford Athletic fans, you may remember our first victory as a club, a 2-1 win over New York Cosmos in the US Open Cup. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament did not take place in 2020 and will take place in an abbreviated form in 2021. Click the link below to read more.

U.S. Soccer Announces Open Cup Schedule, Format, Contingency Plan (uslchampionship.com)

Tigres becomes first North American club to make the Club World Cup Final  

Tigres fell to European champions Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Club World Cup Final in Qatar on Thursday. Despite the loss, the Liga MX club made history. Tigres became the first CONCACAF club (The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) to make it to the final of the Club world cup. 

How did Tigres get to play the Champions League winners Bayern Munich in the final? The Mexican club needed to win the CONCACAF Champions League to qualify for the Club World Cup, which they did back in December defeating MLS side LAFC 2-1 in the final. The player who scored the winning goal in that game was André-Pierre Gignac. The 35-year-old French striker continued his hot goalscoring streak into this tournament winning the golden boot with three goals in four games. But, his outstanding performance in the tournament wasn’t enough in the final to match a Benjamin Pavard goal and sixth trophy in a row for Bayern Munich.

Gignac, the Tigres players, and supporters will surely be proud of the way they played throughout this season and the road to the final. Tigres has now solidified itself as the cream of the crop in North American Soccer. 

HARTFORD, Conn. (February 9, 2021) – Hartford Athletic has announced the launch of its new Green & Blue Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation strives to make a difference in underserved communities through the Club’s five key Community Support Pillars:  

• Health and Wellness  

• Youth and Family Education  

• Diversity and Inclusion  

• Veterans and First Responder Support  

• Economic Development 

“From day one, Hartford Athletic has aspired to deepen our roots in the community, enhance the lives of those in need, and work hard every day to make our home the best place to live, work, and play,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell. “The Green & Blue Foundation will allow us to continue to deliver on this mission. Over the past two seasons we have hosted and participated in hundreds of community events and programs in our community. We are excited to take this to the next level with the launch of the Foundation.” 

The Green & Blue Foundation, which has already raised over $100,000 in donations, seeks to promote hope and growth throughout Connecticut by delivering programs that enhance the lives of all in our community. New initiatives in development for 2021 include:  

• Veterans and Diversity Hiring Expo 

• STEM & Soccer Education Day 

• Changemakers platform  

The Changemakers platform is focused on identifying inequities and implementing change in the community. Changemakers will kick off with a Women’s Leadership Series in conjunction with the United Nations Global Goals World Cup team to focus on Global Goal #10, Reduced Inequalities.  

In just its first two seasons Hartford Athletic and its corporate partners have worked together to make a major impact on the local community. Notable programs include donating over 20,000 meals to Foodshare, raising almost $30,000 for Girls for Technology and Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford via the Annual Match for a Cause, supporting 15 local businesses impacted by COVID-19 through Shop For a Cause, and more. 

“We can’t say enough about the great work Hartford Athletic does for us at Foodshare,” said CEO Jason Jakubowski. “Between the Goals for Meals program and the Shop for a Cause program, Hartford Athletic has helped us distribute more than 20,000 meals in central Connecticut over the past two years. We cannot thank them enough.” 

“We are excited for the launch of the Green & Blue Foundation,” added Sam Gray, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. "This will have a tremendous impact on families in the Greater Hartford community.” 

Allison Mannette, a Connecticut native and Central Connecticut State graduate, has been named the Director of the Foundation. Lily Donatelli, also a Connecticut native and Hartford Athletic’s Community Engagement Manager, will also oversee the implementation of the Foundation’s activities. 

“Allison and Lily have done an excellent job establishing our presence in the community, and as an organization we are excited to continue to develop leaders,” Mandell added. “Their talent and passion for community engagement is the perfect fit for the launch of our Foundation.”  

The Green & Blue Foundation also unveiled its logo. 

HARTFORD, Conn. (February 9, 2021) – Hartford Athletic has announced the launch of its new Green & Blue Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation strives to make a difference in underserved communities through the Club’s five key Community Support Pillars:  

• Health and Wellness  

• Youth and Family Education  

• Diversity and Inclusion  

• Veterans and First Responder Support  

• Economic Development 

“From day one, Hartford Athletic has aspired to deepen our roots in the community, enhance the lives of those in need, and work hard every day to make our home the best place to live, work, and play,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell. “The Green & Blue Foundation will allow us to continue to deliver on this mission. Over the past two seasons we have hosted and participated in hundreds of community events and programs in our community. We are excited to take this to the next level with the launch of the Foundation.” 

The Green & Blue Foundation, which has already raised over $100,000 in donations, seeks to promote hope and growth throughout Connecticut by delivering programs that enhance the lives of all in our community. New initiatives in development for 2021 include:  

• Veterans and Diversity Hiring Expo 

• STEM & Soccer Education Day 

• Changemakers platform  

The Changemakers platform is focused on identifying inequities and implementing change in the community. Changemakers will kick off with a Women’s Leadership Series in conjunction with the United Nations Global Goals World Cup team to focus on Global Goal #10, Reduced Inequalities.  

In just its first two seasons Hartford Athletic and its corporate partners have worked together to make a major impact on the local community. Notable programs include donating over 20,000 meals to Foodshare, raising almost $30,000 for Girls for Technology and Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford via the Annual Match for a Cause, supporting 15 local businesses impacted by COVID-19 through Shop For a Cause, and more. 

“We can’t say enough about the great work Hartford Athletic does for us at Foodshare,” said CEO Jason Jakubowski. “Between the Goals for Meals program and the Shop for a Cause program, Hartford Athletic has helped us distribute more than 20,000 meals in central Connecticut over the past two years. We cannot thank them enough.” 

“We are excited for the launch of the Green & Blue Foundation,” added Sam Gray, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. “This will have a tremendous impact on families in the Greater Hartford community.” 

Allison Mannette, a Connecticut native and Central Connecticut State graduate, has been named the Director of the Foundation. Lily Donatelli, also a Connecticut native and Hartford Athletic’s Community Engagement Manager, will also oversee the implementation of the Foundation’s activities. 

“Allison and Lily have done an excellent job establishing our presence in the community, and as an organization we are excited to continue to develop leaders,” Mandell added. “Their talent and passion for community engagement is the perfect fit for the launch of our Foundation.”  

The Green & Blue Foundation also unveiled its logo. 

For more information about the Green & Blue Foundation and ways that you can get involved, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/foundation or email Allison Mannette directly at amannette@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic.

For more information about the Green & Blue Foundation and ways that you can get involved, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/foundation or email Allison Mannette directly at amannette@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic.