News

Hartford Athletic has re-signed Midfielder Christian Gómez for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

"I am very happy to be back in Hartford for another season,” Gómez said. “I want to thank the Technical Staff for giving me another opportunity to play the game I love. I look forward to getting back out on the pitch and giving everything I have for this club.” 

Gómez made his Hartford debut on June 13, coming off the bench in the 62nd minute of a 3-2 road loss to Charlotte Independence. He played 723 minutes over 13 appearances with 10 starts. He had 2 assists, 8 key passes and completed 80.1% of his passes, including 60.7% of his long passes.  

"Christian is an incredibly talented player and I’m pleased to have him back in the squad next season,” said Head Coach Harry Watling. “Christian will add quality depth and competition to our midfield and I expect that he will push himself and others to be the best possible versions of themselves.” 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2022 season: 

Forwards: Jeciel Cedeño, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. 

Midfielders: Danny Barrera, Christian Gómez, Conor McGlynn 

Defenders: Younes Boudadi, Tulu 

More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic has re-signed Midfielder Christian Gómez for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

“I am very happy to be back in Hartford for another season,” Gómez said. “I want to thank the Technical Staff for giving me another opportunity to play the game I love. I look forward to getting back out on the pitch and giving everything I have for this club.” 

Gómez made his Hartford debut on June 13, coming off the bench in the 62nd minute of a 3-2 road loss to Charlotte Independence. He played 723 minutes over 13 appearances with 10 starts. He had 2 assists, 8 key passes and completed 80.1% of his passes, including 60.7% of his long passes.  

“Christian is an incredibly talented player and I’m pleased to have him back in the squad next season,” said Head Coach Harry Watling. “Christian will add quality depth and competition to our midfield and I expect that he will push himself and others to be the best possible versions of themselves.” 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2022 season: 

Forwards: Jeciel Cedeño, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. 

Midfielders: Danny Barrera, Christian Gómez, Conor McGlynn 

Defenders: Younes Boudadi, Tulu 

More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic announced today that Forward Walmer Martinez has been transferred to USL Championship expansion club Monterey Bay FC.  

“Walmer is an extremely talented player and has been a pleasure to work with in the time he’s been with us. We thank him for his commitment here and wish him all the best with Monterey Bay,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “Talent identification and development is critical to our club’s success. We will continue to use our vast scouting network to find more undiscovered talents and, through our style of play, help them find the best versions of themselves on the pitch.” 

Martinez was invited to Hartford Athletic’s Preseason Combine in March. After an impressive showing, he earned his way to preseason training and finally, in April, signed his first professional contract. Shortly thereafter, Walmer received his first International call up and cap for El Salvador’s National Team. Throughout the year, he featured for El Salvador in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers and the Gold Cup. Martinez finished the USL Championship season playing 1,160 minutes in 19 appearances (13 of them starts), with 2 goals and an assist.  

Martinez is the second Hartford player in club history to be moved via transfer. In the club’s inaugural season in 2019, Goalkeeper Frederik Due was transferred to fellow USL Championship club Orange County FC. More news regarding returning players, player signings, and a 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic announced today that Forward Walmer Martinez has been transferred to USL Championship expansion club Monterey Bay FC.  

“Walmer is an extremely talented player and has been a pleasure to work with in the time he’s been with us. We thank him for his commitment here and wish him all the best with Monterey Bay,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “Talent identification and development is critical to our club’s success. We will continue to use our vast scouting network to find more undiscovered talents and, through our style of play, help them find the best versions of themselves on the pitch.” 

Martinez was invited to Hartford Athletic’s Preseason Combine in March. After an impressive showing, he earned his way to preseason training and finally, in April, signed his first professional contract. Shortly thereafter, Walmer received his first International call up and cap for El Salvador’s National Team. Throughout the year, he featured for El Salvador in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers and the Gold Cup. Martinez finished the USL Championship season playing 1,160 minutes in 19 appearances (13 of them starts), with 2 goals and an assist.  

Martinez is the second Hartford player in club history to be moved via transfer. In the club’s inaugural season in 2019, Goalkeeper Frederik Due was transferred to fellow USL Championship club Orange County FC. More news regarding returning players, player signings, and a 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship today announced its competition structure for the 2022 season. The league’s 27 teams will be divided into two conferences – 14 in the Eastern Conference and 13 in the Western Conference (see lists below). 

A 34-game regular season will be played from March 11 to Oct. 15, 2022. The home openers and full schedule for the 2022 USL Championship season will be announced in January 2022.

Every team will play each of its conference foes twice – once at home, once away. For Eastern Conference clubs, the remaining eight games will be against interconference opponents – four at home, four away. For Western Conference clubs, the remaining 10 games will be against a combination of interconference and intraconference opponents – five at home, five away.   

At the conclusion of the regular season, the top seven teams in each conference will qualify for the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs. The first overall seed in each conference will receive a bye to the Conference Semifinals of the playoffs. The bracket will be reseeded following the Conference Quarterfinals to ensure the first overall seed in each conference plays against the lowest-seeded remaining opponent. The USL Championship Playoffs will remain a single-elimination format, culminating in the 2022 USL Championship Final on a to be determined date between Nov. 10 and Nov. 14, 2022.

“We are pleased and eager to see the Championship in a traditional two-conference alignment in 2022,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “This regular season format increases the importance of each intra-conference match while also providing the variety and intrigue of more cross-conference matchups. The schedule footprint allows our teams time to compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and finish the playoffs prior to call-ups for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”  

USL Championship debutants Detroit City FC and Monterey Bay F.C. will join the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively. Detroit City will be the league’s northernmost club, with its nearest conference opponents being Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (291 mi.), Indy Eleven (322 mi.), and Louisville City FC (363 mi.). Monterey Bay counts five California neighbors among its conference opponents, including Oakland Roots SC (116 mi.) and Sacramento Republic FC (186 mi). 

2022 USL CHAMPIONSHIP

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlanta United 2
Birmingham Legion
Charleston Battery
Detroit City FC
Hartford Athletic
Indy Eleven
Loudoun United FC
Louisville City FC
Memphis 901 FC
The Miami FC
New York Red Bulls II
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Tampa Bay Rowdies
FC Tulsa

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
El Paso Locomotive FC
LA Galaxy II
Las Vegas Lights FC
Monterey Bay F.C.
New Mexico United
Oakland Roots SC
Orange County SC
Phoenix Rising FC
Rio Grande Valley FC
Sacramento Republic FC
San Antonio FC
San Diego Loyal SC

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship today announced its competition structure for the 2022 season. The league’s 27 teams will be divided into two conferences – 14 in the Eastern Conference and 13 in the Western Conference (see lists below). 

A 34-game regular season will be played from March 11 to Oct. 15, 2022. The home openers and full schedule for the 2022 USL Championship season will be announced in January 2022.

Every team will play each of its conference foes twice – once at home, once away. For Eastern Conference clubs, the remaining eight games will be against interconference opponents – four at home, four away. For Western Conference clubs, the remaining 10 games will be against a combination of interconference and intraconference opponents – five at home, five away.   

At the conclusion of the regular season, the top seven teams in each conference will qualify for the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs. The first overall seed in each conference will receive a bye to the Conference Semifinals of the playoffs. The bracket will be reseeded following the Conference Quarterfinals to ensure the first overall seed in each conference plays against the lowest-seeded remaining opponent. The USL Championship Playoffs will remain a single-elimination format, culminating in the 2022 USL Championship Final on a to be determined date between Nov. 10 and Nov. 14, 2022.

“We are pleased and eager to see the Championship in a traditional two-conference alignment in 2022,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “This regular season format increases the importance of each intra-conference match while also providing the variety and intrigue of more cross-conference matchups. The schedule footprint allows our teams time to compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and finish the playoffs prior to call-ups for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”  

USL Championship debutants Detroit City FC and Monterey Bay F.C. will join the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively. Detroit City will be the league’s northernmost club, with its nearest conference opponents being Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (291 mi.), Indy Eleven (322 mi.), and Louisville City FC (363 mi.). Monterey Bay counts five California neighbors among its conference opponents, including Oakland Roots SC (116 mi.) and Sacramento Republic FC (186 mi). 

2022 USL CHAMPIONSHIP

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlanta United 2
Birmingham Legion
Charleston Battery
Detroit City FC
Hartford Athletic
Indy Eleven
Loudoun United FC
Louisville City FC
Memphis 901 FC
The Miami FC
New York Red Bulls II
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Tampa Bay Rowdies
FC Tulsa

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
El Paso Locomotive FC
LA Galaxy II
Las Vegas Lights FC
Monterey Bay F.C.
New Mexico United
Oakland Roots SC
Orange County SC
Phoenix Rising FC
Rio Grande Valley FC
Sacramento Republic FC
San Antonio FC
San Diego Loyal SC

Hartford Athletic has re-signed Forward Jeciel Cedeño for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

"I am very excited to re-sign with Hartford Athletic,” said Cedeño. "I want to thank Coach Watling and the rest of the organization for giving me this opportunity. We have a great group of returning players and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch with them.”  

Cedeño appeared in 16 matches, starting 4 and playing 426 minutes. He was invited to Hartford’s 2021 preseason and signed with the club after scoring three goals in limited minutes in the preseason. Prior to joining Hartford Athletic, Cedeño played in the New York Red Bulls Academy and appeared in two matches for the New York Red Bulls II during the 2019 USL Championship season. 

"Jeciel is exactly the type of player we want here in Hartford,” Head Coach Harry Watling said. “He is an incredibly hard worker, talented, and has an unmatched passion for the game. He showed us moments of brilliance last season and I hope to see more of them this year. I’m very pleased to have him back in the squad.”  

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2022 season: 

Forwards: Jeciel Cedeño, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. 

Midfielders: Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn 

Defenders: Younes Boudadi, Tulu 

More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic has re-signed Forward Jeciel Cedeño for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

“I am very excited to re-sign with Hartford Athletic,” said Cedeño. “I want to thank Coach Watling and the rest of the organization for giving me this opportunity. We have a great group of returning players and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch with them.”  

Cedeño appeared in 16 matches, starting 4 and playing 426 minutes. He was invited to Hartford’s 2021 preseason and signed with the club after scoring three goals in limited minutes in the preseason. Prior to joining Hartford Athletic, Cedeño played in the New York Red Bulls Academy and appeared in two matches for the New York Red Bulls II during the 2019 USL Championship season. 

“Jeciel is exactly the type of player we want here in Hartford,” Head Coach Harry Watling said. “He is an incredibly hard worker, talented, and has an unmatched passion for the game. He showed us moments of brilliance last season and I hope to see more of them this year. I’m very pleased to have him back in the squad.”  

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2022 season: 

Forwards: Jeciel Cedeño, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. 

Midfielders: Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn 

Defenders: Younes Boudadi, Tulu 

More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Defender Younes Boudadi will return to the club for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

"I am very excited to be back with Hartford next season,” Boudadi said. “We truly have the best fans in the world and I cannot wait to get back out on the pitch with them behind us. We’ll all be working towards one goal this season – to get back to the playoffs – and we’re going to give it everything we have.”  

Boudadi played 2,243 minutes across 28 matches in 2021. He led the team in interceptions (41), Duels Won (147) and Crosses (69) and was second in Tackles (55) and Tackles Won (37). He assisted on two goals this season and had 17 Key Passes.  

"I am thrilled that Younes will be back with us next season,” said Head Coach Harry Watling. “Younes is a player that provides value both in attack and in defense which allows us to play an aggressive, attacking style. He is the ultimate competitor and an essential part of our success. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish with another year together.” 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2022 season: 

Forwards: Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. 

Midfielders: Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn 

Defenders: Younes Boudadi, Tulu 

More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Defender Younes Boudadi will return to the club for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

“I am very excited to be back with Hartford next season,” Boudadi said. “We truly have the best fans in the world and I cannot wait to get back out on the pitch with them behind us. We’ll all be working towards one goal this season – to get back to the playoffs – and we’re going to give it everything we have.”  

Boudadi played 2,243 minutes across 28 matches in 2021. He led the team in interceptions (41), Duels Won (147) and Crosses (69) and was second in Tackles (55) and Tackles Won (37). He assisted on two goals this season and had 17 Key Passes.  

“I am thrilled that Younes will be back with us next season,” said Head Coach Harry Watling. “Younes is a player that provides value both in attack and in defense which allows us to play an aggressive, attacking style. He is the ultimate competitor and an essential part of our success. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish with another year together.” 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2022 season: 

Forwards: Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. 

Midfielders: Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn 

Defenders: Younes Boudadi, Tulu 

More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Defender Tulu has re-signed with the club for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

"I am very excited to be back with Hartford for another season,” Tulu said. “We have a great returning core of players and are going to give everything we have to get this Club back to the playoffs in 2022.”  

Tulu was a mainstay in the Hartford Athletic back line in 2021. Signed in April just days before the start of the season, he played and started 27 matches and played 2,309 minutes, fourth most on the team. He also led the team in clearances (135) and blocks (31). At season’s end, Tulu was named Defender of the Year in the Fan’s Choice Awards and earned his first call to the Togolese National Team’s camp for World Cup Qualifying matches.  

"Having consistency at the back is so important to our success and Tulu is a large part of that,” said Head Coach Harry Watling. “Tulu adds steel to our defense and was someone we really counted on in 2021. I’m very happy to have him back with us again this season.” 

Tulu joins teammates Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, and Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. on the 2022 roster. More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Defender Tulu has re-signed with the club for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

“I am very excited to be back with Hartford for another season,” Tulu said. “We have a great returning core of players and are going to give everything we have to get this Club back to the playoffs in 2022.”  

Tulu was a mainstay in the Hartford Athletic back line in 2021. Signed in April just days before the start of the season, he played and started 27 matches and played 2,309 minutes, fourth most on the team. He also led the team in clearances (135) and blocks (31). At season’s end, Tulu was named Defender of the Year in the Fan’s Choice Awards and earned his first call to the Togolese National Team’s camp for World Cup Qualifying matches.  

“Having consistency at the back is so important to our success and Tulu is a large part of that,” said Head Coach Harry Watling. “Tulu adds steel to our defense and was someone we really counted on in 2021. I’m very happy to have him back with us again this season.” 

Tulu joins teammates Danny Barrera, Conor McGlynn, and Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. on the 2022 roster. More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Midfielder Conor McGlynn has re-signed with the club for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

"Re-signing with Hartford was an easy decision. I am so happy to be back with this club for a third season,” McGlynn said. “I looking forward to working with Coach Watling again next season and playing in front of our outstanding fans. 2022 is going to be a special year and I can’t wait to get started.”  

McGlynn played 1864 minutes over 29 appearances in 2021 and scored a career high five goals. He has a knack for scoring highlight reel goals, including one from his own half against New York Red Bulls II that went viral, earning over 3 million views on social media alone. During his first two seasons in Hartford, Conor appeared in Sportscenter’s Top 10 Plays on two different occasions.  

"Conor is what this club is about, finding local talent and developing it,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He gives you everything he has, puts the team above himself, and is a key presence in the locker room. I’m thrilled he’ll be back with us next season and can’t wait to see him score more incredible goals.” 

The Middle Village, NY native signed with Hartford after participating in the club’s Open Tryouts in December of 2019. After advancing through the Invitational Combine and preseason, Conor had earned his first professional contract and was in the starting lineup for the first game of the 2020 season. Hartford Athletic will host Open Tryouts for the 2022 season on December 18th and 19th at Farmington Sports Arena in Farmington, CT. 

McGlynn joins teammates Danny Barrera and Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. on the 2022 roster. More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Midfielder Conor McGlynn has re-signed with the club for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

“Re-signing with Hartford was an easy decision. I am so happy to be back with this club for a third season,” McGlynn said. “I looking forward to working with Coach Watling again next season and playing in front of our outstanding fans. 2022 is going to be a special year and I can’t wait to get started.”  

McGlynn played 1864 minutes over 29 appearances in 2021 and scored a career high five goals. He has a knack for scoring highlight reel goals, including one from his own half against New York Red Bulls II that went viral, earning over 3 million views on social media alone. During his first two seasons in Hartford, Conor appeared in Sportscenter’s Top 10 Plays on two different occasions.  

“Conor is what this club is about, finding local talent and developing it,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He gives you everything he has, puts the team above himself, and is a key presence in the locker room. I’m thrilled he’ll be back with us next season and can’t wait to see him score more incredible goals.” 

The Middle Village, NY native signed with Hartford after participating in the club’s Open Tryouts in December of 2019. After advancing through the Invitational Combine and preseason, Conor had earned his first professional contract and was in the starting lineup for the first game of the 2020 season. Hartford Athletic will host Open Tryouts for the 2022 season on December 18th and 19th at Farmington Sports Arena in Farmington, CT. 

McGlynn joins teammates Danny Barrera and Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. on the 2022 roster. More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Forward Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. will return for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

"I am so happy to be back in Hartford for a second season,” Obregón Jr. said. “Last season was an incredible opportunity for me and I’m excited to come back to work with Coach Watling and the rest of the staff. To the fans, I can’t wait to get back out at Dillon Stadium and hear you cheer us on for 90 minutes.”  

Obregón Jr. joined Hartford in April, just days before the start of the 2021 regular season. After impressing in his invitation to preseason training, Obregón Jr. found himself in the starting lineup in the season’s first match where he scored the first of his team-leading 10 goals in a 3-2 win. His 10 goals are the most scored in a single-season in club history. He also became the first Hartford Athletic player to compete in the Olympics, competing for Honduras. Obregón Jr. scored once during the group stage, a crucial goal in a 3-2 win over New Zealand.  

"Juan Carlos was magnificent for us all season and I am thrilled to have him back in 2022,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He is exactly the type of player you want to build a squad around. Having him at the center of our attack puts us in a great position to be successful and I expect JC to beat his goal record from last season.”  

Obregón Jr. is the second player re-signed for 2022, joining midfielder Danny Barrera who was announced on Tuesday. More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Forward Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. will return for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.  

“I am so happy to be back in Hartford for a second season,” Obregón Jr. said. “Last season was an incredible opportunity for me and I’m excited to come back to work with Coach Watling and the rest of the staff. To the fans, I can’t wait to get back out at Dillon Stadium and hear you cheer us on for 90 minutes.”  

Obregón Jr. joined Hartford in April, just days before the start of the 2021 regular season. After impressing in his invitation to preseason training, Obregón Jr. found himself in the starting lineup in the season’s first match where he scored the first of his team-leading 10 goals in a 3-2 win. His 10 goals are the most scored in a single-season in club history. He also became the first Hartford Athletic player to compete in the Olympics, competing for Honduras. Obregón Jr. scored once during the group stage, a crucial goal in a 3-2 win over New Zealand.  

“Juan Carlos was magnificent for us all season and I am thrilled to have him back in 2022,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He is exactly the type of player you want to build a squad around. Having him at the center of our attack puts us in a great position to be successful and I expect JC to beat his goal record from last season.”  

Obregón Jr. is the second player re-signed for 2022, joining midfielder Danny Barrera who was announced on Tuesday. More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Captain Danny Barrera has re-signed with the team ahead of the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval. Barrera is the longest tenured member of the club after joining in the inaugural season in 2019. 

"This community has become home for me and my family and I am thrilled to be back with Hartford Athletic for a fourth season,” Barrera said. “I’m looking forward to working with Coach Watling again and building on last year's successes. Our goal is to get back to the playoffs and every day, we’ll be giving everything we have on and off the pitch to get back there.”  

Barrera turned in the best season of his career in 2021, scoring eight goals and notching a league high twelve assists. He was named to the USL Championship’s All-League First Team for his performance, the first Hartford player to earn such an honor. Barrera is Hartford’s all-time leader in goals scored (13), assists (23), key passes (154) and USL Championship appearances (65). He is widely known among Hartford fans for the “Immaculate Deflection” in 2020 – a goal in which he scored via scorpion kick to win the game and help clinch the Group F title for Hartford Athletic.  

"Danny is the captain and the heartbeat of this team. I am very happy that he will be back on the pitch for us in 2022,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “Every time Danny gets the ball, you think something is going to happen. I love his imagination and creativity, but equally as important is his leadership and mentorship of the young players on this team. We will look to him to provide that again this season.” 

After 100+ youth players attended the first edition of the Danny Barrera Skills Clinic this weekend, Danny and Hartford Athletic are launching a second session of the clinic from December 27-30. To sign up, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/clinics. More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic Captain Danny Barrera has re-signed with the team ahead of the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval. Barrera is the longest tenured member of the club after joining in the inaugural season in 2019. 

“This community has become home for me and my family and I am thrilled to be back with Hartford Athletic for a fourth season,” Barrera said. “I’m looking forward to working with Coach Watling again and building on last year’s successes. Our goal is to get back to the playoffs and every day, we’ll be giving everything we have on and off the pitch to get back there.”  

Barrera turned in the best season of his career in 2021, scoring eight goals and notching a league high twelve assists. He was named to the USL Championship’s All-League First Team for his performance, the first Hartford player to earn such an honor. Barrera is Hartford’s all-time leader in goals scored (13), assists (23), key passes (154) and USL Championship appearances (65). He is widely known among Hartford fans for the “Immaculate Deflection” in 2020 – a goal in which he scored via scorpion kick to win the game and help clinch the Group F title for Hartford Athletic.  

“Danny is the captain and the heartbeat of this team. I am very happy that he will be back on the pitch for us in 2022,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “Every time Danny gets the ball, you think something is going to happen. I love his imagination and creativity, but equally as important is his leadership and mentorship of the young players on this team. We will look to him to provide that again this season.” 

After 100+ youth players attended the first edition of the Danny Barrera Skills Clinic this weekend, Danny and Hartford Athletic are launching a second session of the clinic from December 27-30. To sign up, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/clinics. More information on returning players, new player signings, and the 2022 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.