News

Hartford Athletic earned the first points of the season with a 1-1 draw against Charlotte Independence. in front of 11,346 people at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field on Saturday night.

The scoring started early. In the 3rd minute, Dominic Oduro got past the Hartford back line and dropped a ball off for a trailing Abdoulie Mansally who fired it past Jacob Lissek for an early 1-0 lead for the visitors.

But Hartford answered quickly. Raymond Lee played a beautiful ball down into the box and Mac Steeves chipped the ball over an on-rushing keeper for the first ever home goal in Hartford Athletic history. The score would stay tied at one heading into the break.

In the second half, Hartford had a great chance early as Alex Dixon shot from outside the box, but reigning USL Championship Goalkeeper of the Week Curtis Anderson made a fantastic diving save. Minutes later, Steeves had another great chance that just went over the cross bar. The score would hold for the rest of the half and Hartford recorded the first point in Club history.

Hartford Athletic will be back at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field at 7 PM on Friday May 10th against Memphis 901 FC. To get your tickets go to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/tickets.

STATS:

Shots: 11-8 HFD

Shots on Target: 3-1 HFD

Corner Kicks: 5-4 HFD

Fouls Committed: 12-6 CLT

Saves: 2-0 CLT

Offside: 2-1 HFD

Possession: 58%-42% CLT

Passing Accuracy: 81%-77% CLT

SCORING SUMMARY

3' Abdoulie Mansally (Dominic Oduro)

12' Mac Steeves (Raymond Lee)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

39' – Michael Maria (Yellow)

79' – Collin Martin (Yellow)

90 +1' – Zyen Jones (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

Jacob Lissek; Raymond Lee, Sem de Wit, Philip Rasmussen, Harry Swartz (Giuseppe Gentile 77'); Sebastian Dalgaard, Collin Martin, Nicky Downs, Jonny Brown; Mac Steeves (Jose Angulo 64'), Alex Dixon (Wojciech Wojcik 80'). 

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP

Curtis Anderson; Hugh Roberts, Steven Thicot, Andrew Gutman, Joel Johnson; Michael Maria, Alex Martinez (Enzo Martinez 73'), Afrim Taku; Dominic Oduro, Jorge Herrera, Abdoulie Mansally (Zyen Jones, 76').

 

Hartford Athletic earned the first points of the season with a 1-1 draw against Charlotte Independence. in front of 11,346 people at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field on Saturday night.

The scoring started early. In the 3rd minute, Dominic Oduro got past the Hartford back line and dropped a ball off for a trailing Abdoulie Mansally who fired it past Jacob Lissek for an early 1-0 lead for the visitors.

But Hartford answered quickly. Raymond Lee played a beautiful ball down into the box and Mac Steeves chipped the ball over an on-rushing keeper for the first ever home goal in Hartford Athletic history. The score would stay tied at one heading into the break.

In the second half, Hartford had a great chance early as Alex Dixon shot from outside the box, but reigning USL Championship Goalkeeper of the Week Curtis Anderson made a fantastic diving save. Minutes later, Steeves had another great chance that just went over the cross bar. The score would hold for the rest of the half and Hartford recorded the first point in Club history.

Hartford Athletic will be back at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field at 7 PM on Friday May 10th against Memphis 901 FC. To get your tickets go to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/tickets.

STATS:

Shots: 11-8 HFD

Shots on Target: 3-1 HFD

Corner Kicks: 5-4 HFD

Fouls Committed: 12-6 CLT

Saves: 2-0 CLT

Offside: 2-1 HFD

Possession: 58%-42% CLT

Passing Accuracy: 81%-77% CLT

SCORING SUMMARY

3′ Abdoulie Mansally (Dominic Oduro)

12′ Mac Steeves (Raymond Lee)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

39′ – Michael Maria (Yellow)

79′ – Collin Martin (Yellow)

90 +1′ – Zyen Jones (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

Jacob Lissek; Raymond Lee, Sem de Wit, Philip Rasmussen, Harry Swartz (Giuseppe Gentile 77′); Sebastian Dalgaard, Collin Martin, Nicky Downs, Jonny Brown; Mac Steeves (Jose Angulo 64′), Alex Dixon (Wojciech Wojcik 80′). 

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE STARTING LINEUP

Curtis Anderson; Hugh Roberts, Steven Thicot, Andrew Gutman, Joel Johnson; Michael Maria, Alex Martinez (Enzo Martinez 73′), Afrim Taku; Dominic Oduro, Jorge Herrera, Abdoulie Mansally (Zyen Jones, 76′).

 

Hartford athletic makes home debut on saturday night

After an 8-match road trip, the longest in USL Championship history, Hartford Athletic will finally play their first ever home match on Saturday against Charlotte Independence. Here's what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

Date: Saturday, May 4

Time: 7:00 PM ET

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

Tickets: Click here

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

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic fell to North Carolina FC 4-1. North Carolina struck first with an early goal and added another in stoppage time. In the second half, Hartford had an answer when Alex Dixon beat the keeper with a powerful strike off his left foot. North Carolina would add another goal late to extend the lead.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Nicky Downs, MF

Nicky Downs made his first start for Hartford Athletic last week. “In his first minutes of the season, Nicky came out and was the most dominant player on the field,” Coach Nielsen said of the Lakeville, CT product. “To make an impact like that after not playing all season, I was very impressed with Nicky.” Expect to see Nicky, who is the only Connecticut product on the team, making plays in the midfield on Saturday.

Charlotte Independence – Curtis Anderson, GK

Anderson comes into the week after earning USL Goalkeeper of the Week with an 8 save performance against Tampa Bay Rowdies. Anderson, who is just 18 years old, joined the starting lineup 3 weeks ago. He has conceded 5 goals in those 3 matches.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Charlotte comes into the match just two spots out of the bottom of the table with 5 points. Charlotte’s only win of the season came 3 weeks ago by a final of 2-1 against Bethlehem Steel. Dominic Oduro leads the way for Charlotte with 3 goals on the season, while Jorge Hererra and Andrew Gutman each have 2. 

FOLLOW ONLINE:

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

Hartford athletic makes home debut on saturday night

After an 8-match road trip, the longest in USL Championship history, Hartford Athletic will finally play their first ever home match on Saturday against Charlotte Independence. Here’s what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

Date: Saturday, May 4

Time: 7:00 PM ET

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

Tickets: Click here

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

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic fell to North Carolina FC 4-1. North Carolina struck first with an early goal and added another in stoppage time. In the second half, Hartford had an answer when Alex Dixon beat the keeper with a powerful strike off his left foot. North Carolina would add another goal late to extend the lead.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Nicky Downs, MF

Nicky Downs made his first start for Hartford Athletic last week. “In his first minutes of the season, Nicky came out and was the most dominant player on the field,” Coach Nielsen said of the Lakeville, CT product. “To make an impact like that after not playing all season, I was very impressed with Nicky.” Expect to see Nicky, who is the only Connecticut product on the team, making plays in the midfield on Saturday.

Charlotte Independence – Curtis Anderson, GK

Anderson comes into the week after earning USL Goalkeeper of the Week with an 8 save performance against Tampa Bay Rowdies. Anderson, who is just 18 years old, joined the starting lineup 3 weeks ago. He has conceded 5 goals in those 3 matches.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Charlotte comes into the match just two spots out of the bottom of the table with 5 points. Charlotte’s only win of the season came 3 weeks ago by a final of 2-1 against Bethlehem Steel. Dominic Oduro leads the way for Charlotte with 3 goals on the season, while Jorge Hererra and Andrew Gutman each have 2. 

FOLLOW ONLINE:

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

Hartford Athletic announced that Defender Harry Swartz (Needham, MA) has been signed for the season. 

Swartz, who attended the MLS Combine in 2019, scored five career goals and earned five assists during his Northeastern tenure, during which he served his final three seasons on the Huskies' captain corps. The speedy Swartz, who played forward with the Huskies, played a key role during Northeastern's 2018 return to the postseason, helping the Huskies reach the CAA tournament for the first time since his freshman, 2014 campaign.

A two-time All-CAA honoree (2017 Second Team, 2018 Second Team), Swartz was recently named to the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's All-Atlantic Region Third Team (Dec. 6), as announced by United Soccer Coaches.

Swartz will be available for Hartford Athletic's first home match, Saturday night at 7 PM at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

Hartford Athletic announced that Defender Harry Swartz (Needham, MA) has been signed for the season. 

Swartz, who attended the MLS Combine in 2019, scored five career goals and earned five assists during his Northeastern tenure, during which he served his final three seasons on the Huskies’ captain corps. The speedy Swartz, who played forward with the Huskies, played a key role during Northeastern’s 2018 return to the postseason, helping the Huskies reach the CAA tournament for the first time since his freshman, 2014 campaign.

A two-time All-CAA honoree (2017 Second Team, 2018 Second Team), Swartz was recently named to the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s All-Atlantic Region Third Team (Dec. 6), as announced by United Soccer Coaches.

Swartz will be available for Hartford Athletic’s first home match, Saturday night at 7 PM at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

HARTFORD, Connecticut (May 1, 2019) – Hartford Athletic announced today that The Hartford will join as a Founding Partner for the 2019 inaugural season. 

“Hartford Athletic is proud and excited to partner with The Hartford, an organization that has been an integral part of our community for over 200 years,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman & CEO Bruce Mandell. “As we build long-term relationships that make a lasting impact, we are thrilled to partner with The Hartford to make our city and state the best place to live, work, and play.” 

As an Official Insurance and Community Partner of the Club, The Hartford will serve as the presenting partner of the Pregame High Five Tunnel, Ceremonial Walkout Kids, and Hartford Athletic’s Soccer Tots program. The partnership will feature a collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford to teach children soccer skills, and a Workforce Development Program allowing high school students to shadow Hartford Athletic staff members. In addition, the company will host a Junior Fire Marshal night at the stadium. 

“We are delighted to support Hartford Athletic and to be a part of their inaugural season,” said Kathy Bromage, chief marketing and communications officer for The Hartford. “As a company headquartered in Hartford, we are committed to doing what we can to contribute to the vibrancy of our City.”

Hartford Athletic’s season is under way with the Club’s historic home opener taking place on May 4th. Three-Match flex plans and Single-Match tickets are on sale now. Single game tickets start at $10 and Flex Plans start at $25. For tickets, merchandise, and more information go to www.hartfordathletic.com.

About Hartford Athletic 

Hartford Athletic is Connecticut’s new professional soccer team beginning play March 9th in the United Soccer League. Our mission is to provide a world-class professional soccer experience and build community through the beautiful game. 

Go to www.hartfordathletic.com for more information and follow on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for exclusive content and updates. 

Become a Founding Member and purchase your season tickets today at www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets. For official team merchandise, go to shop.https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic. 

About The Hartford

The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheHartford_PR.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Conn. For additional details, please read The Hartford's legal notice.

HARTFORD, Connecticut (May 1, 2019) – Hartford Athletic announced today that The Hartford will join as a Founding Partner for the 2019 inaugural season. 

“Hartford Athletic is proud and excited to partner with The Hartford, an organization that has been an integral part of our community for over 200 years,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman & CEO Bruce Mandell. “As we build long-term relationships that make a lasting impact, we are thrilled to partner with The Hartford to make our city and state the best place to live, work, and play.” 

As an Official Insurance and Community Partner of the Club, The Hartford will serve as the presenting partner of the Pregame High Five Tunnel, Ceremonial Walkout Kids, and Hartford Athletic’s Soccer Tots program. The partnership will feature a collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford to teach children soccer skills, and a Workforce Development Program allowing high school students to shadow Hartford Athletic staff members. In addition, the company will host a Junior Fire Marshal night at the stadium. 

“We are delighted to support Hartford Athletic and to be a part of their inaugural season,” said Kathy Bromage, chief marketing and communications officer for The Hartford. “As a company headquartered in Hartford, we are committed to doing what we can to contribute to the vibrancy of our City.”

Hartford Athletic’s season is under way with the Club’s historic home opener taking place on May 4th. Three-Match flex plans and Single-Match tickets are on sale now. Single game tickets start at $10 and Flex Plans start at $25. For tickets, merchandise, and more information go to www.hartfordathletic.com.

About Hartford Athletic 

Hartford Athletic is Connecticut’s new professional soccer team beginning play March 9th in the United Soccer League. Our mission is to provide a world-class professional soccer experience and build community through the beautiful game. 

Go to www.hartfordathletic.com for more information and follow on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for exclusive content and updates. 

Become a Founding Member and purchase your season tickets today at www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets. For official team merchandise, go to shop.https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic. 

About The Hartford

The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheHartford_PR.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Conn. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice.

The Hartford Athletic 8-match road trip to start the season ended with a hard fought 4-1 loss to North Carolina FC on Saturday night. 

North Carolina jumped on the board early in the 5th minute when Mario Lomis got free on a run and powered a shot to the far post past Goalkeeper Frederik Due. 

Hartford would have a number of chances in the following minutes including great chances from Mac Steeves and Alex Dixon that couldn’t find the net. Due made a couple of outstanding saves throughout the half to keep the score 1-0.

In stoppage time, North Carolina would add one more. Sam Brotherton found open space off a corner kick and poked it past a scrum of Hartford defenders for the goal. North Carolina took a 2-0 lead into the break.

NCFC would add another right out of the break off the foot of the captain Steven Miller to go up 3-0. But Hartford had an answer. 11 minutes later Dixon powered home an incredible strike from just outside the box to put Hartford on the board. North Carolina would add one more goal to put the game away in the 81'. 

Hartford Athletic heads home for the first home match in club history on May 4th against Charlotte Independence at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field at 7 PM. To get your tickets go to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/tickets.

STATS:

Shots: 16-13 NCFC

Shots on Target: 10-4 NCFC

Corner Kicks: 5-4 HFD

Fouls Committed: 18-12 HFD

Saves: 5-2 HFD

Offside: 2-1 NCFC

Possession: 62-38 NCFC

Passing Accuracy: 81-68 NCFC

SCORING SUMMARY

Marios Lomis 4' (Steven Miller)

Sam Brotherton 45+2'

Steven Miller 47'

Alex Dixon 58' (Mac Steeves)

Robert Kristo 81' (Manny Perez)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

Giuseppe Gentile – Yellow (41')

Sam Brotherton – Yellow (52')

Kyle Curinga – Yellow (90+1')

NORTH CAROLINA FC STARTING LINEUP

Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Steven Miller (Yamikani Chester 74'), Graham Smith, Manny Perez; Dre Fortune, Ben Speas (Viktor Igbekoyi 83'); Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo 55').

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

Frederik Due; Kyle Curinga, Sem de Wit, Nikolaj Lyngo, Giuseppe Gentile (Sebastian Dalgaard 65'); Nicky Downs, Alex Dixon, Phil Rasmussen (Mads Jorgensen 73'), Collin Martin (Ryan Williams 73'), Jonny Brown; Mac Steeves. 

The Hartford Athletic 8-match road trip to start the season ended with a hard fought 4-1 loss to North Carolina FC on Saturday night. 

North Carolina jumped on the board early in the 5th minute when Mario Lomis got free on a run and powered a shot to the far post past Goalkeeper Frederik Due. 

Hartford would have a number of chances in the following minutes including great chances from Mac Steeves and Alex Dixon that couldn’t find the net. Due made a couple of outstanding saves throughout the half to keep the score 1-0.

In stoppage time, North Carolina would add one more. Sam Brotherton found open space off a corner kick and poked it past a scrum of Hartford defenders for the goal. North Carolina took a 2-0 lead into the break.

NCFC would add another right out of the break off the foot of the captain Steven Miller to go up 3-0. But Hartford had an answer. 11 minutes later Dixon powered home an incredible strike from just outside the box to put Hartford on the board. North Carolina would add one more goal to put the game away in the 81′. 

Hartford Athletic heads home for the first home match in club history on May 4th against Charlotte Independence at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field at 7 PM. To get your tickets go to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/hartfordathletic/tickets.

STATS:

Shots: 16-13 NCFC

Shots on Target: 10-4 NCFC

Corner Kicks: 5-4 HFD

Fouls Committed: 18-12 HFD

Saves: 5-2 HFD

Offside: 2-1 NCFC

Possession: 62-38 NCFC

Passing Accuracy: 81-68 NCFC

SCORING SUMMARY

Marios Lomis 4′ (Steven Miller)

Sam Brotherton 45+2′

Steven Miller 47′

Alex Dixon 58′ (Mac Steeves)

Robert Kristo 81′ (Manny Perez)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

Giuseppe Gentile – Yellow (41′)

Sam Brotherton – Yellow (52′)

Kyle Curinga – Yellow (90+1′)

NORTH CAROLINA FC STARTING LINEUP

Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Steven Miller (Yamikani Chester 74′), Graham Smith, Manny Perez; Dre Fortune, Ben Speas (Viktor Igbekoyi 83′); Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo 55′).

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

Frederik Due; Kyle Curinga, Sem de Wit, Nikolaj Lyngo, Giuseppe Gentile (Sebastian Dalgaard 65′); Nicky Downs, Alex Dixon, Phil Rasmussen (Mads Jorgensen 73′), Collin Martin (Ryan Williams 73′), Jonny Brown; Mac Steeves. 

8-MATCH ROAD TRIP COMES TO AN END AGAINST North Carolina FC

Hartford Athletic travels to North Carolina on Saturday for the last of an 8-match road stretch to start the season. Athletic will be plenty rested having played their last match on April 17th. Here's what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC at NORTH CAROLINA FC

Date: Saturday, April 27

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Sahlen's Stadium At WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC

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

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic fell to New York Red Bulls II 4-0. After a scoreless first 45, the Red Bulls scored 4 times in the second half powered by Tom Barlow's fantastic finish to pull away with the victory. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Collin Martin, MF

Martin will make his debut for Hartford Athletic after joining the team on loan from Minnesota United FC earlier in the week. Martin, who made 23 appearances for the Loons over the past 2 seasons, will have to learn on the fly as he plays with new teammates for the first time. 

North Carolina FC – Mario Lomis, F

A team-leading five goals has Marios Lomis tied for fourth in the USL Championship golden boot race. While it’s still early in the season, Lomis is producing at a high rate. He’s in great form with a goal in three consecutive games. Look for the forward to continue his hot streak.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

North Carolina FC is riding high heading into the matchup with Hartford Athletic. Following Week 7 of USL Championship season, the team sits at fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 11 points. NCFC is four points back from league leader Tampa Bay Rowdies with a game in hand. Last weekend, North Carolina FC visited Charlotte Independence and earned a 3-0 victory with goals from Austin da Luz, Marios Lomis and Ben Speas. The win marked the sixth-straight victory over Charlotte and gave NCFC a much-needed boost of confidence. Before last weekend’s result, NCFC was winless in three matches.

FOLLOW ONLINE:

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

8-MATCH ROAD TRIP COMES TO AN END AGAINST North Carolina FC

Hartford Athletic travels to North Carolina on Saturday for the last of an 8-match road stretch to start the season. Athletic will be plenty rested having played their last match on April 17th. Here’s what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC at NORTH CAROLINA FC

Date: Saturday, April 27

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium At WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC

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

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford Athletic fell to New York Red Bulls II 4-0. After a scoreless first 45, the Red Bulls scored 4 times in the second half powered by Tom Barlow’s fantastic finish to pull away with the victory. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic – Collin Martin, MF

Martin will make his debut for Hartford Athletic after joining the team on loan from Minnesota United FC earlier in the week. Martin, who made 23 appearances for the Loons over the past 2 seasons, will have to learn on the fly as he plays with new teammates for the first time. 

North Carolina FC – Mario Lomis, F

A team-leading five goals has Marios Lomis tied for fourth in the USL Championship golden boot race. While it’s still early in the season, Lomis is producing at a high rate. He’s in great form with a goal in three consecutive games. Look for the forward to continue his hot streak.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

North Carolina FC is riding high heading into the matchup with Hartford Athletic. Following Week 7 of USL Championship season, the team sits at fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 11 points. NCFC is four points back from league leader Tampa Bay Rowdies with a game in hand. Last weekend, North Carolina FC visited Charlotte Independence and earned a 3-0 victory with goals from Austin da Luz, Marios Lomis and Ben Speas. The win marked the sixth-straight victory over Charlotte and gave NCFC a much-needed boost of confidence. Before last weekend’s result, NCFC was winless in three matches.

FOLLOW ONLINE:

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