Hartford Athletic

On July 18, 2018, the USL announced that Hartford, Connecticut would have a USL Championship team, beginning play in 2019.{{Cite web |author=USLSoccer com Staff |date=2018-07-11 |title=Hartford Joins USL For 2019 Season at Dillon Stadium |url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/933307 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}} A few months later on September 5, Jimmy Nielsen was named the first head coach for the club.{{Cite web |title=Jimmy Nielsen Named Head Coach |url=https://www.hartfordathletic.com/news/2018/09/05/jimmy-nielsen-named-head-coach/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Hartford Athletic |language=en-US}} In December 2018, Wojciech Wójcik, Jose Angulo and Alex Dixon were announced as the first signings in club history.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-13 |title=USL signings: Hartford Athletic adds three players {{!}} Pro Soccer USA |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/usl/usl-transactions-signings-hartford-athletic-leagueone-championship/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413223840/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/usl/usl-transactions-signings-hartford-athletic-leagueone-championship/ |archive-date=April 13, 2019 }}

Hartford Athletic's first game in club history was a 2–0 loss to Atlanta United 2.{{Cite web |title=Hartford Athletic Falls to Atlanta United 2, 2-0 |url=https://www.hartfordathletic.com/news/2019/03/09/hartford-athletic-falls-to-atlanta-united-2-2-0/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Hartford Athletic |language=en-US}} The club proceeded to lose its next seven games, scoring just four goals. However, Hartford picked up their first point in their inaugural home game, a 1–1 draw in front of 11,346 fans at Rentschler Field. The first competitive victory in club history came in the U.S. Open Cup, a 2–1 win over New York Cosmos B.{{Cite web |title=Hartford 2-1 NY Cosmos (May 14, 2019) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/539957 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=ESPN |language=en}} The club finished the 2019 season on a three match unbeaten run, putting them at 17th in the Eastern Conference.

In the COVID-19 affected 2020 season, Hartford finished atop Group F, and hosted St. Louis FC in the first round of the playoffs. However, a late goal from St. Louis eliminated Hartford in their first playoff game.{{Cite web |last1=deSimas |first1=Gerry |last2=Jr. |last3=Press |first3=Collinsville |date=2020-10-10 |title=Heartbreaking late goal bounces Hartford Athletic out of playoffs – The Collinsville Press |url=https://collinsvillepress.com/2020/10/heartbreaking-late-goal-bounces-hartford-athletic-out-of-playoffs/24917/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Courant |first=Hartford |date=2020-10-11 |title=Hartford Athletic's season ends in stoppage time, as Saint Louis FC scores late goal to advance in playoffs |url=https://www.courant.com/2020/10/10/hartford-athletics-season-ends-in-stoppage-time-as-saint-louis-fc-scores-late-goal-to-advance-in-playoffs/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Hartford Courant |language=en-US}}

Hartford regressed in 2021, finishing 5th in the Eastern Conference and missed the playoffs by six points.{{Cite web |title=2019 Standings |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/standings-2019 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=uslchampionship.com |language=en-us}}

Hartford finished 10th in the Eastern Conference in 2022, and hosted MLS club New York Red Bulls in the U.S. Open Cup, losing 2–1.{{Cite web |title=Hartford Athletic vs New York Red Bulls - live score, predicted lineups and H2H stats |url=https://www.fotmob.com/matches/ny-red-bulls-vs-hartford-athletic/6i6mk1pq |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=FotMob |language=en}}

2023 was the worst season in Hartford Athletic's short history, as the club finish dead last in both the Eastern Conference and league as a whole, as they picked up just 18 points, 23 behind the playoff positions.{{Cite web |title=2023 Standings |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/standings-2023 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=uslchampionship.com |language=en-us}}

On December 12, 2023, Brendan Burke was announced as the new head coach and general manager.{{Cite web |title=Brendan Burke Named Head Coach and General Manager of Hartford Athletic |url=https://www.hartfordathletic.com/news/2023/12/12/brendan-burke-named-head-coach-and-general-manager-of-hartford-athletic/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Hartford Athletic |language=en-US}} The offseason saw a large overhaul of the squad, with 23 new signings before the season, including former Sporting CP goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro and 2017 MLS Cup winner Jay Chapman. Hartford began the 2024 season with back-to-back wins, something they hadn't achieved since September 2022.{{Cite web |title=Hartford Athletic 2022 Schedule {{!}} uslchampionship.com |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/hartford-athletic-schedule-2022 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.uslchampionship.com |language=en-us}} However, a run of poor form between April and July saw the club pick up just nine points in 15 matches and slip down the table. In mid-summer though, a goalless draw vs. Phoenix Rising on July 26 began a great run for Hartford, as they lost just one of their next 11 matches (a 3–0 loss away at rivals Rhode Island FC). With two matches left in the season, Hartford essentially controlled their own destiny, as two wins would've gotten them into the playoffs. However, a 2–2 draw at Tampa Bay Rowdies and a 3–2 loss at Orange County saw Hartford's season come to an end, as they ultimately finished four points out of the playoffs. At the end of the season, it was announced that Danny Barrera, who had been with the club since its inaugural season in 2019, would not return to the club after the expiration of his contract.{{Cite web |last=Scholes |first=Oliver |title=End of an Era: Hartford Athletic Announce Departure of Danny Barrera |url=https://www.theblazingmusket.com/p/end-of-an-era-hartford-athletic-announce |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.theblazingmusket.com |language=en}}

Ahead of Brendan Burke's second season in charge, Hartford maintained a strong core of players from the previous season. However, starting goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro had his contract terminated by mutual consent before the season started. Notable pre-season signings included Sebastian Anderson, who played under Burke at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, and former Cuban international Adrián Diz.

File:HFDvPGH 2021-05-15 - Dillon Stadium (51181684581).jpg in 2021]]

The club plays on the grounds of Trinity Health Stadium, with a capacity of 5,500.{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/hc-sp-dillon-stadium-hartford-athletic-update-20181119-story.html |title=What's next for Dillon Stadium and Hartford Athletic? A turf field, players and more |access-date=November 21, 2018}} The 1935 stadium was renovated and reopened on July 13, 2019, despite the fact the stadium was not completely finished.{{Cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/sports/hc-sp-hartford-athletic-dillon-stadium-column-20190714-w2dv4qh6qnd53cj4ktgiwb4z7y-story.html|title=Mike Anthony: Hartford had it Saturday, and our new soccer team had a lot to do with it|last=Anthony|first=Mike|website=courant.com|date=July 14, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-15}} Lights were completed and first used for the stadium's first night game on September 14, 2019 (Hartford Athletic vs. Louisville City FC).{{Cite web|url=https://www.hartfordathletic.com/news_article/show/1049177-recap-hartford-athletic-falls-in-first-dillon-stadium-match-under-the-lights|title=RECAP: Hartford Athletic Falls in First Dillon Stadium Match Under the Lights|author=Hartford Athletic|date=September 14, 2019|website=Hartford Athletic}}

2024 saw the addition of VIP suites in the south end of the stadium, adding approximately 200 seats.{{Cite web |title=Hartford Athletic Unveil New Liberty Bank Suites |url=https://www.hartfordathletic.com/news/2024/05/09/hartford-athletic-unveil-new-liberty-bank-suites/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Hartford Athletic |language=en-US}}

During the construction of Trinity Health Stadium, Athletic played home games at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. They played their first home game in front of more than 11,000 supporters.{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Hartford-Athletic-Hosts-First-Home-Game-509492441.html |title=Hartford Athletic Hosts First Home Game |access-date=May 4, 2019}}

Hartford's first U.S. Open Cup match in 2019, which was also the first win in club history, was played at Al-Marzook Field in West Hartford.{{Cite web|title=Hartford Athletic vs. New York Cosmos – Football Match Summary – May 14, 2019 – ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/539957|access-date=2021-07-19|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}

Hartford Athletic's official colors are green and blue, chosen because of their strong association with the sports teams of Hartford.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2018-12-06 |title=Hartford Athletic unveils crest, teases apparel and player signings |url=https://www.courant.com/2018/12/06/hartford-athletic-unveils-crest-teases-apparel-and-player-signings/ |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=Hartford Courant |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Arlia |first=John |date=2018-12-11 |title=Behind the Brand: Revitalizing Hartford's Proud Tradition |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/976296-behind-the-brand-revitalizing-hartford-s-proud-tradition |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}} The team's crest and colors were first unveiled in a video on December 6, 2018.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2018-12-06 |title=Hartford Athletic Unveils Official Club Crest |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/974707-hartford-athletic-unveils-official-club-crest |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}}

File:HFDvPGH 2021-05-15 - Hartford Athletic huddle (51181115597).jpg

{{updated|April 11, 2025|{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/hfdathletic/status/1491879305873350659|title=Player Numbers|website=Twitter.com|publisher=Hartford Athletic|access-date=May 10, 2022}}}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=002974|color=FFFFFF|border=009943}}

{{Fs player|no=2 |nat=USA|name=Sebastian Anderson|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=4 |nat=JAM|name=Jordan Scarlett|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=6 |nat=DRC|name=Beverly Makangila|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=7 |nat=JAM|name=Deshane Beckford|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=8 |nat=GNB|name=Junior Moreira|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=9 |nat=SEN|name=Mamadou Dieng|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=10|nat=ARG|name=Samuel Careaga|pos=MF|other=on loan from CA Lanús}}

{{Fs player|no=11|nat=DRC|name=Michee Ngalina|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=15|nat=USA|name=Joe Farrell|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=17|nat=MEX|name=Jonathan Jiménez|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=18|nat=USA|name=Spencer Gordon|pos=MF|other={{Cref2|A|name=1|1}}}}

{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=002974|color=FFFFFF|border=009943}}

{{Fs player|no=19|nat=SLE|name=Emmanuel Samadia|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=22|nat=USA|name=TJ Presthus|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=28|nat=USA|name=Kauan Ribeiro |pos=FW|other={{Cref2|A|name=1|1}}}}

{{Fs player|no=30|nat=CUB|name=Adrián Diz Pe|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=44|nat=USA|name=Justin DiCarlo|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no=71|nat=SVG|name=Kyle Edwards|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=77|nat=CMR|name=Antony Siaha|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no=81|nat=NGA|name=Adewale Obalola|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=94|nat=USA|name=Marlon Hairston|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no= |nat=USA|name=Justin Ingram|pos=MF}}

{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=002974|color=FFFFFF|border=009943}}

{{Cnote2 Begin}}

{{Cnote2|A|group=1|n=1|USL Academy Contract}}

{{Cnote2 End}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=002974|color=FFFFFF|border=009943}}

{{Fs player|no=27|nat=CMR|name=Pele Ousmanou|pos=DF|other=on loan to Charlotte Independence}}

{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=002974|color=FFFFFF|border=009943}}

{|class="wikitable"

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!style="background:#002974; color:white; border:2px solid #009943;" scope="col" colspan=2|Front office

|-

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Owners|s=Joseph Calafiore
Bruce Mandell
Scott Schooley}}

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!style="background:#002974; color:white; border:2px solid #002974;" scope="col" colspan=2|Coaching staff

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{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Head coach|s=Brendan Burke}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Assistant coach|s=Aaron Wheeler}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg=y |p=Goalkeeper coach|s=Dan Gaspar}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Strength & conditioning coach|s=Joe Lucas Santos}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Athletic trainer|s=Kevin Hoffmann}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Technical director|s=Ray Reid}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg=y |p=Technical advisor|s=Paul Buckle}}

{{Fb cs footer|u=January 7, 2021|s=[https://www.hartfordathletic.com/technical-staff]|date=September 5, 2018}}

File:HFDvPGH 2021-05-15 - Danny Barrera (51181529667) (cropped).jpg (pictured in 2021) served as captain from 2020 through 2022.]]

File:HFDvPGH 2021-05-15 - Hartford Athletic fans (51182009853).jpg

The supporters for Hartford Athletic are split between five groups based on their geographical location within the state of Connecticut:

• The 19th Regiment – The first supporters group founded in early 2019 shortly after the announcement of the club. Today, it represents supporters based in the Greater Hartford area and Northern Connecticut.
• Mad Hat Massive – Independent supporters group representing members from Fairfield and Litchfield counties, with their home pub hosting the official supporters away days watch parties at TK's American Cafe in Danbury where the Jell-O Shot tradition began. Members of the Independent Supporters’ Council.
• The Boonies – Members of the Mad Hat Massive in the greater Torrington area.
• Elm City Casuals – Independent supporters based out of the Greater New Haven area. They’re independent. They like pizza and riding trains. Members of the Independent Supporters’ Council.
• East Side Rising – Supporters group founded in 2020 to represent Eastern Connecticut, nicknamed "A Family of Fans."
• Raza Brava – Latino-centric supporters group representing the greater Hartford area.

Each group is separately managed but they stand and chant together on the east end of Trinity Health Stadium for home matches.

Starting in the 2022 season, the 19th Regiment, Mad Hat Massive and the Elm City Casuals will unite as one group, called The Bonanza

Among the notable chants used is the "Brass Bonanza," a melody sung by the supporters groups after scoring a goal, which was also used for the former NHL team in the city, the Hartford Whalers, for the same circumstances. The groups also use Bob Marley's classic "Three Little Birds" for the beginning of matches and when the opposing team scores.

{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/sports/athletic-supporters-make-their-mark-during-inaugural-season_hartford/1939258/ |title=Hartford Athletic Supporters Make Their Mark During Inaugural Season |website=NBC Connecticut |date=September 9, 2019}}

In the early years, the club didn't have much of a direct rival, with New York Red Bulls II being the only nearby club. However with the addition of Rhode Island FC in 2024, the two sides developed a natural regional rivalry, being the only two USL Championship clubs in New England. In 2024, the two sides played to a 1–1 draw in Hartford, before Rhode Island won 3–0 in the reverse fixture.{{Cite web |title=Hartford Tie Rhode Island 1-1 in First Draw of the Season |url=https://www.hartfordathletic.com/news/2024/06/01/hartford-tie-rhode-island-1-1-in-first-draw-of-the-season/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Hartford Athletic |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Hartford Fall 3-0 to Rhode Island |url=https://www.hartfordathletic.com/news/2024/08/10/hartford-fall-2-0-to-rhode-island/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Hartford Athletic |language=en-US}}

Hartford Athletic have never played Hartford City FC, a local NPSL club that has played at Trinity Health Stadium, in a competitive match.

In the 2023 U.S. Open Cup third round, Hartford Athletic played away at New England Revolution in the first competitive match against another team from New England. Hartford lost 2–1.{{Cite web |last=mlssoccer |title=NEvsHFD 04-25-2023 {{!}} MLS Match Recap |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/u-s-open-cup/2023/matches/nevshfd-04-25-2023/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-04-27 |title=2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Young New England Revolution edges Hartford Athletic, 2-1 |url=https://thecup.us/2023/04/27/2023-us-open-cup-round-3-young-new-england-revolution-edges-hartford-athletic-2-1/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=thecup.us |language=en-US}}

The 2025 season will see Hartford Athletic play another New England team, Portland Hearts of Pine, in the USL Cup group stage and U.S. Open Cup second round.{{Cite web |title=Hartford vs. Portland (Apr 26, 2025) Live Score |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/726688/portland-hearts-of-pine-hartford-athletic |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=ESPN |language=en}}

{{Main|AC Connecticut women}}

On June 8, 2021, Hartford Athletic announced they will be fielding a women's side to compete in the new USL W League beginning in 2022.{{cite web |date=June 9, 2021 |title=USL announces return of the W League from 2022 – SportsPro Media |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/usl-w-league-2022-inaugural-season-founding-clubs |access-date=15 June 2021 |website=www.sportspromedia.com}} The team, which plays under the AC Connecticut name, has never made the playoffs.

The Hartford Athletic U19 team plays in the United Premier Soccer League New England Conference.

{{updated|March 18, 2025}}

• Includes USL regular season, USL playoffs, U.S. Open Cup. Excludes friendlies.

• Hartford City FC
• AC Connecticut
• AC Connecticut women

{{Reflist}}

• {{official website}}

{{Hartford Athletic|state=expanded}}

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Category:Association football clubs established in 2018

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Category:Sports clubs and teams in Hartford, Connecticut

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