Hartford Athletic announced today that they have acquired 2022 First Team All-USL Defensemen Edgardo Rito from Oakland Roots SC. Rito is widely regarded as one of the top players in the USL Championship. Jeciel Cedeño was transferred to Oakland as part of the deal.
The 27 year old Rito is coming off a stellar 2022 campaign with Oakland, emerging as one of the league’s top wingbacks. He made 33 appearances, contributing five goals and seven assists on the way to a First Team All-USL selection at right back. So far in 2023, he has scored two goals and recorded two assists across 10 appearances.
“Edgardo is an outstanding talent and we are thrilled to bring him into our squad,” said Head Coach Tab Ramos. “He is a highly technical player with speed and power to get into the scoring positions from deep in midfield or defense.”
Rito spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons with former USL Championship club New York Red Bulls II. He made 34 appearances and scored two goals for the club and appeared in five of the six matches played between Hartford and RBII in that time frame. He spent the 2021 season with Patriotas Boyacá in Colombia’s CategorĂa Primera A, appearing in 32 matches, scoring three times with two assists, and finished with 2,178 minutes.
A native of Alberto Adriani, Venezuela, Rito began his professional career with Yaracuyanos FC of the Venezuelan Second Division. He was then loaned to Mineros de Guayana for the subsequent season. During his stint with Mineros, Rito helped the Club qualify to the round of 16 of the Copa Venezuela.
Rito will be available for selection this Saturday when Hartford plays Indy Eleven at 7:00 PM.
Cedeño departs midway through his third season with the club where he totaled 1,173 minutes played in Green and Blue. He made the 2021 squad after being invited to Hartford’s preseason and signed with the club after scoring three goals in limited minutes in the preseason. After making just six starts in his first two seasons with the club, the Ecuadorian forward saw an uptick in playing time in 2023. He made 10 appearances and seven starts, scored his first two professional goals, and logged an assist. In April, he won the fan’s choice Player of the Month Award.
Hartford Athletic would like to thank Jeciel for his contributions to the club and wish him the best in his career going forward.
