Hartford Athletic have signed midfielder Marlon Hairston ahead of the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval.
“The team in Hartford has put together a very talented group of players and I look forward to competing with the squad to bring success to the club!” Hairston said. “Hartford is a club that is growing fast and has developed a fanbase that has shown their undying support for the beautiful game. I’m very excited to be part of this project.”
Hairston comes to Hartford after two seasons spent with MLS side Columbus Crew. A seasoned midfielder, Hairston brings eight years of MLS experience to Hartford and holds 140 appearances and over 9,000 minutes played in America’s top flight. Over his well-traveled career with four different teams, he established himself as a midfielder with versatile ability to play in the back, making him a valuable roster addition for any club. He had an excellent five-year run with the Colorado Rapids from 2014 to 2018, making 95 appearances for the club and contributing seven goals and 13 assists. He helped lead Colorado to the Western Conference Final in 2016, and was the only Rapid to play in every league game in 2017. At the end of that season, he was called up to his first senior US National Team camp.
“Adding a player with Marlon’s skillset has been a big point of emphasis for us,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “He is effective in the midfield and in the back, and that ability is so important to have on our roster over a 34-game season with injuries and international call-ups. To add a player with nearly 150 MLS appearances who is still in his prime is massive, and we couldn’t be happier to have Marlon in Hartford this year.”
Hairston’s only stint in the USL Championship came in 2015, joining Charlotte Independence on loan from the Colorado Rapids. The Jackson, Mississippi, native played collegiately at the University of Louisville for two years before being drafted by the Rapids 12th overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.
Hartford’s 2024 roster is growing with more announcements to come! Watch the new squad at Trinity Health Stadium by locking up the best seats with season tickets. Secure the best seat options at the best prices at HartfordAthletic.com/seasontickets.
