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After Rhode Island FC and Hartford Athletic each put a goal on the board in the first half, a scoreless second half forced the New England rivals to leave Trinity Health Stadium in a draw. Tonight marked Hartford’s 11th match of the USL Championship season and the first to result in a draw.  

Rhode Island started the scoring early, putting the first goal of the match on the board just four minutes into play. The visiting team raised the score to 1-0 after Rhode Island’s Mark Doyle fired a volley into the bottom right corner of the net, capitalizing off of a weighted pass across the box from Jerome Williams. 

Battling from behind, Hartford fought for possession throughout the first half, with Michee Ngalina and Marcus Epps making multiple advances toward the goal each contributing two shots for the home team. In the 24th minute of the match, Hartford leveled Rhode Island’s lead with a goal from Joe Farrell off a corner to tie up the score 1-1. The Green and Blue broke Rhode Island’s edge when Farrell got a piece off a perfectly placed ball sent soaring into the box from Triston Hodge.

An onslaught of Hartford scoring chances followed Farrell’s goal. In the 40th minute of the match, the Green and Blue came close to taking the lead on Rhode Island when Michee Ngalina sent a fantastic header into the bottom left corner of the visiting team’s goal. Ngalina’s header forced a diving save from Koke Vegas to prevent the forward’s attempt to end the half in the lead. Hartford dominated in distribution across the board, maintaining 53% possession to Rhode Island’s 47% throughout the first half. The halftime whistle blew and the score remained the same. 

Both Hartford and Rhode Island came hot out of the second-half gate, each looking for their teams on top. The visiting club made their first attempt to score just minutes into the half when Jerome Williams drove in a powerful shot from outside the box, forcing Ribeiro’s 3rd save of the match. 

Hartford’s first shot of the second half came in the 85th minute of play after Marcus Epps intercepted an attempted clearance from Rhode Island defender, Karifa Yao. The forward won back possession for the Green and Blue and Epps took the ball up the field before playing a dangerous ball into Rhode Island’s box. Michee Ngalina received Epps’s pass and fired in a shot that soared just over Rhode Island’s top post. The two rival clubs traded scoring chances as the game advanced into the late stages, but neither could break the tie. The match ended 1-1. 

Marcus Epps had an active night offensively for Hartford, leading the team in shots on goal (4) and passes (39). Renan Ribeiro made four saves in goal and Hartford created nine total chances throughout the night. 

Tonight’s match marks Hartford’s first draw of the season, moving the team to a record of 4-6-1. The Green and Blue will travel across the country to continue their USL Championship schedule at Rio Grande Credit Union Field to take on the top team in the Western Conference, New Mexico United, on Saturday, June 8th. Kickoff is set for 9:00 pm.

FAST STATS

Shots(On-Target): Hartford 11(2) Rhode Island 14(5)

Corners: Hartford 7 Rhode Island 5

Fouls: Hartford 9 Rhode Island 16

Offsides: Hartford 3 Rhode Island 1

Possession: Hartford 43.5% Rhode Island 56.5%

Passing: Hartford 330 Rhode Island 426

Saves: Hartford 4 Rhode Island 1 

SCORING SUMMARY

Rhode Island: 4’ – Mark Doyle (14)

Hartford: 24’ – Joe Farrell (15)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

Rhode Island:  86’ – Mark Doyle (Yellow) 

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

40 (GK) Renan Ribeiro, 4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett,  15 (DF) Joe Farrell, 5 (DF) Triston Hodge, 19 (DF) Rece Buckmaster, 6 (DF) Beverly Makangila, 8 (MF) Jay Chapman, 12 (MF) Asiedu Anderson,  7 (MF) Marcus Epps (Mamadou Dieng, 85’), 31 (F) Deshane Beckford (Romario Willaims, 67’), 11 (F) Michee Ngalina

RHODE ISLAND FC STARTING LINEUP

1 (GK) Koke Vegas, 4 (DF) Collin Smith ( Conor McGlynn, 45’), 15 (DF) Frank Nodarse, 24 (DF) Karifa Yao, 3 (DF) Stephen Turnbull, 23 (MF) Marc Ybarra, 12 (MF) Clay Holstad, 8 (MF) Jack Panayotou (Noah Fuson, 72’), 9 (F) JJ Williams, 10 (F) Albert Dikwa (Joe Brito, 81’), 14 (F) Mark Doyle (Prince Saydee, 88’) 

PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS

Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: HERE

Watch: MyTV9,  wtnh.com, ESPN+

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (4-6-0) vs RHODE ISLAND FC (1-3-7)

Coming off an uplifting home victory last Friday to snap a five-match losing streak, Hartford Athletic carry some momentum into their highly-anticipated first ever matchup with Rhode Island FC.

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford Athletic are coming off a 2-1 victory at home over Monterey Bay FC on Friday, May, 24th. Despite falling behind early to a goal in the 17th minute from Adrian Rebollar, two responding goals from the Green and Blue propelled Hartford to a comeback triumph against their Western Conference opponent. Hartford’s first goal came in the 33rd minute from Michee Ngalina when the winger drove a shot that deflected off of Monterey Bay’s Kai Greene and past Antony Siaha. Hartford struck again with a goal from Deshane Beckford in the 50th minute, who found space in the box and buried a shot in the back of the net. Both of Hartford’s goals were set up by Thomas Vancaeyezeele, who’s standout performance earned him a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week for week 12. Hartford outshot Monterey Bay 14 to nine, commanding themselves in the attacking third. Although the visitors controlled possession in the second half, they couldn’t equalize.

THE BIRTH OF A RIVALRY

Rhode Island FC and Hartford Athletic bring a new rivalry to the USL Championship, standing in closer proximity to each other than any other teams in the league. These New England neighbors are separated by just over 80 miles, making travel times under an hour and a half from stadium to stadium. As the only two USL Championship clubs in New England, tomorrow’s match kicks off a battle for regional supremacy.

FAMILIAR FACES

Former Hartford Athletic players Conor McGlynn and Prince Saydee return to Trinity Health Stadium for the first time this Saturday. Two of the most prominent players in the history of the club, their move to Rhode Island FC this offseason was an early storyline in the young rivalry’s history. McGlynn was a beloved midfielder in Hartford, logging over 4,000 minutes played after making the team via open tryouts in 2020. His four seasons spent in Green and Blue are the second most of any player in club history, behind only Danny Barrera. Saydee joined Athletic in 2022, and turned in the two best seasons of his career in Hartford. He scored 14 goals and dished out 11 assists, putting his speed and powerful left foot on full display over 64 appearances and 55 starts. Both McGlynn and Saydee have moments that live in Hartford Athletic’s all-time highlight reel, including McGlynn’s goal from his own half in 2021 as part of a 7-0 route of Red Bulls II, and Saydee’s magnificent bending strike and backflip celebration en route to a 3-2 victory over FC Tulsa in 2022. Both efforts were voted the Fan’s Choice Goal of the Year in those seasons.

VERSATILE VAN

Thomas Vancaeyezeele was excellent for Hartford last Friday, stepping up for his team while playing in a new position. Normally a center back, Vancaeyezeele played in the middle of Hartford’s 4-2-3-1 formation. The 29 year old Frenchman was extremely effective from the middle, dishing out two assists, creating two chances, and adding two interceptions and two tackles won to his defensive effort. 

BETWEEN THE POSTS

In his six starts for Rhode Island, Jackson Lee has been a critical component to his team’s defensive success. Lee was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week back to back (Weeks five and six) after recording his two-straight clean sheets. The Australian keeper shares the net with Koko Vegas, who was recently named to the Team of the Week for week 12, following his second clean sheet for the club this season. The 28-year-old achieved the club’s fourth shutout and recorded three saves in their recent draw against Louisville City FC. 

Hartford’s matchup against Rhode Island marks Renan Ribeiro’s fifth consecutive game back in net. Ribeiro has faced 24 shots in the past four games, boasting a 67% save success rate. In Saturday’s match against Monterey Bay, Ribeiro loomed large for Hartford, stopping all but one of the nine shots Monterey Bay sent his way. He made an outstanding save in the 88th minute of the match after he blocked a top corner shot sent from outside the box. Ribeiro is six-for-six in defensive duels and a three-for-three in aerial duels won this season as well.

HODGE HITS THE CENTURY MARK

Hartford Athletic outside back Triston Hodge will make his 100th USL Championship appearance if he features in Saturday’s match. The 29 year old Trinidadian defender reaches the milestone in his seventh season in the Championship, beginning his career with Toronto FC II in 2016. 

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Rhode Island FC are the most recent addition to the Championship, and currently sit 11th on the table with a 1-3-7 record. Despite just one victory, Rhode Island have put forth impressive performances against Western Conference league leader New Mexico United, and Eastern Conference league leader Charleston Battery. In both games, Rhode Island prevented these top contenders from taking home a win, and forced New Mexico’s only tie in their 7-2-1 record. Rhode Island have scored the same amount of goals as Hartford (10).

Prematch Interviews

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hartford Athletic: Deshane Beckford FW #31

Beckford netted his second goal in Green and Blue on Friday, but has been a crucial contributor to Hartfords attack all season long. The forward currently stands as second best on the team in both shots (18) and goals (2). Beckford also leads in chances created for the team with 13 contributed throughout the 10 games he has started and played. With Rhode Island’s notoriously strong defense and goalkeeping, Beckfords offensive mindset and excellent ball control will be a valuable asset in Hartfords attempt to secure the win. 

Rhode Island FC: Albert Dikwa FW #10

Albert “Chico” Dikwa, the 24 year old Cameroonian forward, has been a key piece to Rhode Island’s attacking success throughout the season. The reigning USL Championship Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot winner has carried his ability to dominate in the attacking third to his first season with RIFC. In Rhode Island’s match against Monterey Bay FC, Dikwa scored a goal and a brace, making history as the first player to score for the club. Dikwa was later named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for week three. The forward currently leads the team in goals and shots, with three and 17 respectively. Dikwa will challenge Hartford’s back line on Saturday night, who are looking for their first clean sheet since March 23rd this season.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For live updates, follow along on twitter using the hashtag #HFDvRI

Thomas Vancaeyezeele has been named to USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 12. This is Hartford’s seventh selection to Team of the Week, as Vancayzeele joins Deshane Beckford and Triston Hodge (Week Five), Anderson Asiedu and Paul Walters (Week Three), and Romario Williams (Week One) on the club’s impressive list through the 2024 season so far.

Vancaeyezeele was an offensive asset for Hartford from start to finish in their home match against Monterey Bay on Saturday night, assisting both of the team’s goals to propel Hartford to a 2-1 victory. In the first half, Vancaeyezeele carried the ball through Monterey Bay’s offensive third and sent a perfectly weighted ball to Michee Ngalina whose shot deflected off of  Monterey Bay’s Kai Greene and past Antony Siaha.

The defender didn’t break stride in the second half, contributing another assist just minutes into play to give Hartford the lead. Vancaeyezeele controlled the ball in the middle of Monterey’s box and laid off a short ball into space to Deshane Beckford who finished off Hartford’s second goal. Athletic held the lead the rest of the way, as Vancaeyezeele’s performance led the way.

Vancaeyezeele’s exceptional ball control and strategic distribution drove Hartford to a comeback victory against their Western Conference opponent. 

The defender has started and played every game for the Green and Blue this season, contributing 900 minutes on the field, the most of the entire team.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 12

GK – Koke Vegas, Rhode Island FC: The Spanish shot-stopper posted a three-save shutout, claimed three crosses and had one punched clearance as RIFC earned a point at home against Louisville City FC.

D – Lucas Stauffer, El Paso Locomotive FC: Stauffer had a strong performance on the right side for Locomotive in its victory against Charleston, winning 4 of 4 tackles and 8 of 11 duels while making 10 recoveries and three interceptions at Patriots Point.

D – Oscar Jimenez, Memphis 901 FC: The Championship veteran scored his first goal for Memphis in the side’s 2-0 victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and won one tackle while recording two interceptions and two clearances at AutoZone Park. 

D – Abdi Mohamed, New Mexico United: The Somalian international put in a solid defensive display in New Mexico’s victory against San Antonio FC, winning 7 of 8 duels and 2 of 2 tackles while completing 36 of 50 passes at Isotopes Park.

M – Mikey Maldonado, North Carolina FC: The 25-year-old scored a spectacular Olimpico from a corner kick on the left to cap a fine all-around display which saw him complete 23 of 27 passes, notch four chances created and make three interceptions in a 4-0 win against Miami FC.

M – Jack Blake, Indy Eleven: The English midfielder recorded both goals as the Boys in Blue completed a perfect month of May with a 2-1 victory against Phoenix Rising FC and completed 33 of 42 passes overall while winning 5 of 9 duels and 1 of 1 tackle.

M – Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Hartford Athletic: The French Guiana international recorded the first two-assist performance of his career in the Championship to guide Hartford to a 2-1 win against Monterey Bay F.C., completed 26 of 29 passes overall and won 2 of 2 tackles.

M – Florian Valot, Loudoun United FC: The French midfielder recorded his second goal of the season, completed 32 of 42 passes and 4 of 5 dribbles and won 9 of 15 duels and 2 of 3 tackles in Loudoun’s 2-0 victory on the road against Orange County SC.  

F – Amando Moreno, El Paso Locomotive FC: The El Salvador international struck twice as Locomotive claimed just its second win of the season by knocking the Charleston Battery from the ranks of the undefeated while having three shots and one chance created overall.

F – Zach Ryan, Loudoun United FC: Loudoun’s captain had one goal and one assist as United took a 2-0 victory on the road against Orange County SC and had three shots and two chances created overall leading the side’s forward line.

F – Cal Jennings, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Jennings scored his eighth goal of the regular season to lift the Rowdies to a late victory against Las Vegas Lights FC, recorded three shots on target and seven shots overall while posting two chances created in a solid attacking display.

Coach – Ryan Martin, Loudoun United FC: Martin’s squad put together an impressive road performance, holding Orange County to only seven shots while holding more possession in Loudoun’s second consecutive victory. 

Bench: Paul Blanchette (OAK), Paco Craig (NC), AJ Paterson (BHM), Ezra Armstrong (NC), Nanan Houssou (NM), Marlon Santos (MEM), Greg Hurst (NM)

After falling down 1-0 in the first half of tonight’s match, two unanswered goals from Michee Ngalina and Deshane Beckford propelled Hartford to a comeback victory at home. 

After a back and forth run of play through the opening 15 minutes of the match, Monterey Bay forward Adrian Rebollar struck first for his team in the 17th minute. He capitalized off of a corner kick from Walmer Martinez and put a volley in the back of the net, opening up the scoring on the road.

The visitors didn’t hold onto the lead for long, as Michee Ngalina knotted the score in the 33rd minute. Thomas Vancaeyezeele played a well-weighted ball into the attacking third for Ngalina, and the winger’s shot from outside the box deflected off of Monterey Bay’s Kai Greene and past Siaha. The Green and Blue dominated in the attacking third, leading the first half in shots with eight to Monterey Bay’s two. 

Hartford stayed eager for a goal throughout the 45th minute of play with Marcus Epps putting a shot on goal just minutes before the end of the first half. The halftime whistle blew and the score remained the same. 

Hartford came into the second half with the same momentum they left the first with scoring in the 50th minute of play. After a cross into the box, Thomas Vancaeyezeele laid off a ball into space to Deshane Beckford who buried a shot into the back of the net, raising the score to 2-1.

In the 88th minute of play, Monterey Bay came close to leveling out the score after Carlos Guzman received a pass off a corner kick and fired a long range shot that deflected off the top post. Despite maintaining possession of the ball for the majority of the second half, Monterey Bay couldn’t find a goal and Hartford walked off the field with a much-needed win to snap a five-game skin in USL Championship play.

Vancaeyezeele’s two assists were his first of the season, and Beckford netted his second goal. Marcus Epps and Triston Hodge distributed the ball well for Hartford, recording three chances created apiece. Renan Ribeiro had an active match despite not having to make a save, booting three clearances.

Hartford moves to a record of  4-6-0 after tonight’s battle with Monterey Bay FC. The team will have over a week to prepare for another home turf matchup with New England rival Rhode Island FC next Saturday at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available at https://www.hartfordathletic.com/tickets/.

FAST STATS

Shots(On-Target): Hartford 14 (5) Monterey Bay 9 (1)

Corners: Hartford 8 Monterey Bay 7 

Fouls: Hartford 13 Monterey Bay 14

Offsides: Hartford 1 Monterey Bay 2

Possession: Hartford 44.6% Monterey Bay 55.4%

Passing: Hartford 318 Monterey Bay 389

Saves: Hartford 1 Monterey Bay 3 

SCORING SUMMARY

18’ – Rebollar

33’ – Ngalina (Vancaeyezeele)

50’ – Deshane Beckford

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

Hartford: 

55’ – Farrell (Yellow)

90’ – Williams (Yellow)

94’ – Hodge (Yellow)

Monterey Bay: 

53’ – Guzman (Yellow) 

61’ – Lara (Yellow)

68’ – Fehr (Yellow)

88’ – Robinson (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

40 (GK) Renan Ribeiro, 5 (DF) Triston Hodge, 15 (DF) Joe Farrell, 19 (DF) Rece Buckmaster, 23 (DF) Thomas Vancaeyezeele,  4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett, 6 (MF) Beverly Makangila (18 Joe Schmidt, 86’ ), 8 (MF) Jay Chapman, 31 (F) Deshane Beckford (9 Ramario Williams, 82’), 11 (F) Michee Ngalina, 7 (F) Marcus Epps (29 Emmanuel Samadia, 70’)

MONTEREY BAY STARTING LINEUP

16 (GK) Antony Siaha, 30 (DF) Kai Greene, 5 (DF) Carlos Guzmán, 4 (DF) Alex Lara ( 32 Pierce Gallaway, 84’), 3 (DF) Morey Doner, 10 (MF) Rafael Baca, 11 (MF/F) Walmer Martínez (12 Grant Robinson, 69’), 64 (MF) Jerry Ayon (99 Xavi Gnaulati, 69’), 7 (MF) Adrian Rebollar (18 Michael Gonzalez, 76’), 13 (F) Mobi Fehr, 31 (F) Chase Boone

PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS

Date: Friday, May 24th, 2024

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Location: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: HERE

Watch: MyTV9,  wtnh.com, ESPN+

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford Athletic are back at Trinity Health Stadium after a 4-1 loss to Indy Eleven last Saturday on the road. Indy came out in control, as midfielder Jack Blake put a PK in the back of the net two minutes in after Thomas Vancaeyezeele was called for a handball in the box. Hartford had a difficult time maintaining possession in the first half, failing to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities before the 40th minute. In the final minutes of extra time in the first half, Indy defenseman Benjamin Ofeimu scored off a corner kick, raising the Indy lead to 2-0 at the half. The home side didn’t lose momentum in the second half and quickly added two more goals on the board. The first goal of the second half came from Douglas Martinez, and Augustine Williams added another just minutes later to make the score 4-0. In the 80th minute Michee Ngalina scored Hartford’s only goal of the match, assisted by Marcus Epps.

MATCHUP HISTORY

Friday’s match marks the second time Hartford Athletic will face off against Monterey Bay FC, holding a 0-1 record against their Western Conference foe. Hartford opened their 2023 season on the road against the California-based team at Cardinale Stadium on March 12th last year. After an action-packed game, Hartford suffered a 5-3 loss against Monterey Bay. This matchup holds particular significance as three of Hartford’s former players, Alex Lara, Walmer Martinez, and Alex Dixon are now signed with Monterey Bay. Dixon played for Hartford Athletic from 2019 to 2020 and has been a substantial obstacle for his former team. In Hartford’s 2023 match against Monterey Bay, the forward burned Hartford by contributing a hat trick in the first half. The offensive-packed game was full of scoring opportunities for both teams, as Hartford finished with 70 final third entries to Monterey Bay’s 58. 

FAMILIAR FACES

Hartford Athletic will see three familiar faces on Friday: forward Walmer Martinez, defender Alex Lara, and forward Alex Dixon. Martinez made his USL Championship debut with Hartford Athletic in 2021, logging over 1,000 minutes for the club and scoring two goals. Martinez was transferred to Monterey Bay ahead of their inaugural season the next year. Alex Lara signed his first professional contract with Hartford and  played in 13 matches, scoring two goals and adding an assist during his time with the Green and Blue. After leaving Hartford in 2021, Lara signed with Las Vegas Lights FC in March of 2022 before joining Monterey Bay FC in December 2022. Dixon, who joined Hartford Athletic in 2018 ahead of their 2019 inaugural season, spent two quality years with the club. During the 3,027 total minutes he saw with Hartford, Dixon recorded 11 goals and six assists. Following his last season with Hartford, fans voted Dixon the club’s Offensive Player of the Year. After leaving Hartford in 2019, Dixon spent two years with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC before making the move to the West Coast.

BETWEEN THE POSTS

After an injury took Renan Ribeiro out for the first six games of the 2024 season, Hartford’s goalie is back in net for the team. The matchup against Monterey Bay will mark Ribeiro’s fourth consecutive game starting for Hartford. In the past three games, Ribeiro has saved nearly 70% of the 23 shots he has faced. He made nine saves in Indianapolis last Saturday, fending off almost all of the 12 on-target shots Indy Eleven sent his way. What doesn’t show up on the stat sheet are his back-to-back volley shot saves off of crosses from Indy’s Sebastian Guenzatti in the 43rd minute and Douglas Martinez in the 46th minute of the match. Ribeiro stayed consistent throughout the second half, shutting down Younes Boudadi’s close-range shot off a breakaway in the 61st minute.

SOMETHING’S GOT TO GIVE

Both club’s come into Friday’s match in the midst of respective stretches of poor results. Hartford are on a five-game losing streak, and Monterey Bay have dropped four in a row. Both teams are in need of a breakthrough and three points. 

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Currently standing fourth in the Western Conference, Monterey Bay started out the season strong with early wins against Phoenix Rising FC, Oakland Roots SC, and Las Vegas Lights, but have been struggling to gain momentum in recent games. They hold a 4-4-3 record but have gone 1-3-1 in their last five contests, and are coming off a 3-0 loss to Loudoun United. Monterey Bay goalie Antony Siaha has played a big role in keeping his team on the top side of the table. His 36 saves lead the USL Championship, and he holds two clean sheets as well.

Prematch Interviews

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hartford Athletic: Jay Chapman, MF #8

Midfielder Jay Chapman has started eight out of the team’s nine games and played 640 minutes throughout the season. Chapman was a bright spot for Hartford last Saturday, excelling in distribution. He led the team in chances created, touches on the ball, accurate passes made, and total passes contributed. With nine final third entries and 22 passes in the final third, Chapman played a key role in advancing Hartford forward and generating goal-scoring opportunities. The midfielder is currently ranked top on his team for chances created after adding 14 contributions for Hartford. 

Monterey Bay: Tristan Trager, FW, #9 

Tristan Trager, the 24-year-old from San Clemente, California is a recent addition to Monterey Bay FC after transferring from Charleston Battery of the Eastern Conference in late January earlier this year. In his first season with the club, Trager has started seven of the 10 games he has played. In the 573 minutes of field time he has seen, Trager has contributed 19 total shots and 5 goals scored for the club earning him the leading shot-taker and goal-scorer on Monterey Bay. Trager recently earned a spot on Week 10, Team of the Week joining teammate Carlos Guzman. With a recent injury to his ribs, Trager was forced to take a seat on the bench for both the USL Championships Team and Monterey Bay’s recent matchup against Loudoun United FC.

Hartford Athletic stumbled on the road, falling 4-1 to a red-hot Indy Eleven team who are now unbeaten in seven straight matches across all competitions.

Indy started the scoring early, capitalizing on a penalty in the second minute. Defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele was called for a handball in the box and Indy’s Jack Blake converted the penalty to give Indy the early lead.

Battling from behind, Hartford fought for possession throughout the first half. They had multiple opportunities before the 40th minute, the most notable being a free kick sent just over the crossbar by Jay Chapman. Goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro kept the game close, showing flashes of athleticism on multiple saves and punchouts.

Past the 40th minute, Indy hit their stride. With multiple shots taken headed into extra time, they finally found gold in an offensive flurry. Indy was granted a corner kick on the right side, sent inside the box right in front of the net. An Indy player sent a header into the crossbar, which rebounded directly to Indy defenseman Benjamin Ofeimu for a tap-in goal. The halftime whistle blew and the home side had a two-goal lead.

The second half saw Hartford score their first goal of the match, but only after Indy had two more goals on the board. The game quickly went out of reach in the 54th minute from a perfect Aeden Stanley pass on the left side into the box between two defenders. Douglas Martinez took advantage and sent it through to extend the lead to three.

Just four minutes later, Augi Williams found free space coming up on Hartford’s box, and with no pressure, sent the shot through. Hartford managed to minimize the damage on a Michee Ngalina goal in the 80th assisted by Marcus Epps.

Hartford have a quick turnaround as they return home for a special Friday night matchup with Monterey Bay FC. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM and it’s $2 Beer, $1 Hot Dog night. Tickets are available at hartfordathletic.com/tickets. 

FAST STATS

Shots (On-Target): Hartford  10(4) Indy  18(12)

Corners: Hartford 6 Indy 12

Fouls: Hartford 12 Indy 13

Offsides: Hartford 3 Indy 1

Possession: Hartford 48.7% Indy 51.3%

Passing Accuracy: Hartford 71.6% Indy 72.8%

Saves: Hartford 9 Indy 3

SCORING SUMMARY:

Indy 3’ – Blake (penalty)

Indy 45+3’ – Ofeimu

Indy 54’ – Martinez (Stanley)

Indy 58’ – Williams (Boudadi)

Hartford 80’ – Ngalina (Epps)

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:

Hartford:

82’ – Vancaeyezeele (Yellow)

90’ – Hartford Bench (Red)

Indy:

11’ – Williams (Yellow)

15’ – Diz (Yellow)

HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP

40 (GK) Renan Ribeiro, 5 (DF) Triston Hodge (29 Emmanuel Samadia – Half), 23 (DF) Thomas Vancaeyezeele, 4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett, 19 (DF) Rece Buckmaster, 94 (MF) Marlon Hairston (7 Marcus Epps – 57’), 12 (MF) Anderson Asiedu (6 Beverly Makangila – 57’), 8 (MF) Jay Chapman (10 Danny Barrera – 74’), 9 (FW) Romario Williams (17 Kyle Edwards – 69’), 31 (FW) Deshane Beckford, 11 (FW) Michee Ngalina

INDY STARTING LINEUP 

0 (GK) Hunter Sulte, 3 (DF) Aeden Stanley, 15 (DF) Adrian Diz Pe, 2 (DF) Josh O’Brien, 30 (DF) Benjamin Ofeimu, 23 (DF) Younes Boudadi (20 Ben Mines – 84’), 8 (MF) Jack Blake (34 Max Schneider – 77’), 6 (MF) Cam Lindley, 13 (FW) Sebastian Guenzatti (16 Laurence Wootton – 64’), 42 (FW) Douglas Martinez (17 Tega Ikoba – 64’), 9 (FW) Augi Williams (18 Elliot Collier – 64’)

PRESENTED BY TRAVELERS

Date: Saturday, May 18th, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Streaming: MyTV9, WTNH.com, or ESPN+

Hartford are back on the road, heading to the Hoosier State for a matchup with Indy Eleven. The matchup gives them a chance to break a four-game skid in the Championship, and take some momentum into back-to-back home matches over the next two weeks.

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford Athletic are coming off a 2-0 loss to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC last Saturday at home. Hartford had a difficult time creating consistent chances in the first half, and the second half comeback effort fell short. The Switchbacks took the lead in the 24th minute when Maalique Foster delivered a quality lead ball into the box for Yosuke Hanya, and Hanya powered his shot to the top left corner of the box. Hartford came out of the second half gate much stronger in their attacking play, and came inches away from tying the game in the 57th minute. Michee Ngalina found space just outside the box off of a turnover, and lofted his shot  off the crossbar. The ball bounced on the goal line and out to Deshane Beckford, whose header was desperately saved by Duke Lacroix in bicycle kick fashion off the line. Still down a goal late in the match, Jordan Scarlett committed a penalty in the box and Ronald Dumas converted his PK try in the 80th minute to seal the victory for Colorado Springs.

MATCHUP HISTORY

Hartford Athletic have faced off against Indy Eleven seven times since 2019, and are 2-4-1 all-time against the familiar eastern conference foe. The matchup with Indy holds positive memories in the hearts of Hartford fans despite a losing record against them, as the Green and Blue picked up their first ever victory at Dillon Stadium (now Trinity Health Stadium) against the Eleven on July 13th, 2019. A year ago, Hartford picked up a point at Indy thanks to an early Kyle Edwards goal, but they conceded a late equalizer from Jack Blake. It was an extremely chippy match that saw 11 cards dealt, including three reds (two to Indy and one to Triston Hodge).

WHISTLING WELTER

Saturday’s matchup has the chance to be another physical game with many whistles and cards dealt, as Indy leads the Championship in cautions (32) and Hartford’s 28 are good for sixth in the Championship. 

FAMILIAR FACES

Hartford Athletic will see two familiar faces on Saturday: wingback Younes Boudadi and goalkeeper Yannik Oettl. Both players were on Hartford’s 2022 roster, and Boudadi spent the 2021 season with the team as well. The Belgian defensemen was a frequent feature for Athletic, totaling over 5,000 minutes across 57 appearances. Oettl signed with the club on loan from New England Revolution II midway through the 2022 season and turned in an excellent campaign in goal, making the second most-saves in club history with 74 across 19 appearances. Both Boudadi and Oettl Additionally, Hartford’s Rece Buckmaster will return to his home state and former team on Saturday. The Auburn, Indiana native made 23 appearances for Indy in 2021, and played four years at Indiana University. 

BETWEEN THE POSTS

Renan Ribeiro has taken over the starting role in goal for Hartford after coming back from a thigh injury that sidelined him for the first six matches of the season, and the 34 year old has been reliable through his highly-anticipated first two performances. He made five saves in Charleston two weeks ago, and followed with two more against Colorado Springs last week. What doesn’t show up on the stat sheet are his saves in big moments, including a diving stop on Nick Markanich in the 90th minute against Charleston, and a point-blank denial of Zach Zandi just before the end of the first half against Colorado Springs to keep Hartford’s deficit at just one. The former Liga Portugal keeper was brought to Hartford as their first signing of the offseason in an effort to improve on a poor defensive season in 2023, and he’s been up to the task so far. 

Prematch Interviews

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hartford Athletic: Michee Ngalina, FW #11

Michee Ngalina leads Hartford attacking efforts with 17 shots and seven on target, along with an assist. He scored what would be the game winning goal in Hartford’s home opener against Birmingham back on March 23rd, but has yet to find the back of the net a second time. The 23 year old has 35 USL Championship goals to his name in his young career so far, and may be the most likely candidate to help Hartford breakout of their three-game scoreless streak. Ngalina hit the under side of the crossbar last week, coming inches from a highlight-reel goal.

Indy Eleven: Jack Blake, MF #8

Blake leads Indy with 24 shots and is tied for the lead in goals scored with Augustine Williams (4). He’s also created 10 chances and has been excellent in gaining possession for Indy, winning a team-leading 19 tackles in the midfield. He will be an active player to watch against Hartford on Saturday night.

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Hartford Athletic announced today that goalkeeper Paul Walters has been recalled by FC Cincinnati and will return to the MLS side today. Walters joined Hartford Athletic on loan from Cincinnati on March 8th, and made six starts for the Green and Blue in goal. The 19 year old turned in a productive loan spell, making 21 saves and recording two clean sheets.

Hartford Athletic announced today the hiring of Octavio Zambrano as their Executive Director of Player Development. Following over 20 years of coaching at the professional and international levels, Zambrano will be responsible for developing on-field programming for Hartford Athletic’s Academy teams and curriculums related to both boys and girls player development. Zambrano will also oversee all programs including Academy tryouts, clinics, college showcases, training sessions and provide connectivity and a pathway to Hartford Athletic’s professional team working closely with Head Coach and GM, Brendan Burke.

“I am honored to join Hartford Athletic and contribute to the development of young players within the organization,” said Octavio Zambrano. “Connecticut is a state that is rich with talented young soccer players and I am excited to work alongside the coaching staff, players, and management team to build a robust player development program that will produce top level talent and future first team players.”

“Octavio is one of the best soccer minds in the history of American soccer, and I couldn’t think of a better person to be leading our player development initiatives,” said Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “His proven track record in identifying and nurturing young talent aligns seamlessly with the club’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and advancement in the sport.”

Zambrano’s extensive coaching career saw him make a profound impact on American soccer. He emerged as an MLS head coach in 1997, and guided two of the league’s most storied franchises, the LA Galaxy and New York Metro Stars/Red Bulls, to playoff appearances over the next five years. His 80-55-8 record ranks him 12th all-time in total wins among MLS coaches, giving him a .587 regular season winning percentage. Over the next two decades, Zambrano made coaching stints in Moldova, Hungary, Colombia, El Salvador, and his home country of Ecuador. In 2017, Zambrano was appointed as the Head

Coach of the Canadian National Team. He led Canada to the quarter-finals of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Canada’s first appearance in the knock-out stage of the Gold Cup since 2009.

Zambrano holds a UEFA A diploma, a USSF A coaching license, and a CONMEBOL Pro license.