News Archive

Background

Christian Gómez will join the team and compete for a role in the midfield. Gomez was a part of Mineros de Guayana’s academy team and made his professional debut in 2017 when he was only 18 years old. During his first season he had 12 appearances and helped Mineros win the Venezuela Cup. A year later, during 2018, Gomez left Venezuela and signed on loan with Atletico San Francisco in the Dominican Republic, where the team finished runner-up in the league. In 2019, he returned to Mineros and scored his first professional goal, playing 22 games during that season. His 2020 season in Venezuela was cut short because of the pandemic.

What to Watch For

• Great player on the ball that knows how to dribble and pick out good passes
• Knows how to be aggressive and physical when it comes to winning possession back
• Good field vision that allows him to see runners all across the field compliments his great passing ability

Highlights

Background

Christian Gómez will join the team and compete for a role in the midfield. Gomez was a part of Mineros de Guayana’s academy team and made his professional debut in 2017 when he was only 18 years old. During his first season he had 12 appearances and helped Mineros win the Venezuela Cup. A year later, during 2018, Gomez left Venezuela and signed on loan with Atletico San Francisco in the Dominican Republic, where the team finished runner-up in the league. In 2019, he returned to Mineros and scored his first professional goal, playing 22 games during that season. His 2020 season in Venezuela was cut short because of the pandemic.

What to Watch For

• Great player on the ball that knows how to dribble and pick out good passes
• Knows how to be aggressive and physical when it comes to winning possession back
• Good field vision that allows him to see runners all across the field compliments his great passing ability

Highlights

Coach's Corner

"Christian will be the conductor of the Hartford Midfield Orchestra. He will help us dictate the speed and direction of the game with his ability to change levels in tempo quickly. I can't wait to see him in a Hartford shirt and ready  to pull the strings in the midfield." – Coach Watling

Coach’s Corner

“Christian will be the conductor of the Hartford Midfield Orchestra. He will help us dictate the speed and direction of the game with his ability to change levels in tempo quickly. I can’t wait to see him in a Hartford shirt and ready  to pull the strings in the midfield.” – Coach Watling

Hartford Athletic has signed midfielder Christian Gómez, pending league and federation approval.  

The 21-year-old Gómez comes to Hartford from Venezuelan club Mineros de Guayana. After coming through their academy system, Gómez made his professional debut as an 18-year-old and played 12 matches en route to winning the Copa Venezuela. He went on loan to Dominican Republic side Atlético San Francisco in 2018 and helped them finish as the league runner-up. Gómez returned to Mineros and played 30 matches over the course of the next two seasons. 

“Christian will be the conductor of the Hartford midfield orchestra,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He will help us dictate the speed and direction of the game with his ability to change levels in tempo quickly. I can’t wait to see him in a Hartford shirt, ready to pull the strings in the midfield.” 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Sebastian Elney, Bradford Jamieson IV, Tabort Etaka Preston, Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Christian Gómez, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Nicolás Cardona, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hartford Athletic has signed midfielder Christian Gómez, pending league and federation approval.  

The 21-year-old Gómez comes to Hartford from Venezuelan club Mineros de Guayana. After coming through their academy system, Gómez made his professional debut as an 18-year-old and played 12 matches en route to winning the Copa Venezuela. He went on loan to Dominican Republic side Atlético San Francisco in 2018 and helped them finish as the league runner-up. Gómez returned to Mineros and played 30 matches over the course of the next two seasons. 

“Christian will be the conductor of the Hartford midfield orchestra,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “He will help us dictate the speed and direction of the game with his ability to change levels in tempo quickly. I can’t wait to see him in a Hartford shirt, ready to pull the strings in the midfield.” 

Hartford Athletic has now signed the following players for the 2021 season: 

Forward: Sebastian Elney, Bradford Jamieson IV, Tabort Etaka Preston, Alfonso Vazquez 

Midfielder: Nii Armah Ashitey, Danny Barrera, Christian Gómez, Conor McGlynn, Luka Prpa, Arthur Rogers, Gabriel Torres 

Defender: Younes Boudadi, Nicolás Cardona, Thomas Janjigian, Alex Lara 

Goalkeeper: Jeff Caldwell, Carlos Merancio 

More signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

At long last, preseason training for the 2021 season is underway! Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling has finalized a strong technical staff for the year that is poised to help bring Hartford back to the top of the table for a second consecutive year.

Luiz Silva, who spent last season as First Team Assistant to Head Coach Radhi Jaïdi, will again serve in this role in 2021. He will also continue to serve as the Head of Scouting and Performance Analysis for Hartford Athletic. Silva joined Hartford Athletic in September of 2019 aiming to build the structure and processes for 2020 season and beyond. He has been instrumental in leading opposition and scouting analysis as well as tracking the performance of our own players.

"Luiz has been superb for us from the moment I took the role," said Watling. "He has a keen eye for talent identification coupled with in-depth tactical knowledge of how to build this team. He epitomizes Hartford as a club. We are lucky to have him."

Enzo Pereira has been brought on board as Goalkeeper Coach for the 2021 season. Pereira, who attended Naugatuck High School, has vast coaching experience including 2 years at Post University. The Eagles were conference champions in both his years, making the NCAA Tournament both times as well. Pereira coached the Goalkeepers at CT Rush and Dynamo and also founded ELP Goalkeeping, a business that creates content specifically for Goalkeepers.

"Enzo is the newest member of the team and we're very excited to have him on staff," Watling said. "He has the knowledge and ability to make our GKs better. I'm excited to see his work!"

Kevin Hoffman returns as athletic trainer for a second consecutive season, as does Joe Lucas Santos, who took over as Strength and Conditioning Coach at the beginning of last year's restart. Santos supported former Strength and Conditioning Coach Lucas Kruel during the 2019 season.

At long last, preseason training for the 2021 season is underway! Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling has finalized a strong technical staff for the year that is poised to help bring Hartford back to the top of the table for a second consecutive year.

Luiz Silva, who spent last season as First Team Assistant to Head Coach Radhi Jaïdi, will again serve in this role in 2021. He will also continue to serve as the Head of Scouting and Performance Analysis for Hartford Athletic. Silva joined Hartford Athletic in September of 2019 aiming to build the structure and processes for 2020 season and beyond. He has been instrumental in leading opposition and scouting analysis as well as tracking the performance of our own players.

“Luiz has been superb for us from the moment I took the role,” said Watling. “He has a keen eye for talent identification coupled with in-depth tactical knowledge of how to build this team. He epitomizes Hartford as a club. We are lucky to have him.”

Enzo Pereira has been brought on board as Goalkeeper Coach for the 2021 season. Pereira, who attended Naugatuck High School, has vast coaching experience including 2 years at Post University. The Eagles were conference champions in both his years, making the NCAA Tournament both times as well. Pereira coached the Goalkeepers at CT Rush and Dynamo and also founded ELP Goalkeeping, a business that creates content specifically for Goalkeepers.

“Enzo is the newest member of the team and we’re very excited to have him on staff,” Watling said. “He has the knowledge and ability to make our GKs better. I’m excited to see his work!”

Kevin Hoffman returns as athletic trainer for a second consecutive season, as does Joe Lucas Santos, who took over as Strength and Conditioning Coach at the beginning of last year’s restart. Santos supported former Strength and Conditioning Coach Lucas Kruel during the 2019 season.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what's going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This past week, players from Open Tryouts and the Hartford Athletic scouting network took to the Dillon Stadium pitch for an Invitational Combine. Find out who earned an invitation to Preseason Training! Plus, you'll learn a thing or two about Hartford’s Eastern Conference divisional opponents in the USL season preview!

Invitational Combine

With Preseason Training starting up on Monday, Hartford Athletic held its Invitational Combine at Dillon Stadium this past week. Players from Open Tryouts and the Hartford Athletic scouting network competed at Dillon Stadium for four days for a chance to get one step closer to achieving their goals and becoming a professional soccer player. After four really competitive sessions, Hartford Athletic selected the following nine players to advance to Preseason:

Emmanuel Ofori Jr (WG/FW; East Hartford, CT; Age: 17; Height: 6’2”; Weight: 176lbs): A senior at East Hartford High School and an All-State selection in 2019. Emmanuel advanced from Open Tryouts.

Justin DiCarlo (GK; Canton, CT; Age: 16; Height: 6’1”; Weight: 175lbs): Former Oakwood player, currently with Hotchkiss School and BlackRock FC. Justin advanced from Open Tryouts.

Javel Dawkins (RB/RCB; Stratford, CT; Age: 22; Height: 6’1”; Weight: 175lbs): Former Georgian Court University, had stints with Hartford City and in Portuguese 3rd division. Javel advanced from Open Tryouts.

Shamir Holt (CDM, Hartford, CT; Age: 19; Height: 5’10”; Weight: 170lbs): A former Oakwood player who calls our capitol city home. Won a state championship at Farmington High School.

Ahmed Abd-Elazem (CM; Baltimore, MD; Age: 18; Height: 5’9”; Weight: 165lbs) Former Baltimore Armour Academy U19. 

Andrew Nino (ACM; Union Ville, NJ; Age: 22; Height: 5’10”; Weight: 160lbs): NJIT alumni, from NJ. 

Joshua Hernandez (ACM/FW; Hurleyville, NY; Age: 20; Height: 5’11”; Weight: 170lbs): former Cedar Stars and FC Westchester Academy, went to Colombia in 2018 and played in state levels there until 2020. Joshua advanced from Open Tryouts.

Richie Schlentz (LB; West Chester, PA; Age: 22; Height: 6’0”; Weight: 165lbs): Villanova University alumni. Former Philadelphia Union Academy

Walmer Martinez (WG/FW; Santa Cruz, CA; Age: 22; Height: 5’11”; Weight: 175lbs): CSU Monterrey Bay alumni. Potential to play with El Salvadorian youth international squads.

These players will compete over with the first team over the next few weeks, with the 2021 season set to start in roughly six weeks.

Around the USL

– USL drops Eastern and Western Conference previews 

Five Eastern Conference Preseason Talking Points (uslchampionship.com)

Five Western Conference Preseason Talking Points (uslchampionship.com)

Messi Screamer Not Enough as PSG Knock Out Barcelona:

A world-class Lionel Messi goal proved the be the only positive for FC Barcelona this past week. Barcelona and Messi were knocked out in the Champions League round of 16 at the hands of PSG. Kylian Mbappe put the Parisians up one-nil with a penalty as the French superstar continues his incredible form. 

Later in the first half, Lionel Messi scored one of the goals of the season. Messi collected the ball 20-30 yards outside of the 18-yard box and shifted it onto his left foot. Messi unleashed an unstoppable strike and the ball arrowed into the top corner. The game stayed at 1-1 and Barcelona was ultimately eliminated 5-2 on aggregate. 

Barcelona continues to struggle under new head coach Ronald Koeman this season and it is hard to see where they go from here. You have to wonder just how many more Messi goals we will see like this in his career for Barcelona. With his contract running down and age only increasing, we just have to enjoy it.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what’s going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This past week, players from Open Tryouts and the Hartford Athletic scouting network took to the Dillon Stadium pitch for an Invitational Combine. Find out who earned an invitation to Preseason Training! Plus, you’ll learn a thing or two about Hartford’s Eastern Conference divisional opponents in the USL season preview!

Invitational Combine

With Preseason Training starting up on Monday, Hartford Athletic held its Invitational Combine at Dillon Stadium this past week. Players from Open Tryouts and the Hartford Athletic scouting network competed at Dillon Stadium for four days for a chance to get one step closer to achieving their goals and becoming a professional soccer player. After four really competitive sessions, Hartford Athletic selected the following nine players to advance to Preseason:

Emmanuel Ofori Jr (WG/FW; East Hartford, CT; Age: 17; Height: 6’2”; Weight: 176lbs): A senior at East Hartford High School and an All-State selection in 2019. Emmanuel advanced from Open Tryouts.

Justin DiCarlo (GK; Canton, CT; Age: 16; Height: 6’1”; Weight: 175lbs): Former Oakwood player, currently with Hotchkiss School and BlackRock FC. Justin advanced from Open Tryouts.

Javel Dawkins (RB/RCB; Stratford, CT; Age: 22; Height: 6’1”; Weight: 175lbs): Former Georgian Court University, had stints with Hartford City and in Portuguese 3rd division. Javel advanced from Open Tryouts.

Shamir Holt (CDM, Hartford, CT; Age: 19; Height: 5’10”; Weight: 170lbs): A former Oakwood player who calls our capitol city home. Won a state championship at Farmington High School.

Ahmed Abd-Elazem (CM; Baltimore, MD; Age: 18; Height: 5’9”; Weight: 165lbs) Former Baltimore Armour Academy U19. 

Andrew Nino (ACM; Union Ville, NJ; Age: 22; Height: 5’10”; Weight: 160lbs): NJIT alumni, from NJ. 

Joshua Hernandez (ACM/FW; Hurleyville, NY; Age: 20; Height: 5’11”; Weight: 170lbs): former Cedar Stars and FC Westchester Academy, went to Colombia in 2018 and played in state levels there until 2020. Joshua advanced from Open Tryouts.

Richie Schlentz (LB; West Chester, PA; Age: 22; Height: 6’0”; Weight: 165lbs): Villanova University alumni. Former Philadelphia Union Academy

Walmer Martinez (WG/FW; Santa Cruz, CA; Age: 22; Height: 5’11”; Weight: 175lbs): CSU Monterrey Bay alumni. Potential to play with El Salvadorian youth international squads.

These players will compete over with the first team over the next few weeks, with the 2021 season set to start in roughly six weeks.

Around the USL

– USL drops Eastern and Western Conference previews 

Five Eastern Conference Preseason Talking Points (uslchampionship.com)

Five Western Conference Preseason Talking Points (uslchampionship.com)

Messi Screamer Not Enough as PSG Knock Out Barcelona:

A world-class Lionel Messi goal proved the be the only positive for FC Barcelona this past week. Barcelona and Messi were knocked out in the Champions League round of 16 at the hands of PSG. Kylian Mbappe put the Parisians up one-nil with a penalty as the French superstar continues his incredible form. 

Later in the first half, Lionel Messi scored one of the goals of the season. Messi collected the ball 20-30 yards outside of the 18-yard box and shifted it onto his left foot. Messi unleashed an unstoppable strike and the ball arrowed into the top corner. The game stayed at 1-1 and Barcelona was ultimately eliminated 5-2 on aggregate. 

Barcelona continues to struggle under new head coach Ronald Koeman this season and it is hard to see where they go from here. You have to wonder just how many more Messi goals we will see like this in his career for Barcelona. With his contract running down and age only increasing, we just have to enjoy it.

With preseason training set to start on Monday, Hartford Athletic has finalized a 2021 preseason schedule.

The club will kick off it's preseason slate with a Blue and Green Intrasquad scrimmage at Dillon Stadium on March 31st. Hartford will play three of its other preseason friendlies at home and will head on the road for matchups with MLS side NYCFC and USL Championship rival New York Red Bulls II. At this time, preseason friendlies at home will not be open to the general public.

Hartford will once again welcome Newtown Pride and FC Motown for preseason friendlies. Hartford hosted both teams during the 2020 preseason. Philadelphia Union II will also travel to Connecticut for a friendly match. Hartford played Union II four times in 2020 picking up three wins and a draw in those matches. Philadelphia Union II will not compete in the USL Championship in 2021.

Hartford Athletic Preseason Schedule:

March 31 – Blue and Green Scrimmage

April 3 – vs Newtown Pride

April 10 – @ NYCFC

April 16 – @ New York Red Bulls II

April 21 – vs Philadelphia Union II

April 24 – vs FC Motown

With preseason training set to start on Monday, Hartford Athletic has finalized a 2021 preseason schedule.

The club will kick off it’s preseason slate with a Blue and Green Intrasquad scrimmage at Dillon Stadium on March 31st. Hartford will play three of its other preseason friendlies at home and will head on the road for matchups with MLS side NYCFC and USL Championship rival New York Red Bulls II. At this time, preseason friendlies at home will not be open to the general public.

Hartford will once again welcome Newtown Pride and FC Motown for preseason friendlies. Hartford hosted both teams during the 2020 preseason. Philadelphia Union II will also travel to Connecticut for a friendly match. Hartford played Union II four times in 2020 picking up three wins and a draw in those matches. Philadelphia Union II will not compete in the USL Championship in 2021.

Hartford Athletic Preseason Schedule:

March 31 – Blue and Green Scrimmage

April 3 – vs Newtown Pride

April 10 – @ NYCFC

April 16 – @ New York Red Bulls II

April 21 – vs Philadelphia Union II

April 24 – vs FC Motown

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what's going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This past week, there has been a ton of positive news circulating around the club. New player signings, new division opponents, and some international call-ups – plus an update on our friends across the pond at Leyton Orient! Let's get to it!

A Busy News Week

This past week, Athletic fans were treated to some exciting news on and off the field. On Tuesday, the club announced the signing of Bradford Jamieson IV. The forward arrives in Hartford with an impressive resume and a play style that will get fans off the edge of their seats. Jamieson IV has big shoes to fill after the departure of Alex Dixon. Dixon is currently Athletic’s all-time leading goal scorer (8) and was central and essential to Hartford’s attack in the past two seasons.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what’s going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This past week, there has been a ton of positive news circulating around the club. New player signings, new division opponents, and some international call-ups – plus an update on our friends across the pond at Leyton Orient! Let’s get to it!

A Busy News Week

This past week, Athletic fans were treated to some exciting news on and off the field. On Tuesday, the club announced the signing of Bradford Jamieson IV. The forward arrives in Hartford with an impressive resume and a play style that will get fans off the edge of their seats. Jamieson IV has big shoes to fill after the departure of Alex Dixon. Dixon is currently Athletic’s all-time leading goal scorer (8) and was central and essential to Hartford’s attack in the past two seasons.

Another new signing has been in the news for Athletic this week as well. Just after becoming Harry Watling’s newest addition to the backline, Nicolás Cardona received more positive news. This past week, he became the first active Hartford Athletic player to earn an international call-up, joining his home country of Puerto Rico in their quest to qualify for a World Cup! In some ways, Cardona’s professional journey has come full circle in Hartford. He started for Puerto Rico in a friendly match at Dillon Stadium between Hartford Athletic and the Puerto Rico National Team in 2019. Now, Cardona is a Hartford player and Puetro Rican international regular!

Another new signing has been in the news for Athletic this week as well. Just after becoming Harry Watling’s newest addition to the backline, Nicolás Cardona received more positive news. This past week, he became the first active Hartford Athletic player to earn an international call-up, joining his home country of Puerto Rico in their quest to qualify for a World Cup! In some ways, Cardona’s professional journey has come full circle in Hartford. He started for Puerto Rico in a friendly match at Dillon Stadium between Hartford Athletic and the Puerto Rico National Team in 2019. Now, Cardona is a Hartford player and Puetro Rican international regular!

The cherry on top of the news week was without question the USL’s announcement of the 2021 Atlantic Division. Athletic are joined by last year’s Group F opponents, Loudoun United, New York Red Bulls ll, and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The other Atlantic division members are located below the Mason Dixon line in places much warmer than Hartford. Athletic will travel down the east coast to both the Carliona’s where they will play Charlotte Independence and Charleston Battery. Then the team will have to head further down south to the sunshine state where the group is rounded out by two quality sides, last season’s USL Eastern Conference champions Tampa Bay Rowdies and Miami FC. Both will fare as interesting matchups for Athletic!

The cherry on top of the news week was without question the USL’s announcement of the 2021 Atlantic Division. Athletic are joined by last year’s Group F opponents, Loudoun United, New York Red Bulls ll, and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The other Atlantic division members are located below the Mason Dixon line in places much warmer than Hartford. Athletic will travel down the east coast to both the Carliona’s where they will play Charlotte Independence and Charleston Battery. Then the team will have to head further down south to the sunshine state where the group is rounded out by two quality sides, last season’s USL Eastern Conference champions Tampa Bay Rowdies and Miami FC. Both will fare as interesting matchups for Athletic!

Around the USL:

– USL celebrates Women's History Month

https://twitter.com/USLChampionship/status/1367505113028300801?s=20

Leyton Orient Gets First Win Under New Management

After recently parting ways with Manager Ross Embleton, Leyton Orient needed this victory. This past week, Orient got back on track with a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town. Under the leadership of new interim manager Jobi McAnuff, the former O’s player will be looking for more performances like this one to round out the season!

Bottom of the league Grimsby Town would have been looking to get a result in this one. The struggling O’s hadn’t won since the 16th of January and haven’t won away from home since November. In the 10th minute, standout defender Dan Happe found himself on the end of a deflected cross. The 6 foot 5 center back showed great skill to outstretch his left leg and put Orient in front! 

In the second half, Orient hit the bar, missed some chances and so did Grimsby Town. In the end, Orient held on to win 1-0. McAnuff gets his first win as interim manager and O’s fans can breathe a sigh of relief for the week.

Around the USL:

– USL celebrates Women’s History Month

https://twitter.com/USLChampionship/status/1367505113028300801?s=20

Leyton Orient Gets First Win Under New Management

After recently parting ways with Manager Ross Embleton, Leyton Orient needed this victory. This past week, Orient got back on track with a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town. Under the leadership of new interim manager Jobi McAnuff, the former O’s player will be looking for more performances like this one to round out the season!

Bottom of the league Grimsby Town would have been looking to get a result in this one. The struggling O’s hadn’t won since the 16th of January and haven’t won away from home since November. In the 10th minute, standout defender Dan Happe found himself on the end of a deflected cross. The 6 foot 5 center back showed great skill to outstretch his left leg and put Orient in front! 

In the second half, Orient hit the bar, missed some chances and so did Grimsby Town. In the end, Orient held on to win 1-0. McAnuff gets his first win as interim manager and O’s fans can breathe a sigh of relief for the week.

This story was originally published in New England Soccer Journal. Hartford Athletic supporters can apply the code HA25 at checkout for 25% off either a year-long digital or all-access subscription. Launched in March 2013, New England Soccer Journal covers youth soccer up to the professional ranks across the entire region. Click here for more info and to subscribe.

Hartford Athletic has signed a third player with New England ties for the 2021 USL Championship campaign, acquiring former Assumption College captain and center back Nicolas Cardona.

Also part of Puerto Rico’s national team, Cardona was last with UB Conquense in Spain’s Segunda Division B. While at the fourth-division side, he trained with their first team and played with their Under-23s.

This offseason, Hartford’s other local-adjacent signings are goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell (ex-New England Revolution) and defender Younes Boudadi (ex-Boston College). They both have experience in America’s second division, while Cardona is entering these waters for the first time.

“I’m very excited to join Hartford and make that step because I think it’s the beginning, not of my soccer career, but of my professional career,” Cardona told New England Soccer Journal. “I think it’s a very special moment and I hope for the best. I really want to thank Hartford for giving me the opportunity.”

Describing how Hartford identified him, Cardona pointed to Puerto Rico’s international friendlies in January at the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. That El Huracan Azul camp featured New England Revolution II defender Colby Quinones (Bedford, N.H.), former New England Revolution homegrown midfielder Isaac Angking (Providence, R.I.) and ex-Beachside SC academy center back Giovanni Calderon (North Haven, Conn.).

Cardona said Hartford was scouting Calderon, originally a University of Hartford Class of 2020 commit who’s now in the United States Naval Academy’s Class of 2021. But the 22-year-old caught their eye, leading to the move.

“Giovanni called me saying the Hartford coaches wanted to talk to me, so he gave them my number,” Cardona recalled. “They contacted my agent and people reached out. In a matter of two or three days, it was all done. It was crazy.”

Before getting here, Cardona spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons at Assumption, a Northeast-10 Conference (Division II) program in Worcester, Mass. He had two goals and two assists across 33 games (30 starts), earning All-NE10 First Team and All-Region Second Team honors as a junior.

During the 2019 campaign, Cardona was integral to what finished as Assumption’s best-ever year. The Greyhounds’ 13-8 record tied a program record for single-season wins, highlighted by their first NE10 title and first NCAA tournament victory. Head coach Chris Payne, who recently took over Hiram College (Division III school in Ohio), was named NESJ’s D-II Men Coach of the Year for guiding the dramatic turnaround.

“We just cared about the next game and weren’t looking ahead,” Cardona said of Assumption’s 2019 season. “We stayed focused on the challenge right there and knew we could win against every team in the league. Obviously some were better than others, but we just kept focused on the next game and the next three available points. It started piling up, and when you start winning you feel unstoppable.”

Cardona departed Assumption after the Fall 2019 semester to pursue a professional career, leading to the initial overseas opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic derailed those plans, so he spent much of the last year training back home in Puerto Rico.

While Cardona’s D-II path is a less-traveled one, his profile grew at Assumption. Other NE10 sides like Franklin Pierce, Southern Connecticut State and Southern New Hampshire also have histories of developing pros.

“I knew players that were pro and they’d ask where I played,” Cardona, who began at Division I side DePaul before transferring, recalled. “I’d say Assumption and they’d tell me I’d just graduate and get a normal job, work right out of school. But I think you have to be 100 percent committed to becoming a pro and sacrifice whatever you need to in order to reach that goal. It’s going to be hard, but it’s possible.”

Now, Cardona joins Hartford Athletic for its third year and will look to prove himself at a club that’s building with young, driven players. He’ll try to impress new head coach Harry Watling when preseason gets underway, joining after Hartford Athletic made the playoffs in 2020.

The 2021 USL Championship season is slated to start around May 1, with teams playing 32 games across 27 weeks. Schedule specifics haven’t been released, though teams will be split into four divisions. During the 2020 season, USL Championship teams were divided into eight groups.

“If you want to become a pro, you’re going to do everything that you can to accomplish that,” Cardona said. “And I knew Assumption wasn’t going to be the end of my soccer career. I knew it’d be hard because it was Division II, but you have to keep pushing.”

This story was originally published in New England Soccer Journal. Hartford Athletic supporters can apply the code HA25 at checkout for 25% off either a year-long digital or all-access subscription. Launched in March 2013, New England Soccer Journal covers youth soccer up to the professional ranks across the entire region. Click here for more info and to subscribe.

Hartford Athletic has signed a third player with New England ties for the 2021 USL Championship campaign, acquiring former Assumption College captain and center back Nicolas Cardona.

Also part of Puerto Rico’s national team, Cardona was last with UB Conquense in Spain’s Segunda Division B. While at the fourth-division side, he trained with their first team and played with their Under-23s.

This offseason, Hartford’s other local-adjacent signings are goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell (ex-New England Revolution) and defender Younes Boudadi (ex-Boston College). They both have experience in America’s second division, while Cardona is entering these waters for the first time.

“I’m very excited to join Hartford and make that step because I think it’s the beginning, not of my soccer career, but of my professional career,” Cardona told New England Soccer Journal. “I think it’s a very special moment and I hope for the best. I really want to thank Hartford for giving me the opportunity.”

Describing how Hartford identified him, Cardona pointed to Puerto Rico’s international friendlies in January at the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. That El Huracan Azul camp featured New England Revolution II defender Colby Quinones (Bedford, N.H.), former New England Revolution homegrown midfielder Isaac Angking (Providence, R.I.) and ex-Beachside SC academy center back Giovanni Calderon (North Haven, Conn.).

Cardona said Hartford was scouting Calderon, originally a University of Hartford Class of 2020 commit who’s now in the United States Naval Academy’s Class of 2021. But the 22-year-old caught their eye, leading to the move.

“Giovanni called me saying the Hartford coaches wanted to talk to me, so he gave them my number,” Cardona recalled. “They contacted my agent and people reached out. In a matter of two or three days, it was all done. It was crazy.”

Before getting here, Cardona spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons at Assumption, a Northeast-10 Conference (Division II) program in Worcester, Mass. He had two goals and two assists across 33 games (30 starts), earning All-NE10 First Team and All-Region Second Team honors as a junior.

During the 2019 campaign, Cardona was integral to what finished as Assumption’s best-ever year. The Greyhounds’ 13-8 record tied a program record for single-season wins, highlighted by their first NE10 title and first NCAA tournament victory. Head coach Chris Payne, who recently took over Hiram College (Division III school in Ohio), was named NESJ’s D-II Men Coach of the Year for guiding the dramatic turnaround.

“We just cared about the next game and weren’t looking ahead,” Cardona said of Assumption’s 2019 season. “We stayed focused on the challenge right there and knew we could win against every team in the league. Obviously some were better than others, but we just kept focused on the next game and the next three available points. It started piling up, and when you start winning you feel unstoppable.”

Cardona departed Assumption after the Fall 2019 semester to pursue a professional career, leading to the initial overseas opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic derailed those plans, so he spent much of the last year training back home in Puerto Rico.

While Cardona’s D-II path is a less-traveled one, his profile grew at Assumption. Other NE10 sides like Franklin Pierce, Southern Connecticut State and Southern New Hampshire also have histories of developing pros.

“I knew players that were pro and they’d ask where I played,” Cardona, who began at Division I side DePaul before transferring, recalled. “I’d say Assumption and they’d tell me I’d just graduate and get a normal job, work right out of school. But I think you have to be 100 percent committed to becoming a pro and sacrifice whatever you need to in order to reach that goal. It’s going to be hard, but it’s possible.”

Now, Cardona joins Hartford Athletic for its third year and will look to prove himself at a club that’s building with young, driven players. He’ll try to impress new head coach Harry Watling when preseason gets underway, joining after Hartford Athletic made the playoffs in 2020.

The 2021 USL Championship season is slated to start around May 1, with teams playing 32 games across 27 weeks. Schedule specifics haven’t been released, though teams will be split into four divisions. During the 2020 season, USL Championship teams were divided into eight groups.

“If you want to become a pro, you’re going to do everything that you can to accomplish that,” Cardona said. “And I knew Assumption wasn’t going to be the end of my soccer career. I knew it’d be hard because it was Division II, but you have to keep pushing.”

Background

Bradford Jamieson IV arrives in Hartford and adds another option for the team up front. As a teenager, Jamieson IV spent two years with the U.S. U-17 Residency program, making 25 appearances for the youth national team. The striker joined the L.A. Galaxy academy and signed a contract with them at the age of 17. He made his debut in March 2014 for L.A. Galaxy II, and in July of the same year he made his MLS debut for the first team. During his time with Galaxy (2014-2018) he split time between MLS and USL. In 2017 he played the majority of the MLS season, appearing in 24 games and scoring 3 goals. In 2019 he moved to San Antonio FC, where he played 20 games and scored 5 goals. The 24-year-old also has European experience, playing in the Danish league for Vendyssel FF in 2020. In 2015, Jamieson IV was part of the U.S.A. U-20 National Team that played in the World Cup, a tournament in which he scored 1 goal in 4 appearances.

What to Watch For

• Good positioning, knows how to attack the space left between defenders and midfielders and knows how to finish inside the box
• Physicality when it comes to height, agility and speed. Utilizes his strength but is also agile enough to play with the ball in his feet. Willing to help with defensive duties.
• Versatility, being able to play as a false 9, second striker or winger, always bringing 1v1 ability to boost his actions to create opportunities for himself and teammates

Highlights

Background

Bradford Jamieson IV arrives in Hartford and adds another option for the team up front. As a teenager, Jamieson IV spent two years with the U.S. U-17 Residency program, making 25 appearances for the youth national team. The striker joined the L.A. Galaxy academy and signed a contract with them at the age of 17. He made his debut in March 2014 for L.A. Galaxy II, and in July of the same year he made his MLS debut for the first team. During his time with Galaxy (2014-2018) he split time between MLS and USL. In 2017 he played the majority of the MLS season, appearing in 24 games and scoring 3 goals. In 2019 he moved to San Antonio FC, where he played 20 games and scored 5 goals. The 24-year-old also has European experience, playing in the Danish league for Vendyssel FF in 2020. In 2015, Jamieson IV was part of the U.S.A. U-20 National Team that played in the World Cup, a tournament in which he scored 1 goal in 4 appearances.

What to Watch For

• Good positioning, knows how to attack the space left between defenders and midfielders and knows how to finish inside the box
• Physicality when it comes to height, agility and speed. Utilizes his strength but is also agile enough to play with the ball in his feet. Willing to help with defensive duties.
• Versatility, being able to play as a false 9, second striker or winger, always bringing 1v1 ability to boost his actions to create opportunities for himself and teammates

Highlights

Jamieson IV's Take

“I’m very excited to come to Hartford Athletic and wear the Green and Blue! I'm proud to continue my career in a city with such a passionate fan base that knows and loves the game.  I can't wait to get on the pitch with my teammates and make our push to the playoffs!”

Coach's Corner

“We are excited to bring Bradford to our club. Having shared lots of conversations, I’m so excited we got this one over the line. Bradford brings us pace, imagination, and skill. He is a player who will light up the league with goals and assists.” – Coach Watling

Jamieson IV’s Take

“I’m very excited to come to Hartford Athletic and wear the Green and Blue! I’m proud to continue my career in a city with such a passionate fan base that knows and loves the game.  I can’t wait to get on the pitch with my teammates and make our push to the playoffs!”

Coach’s Corner

“We are excited to bring Bradford to our club. Having shared lots of conversations, I’m so excited we got this one over the line. Bradford brings us pace, imagination, and skill. He is a player who will light up the league with goals and assists.” – Coach Watling

Hartford Athletic defender Nicolás Cardona has been named to the roster for the Puerto Rico National team for the CONCACAF qualifying rounds of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Cardona is the first active Hartford Athletic player to earn an international call up. 

“It is an incredible honor for me to represent my country on the national stage,” Cardona said. “Thank you to Hartford Athletic and the coaching staff for all the support they continue to provide. I know what a strong Puerto Rican community there is in Connecticut and I can’t wait to represent them on the pitch.” 

Puerto Rico will play in CONCACAF Group F against St. Kitts & Nevis on March 24th and against Trinidad & Tobago on March 28th. Guyana and the Bahamas make up the remainder of Group F. Puerto Rico will need to win Group F to advance to the second round of World Cup qualifying. 

"We as a club are delighted for Nicolás on his call up to the National Team of Puerto Rico,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “The state of Connecticut has a proud Puerto Rican community who will join our fans and our entire organization in wishing Nico a great experience during his time competing on the international stage. We will all be keeping a close eye on the results and are excited to see him return with us at the end of March as we attack the start of the USL season.” 

Hartford Athletic defender Nicolás Cardona has been named to the roster for the Puerto Rico National team for the CONCACAF qualifying rounds of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Cardona is the first active Hartford Athletic player to earn an international call up. 

“It is an incredible honor for me to represent my country on the national stage,” Cardona said. “Thank you to Hartford Athletic and the coaching staff for all the support they continue to provide. I know what a strong Puerto Rican community there is in Connecticut and I can’t wait to represent them on the pitch.” 

Puerto Rico will play in CONCACAF Group F against St. Kitts & Nevis on March 24th and against Trinidad & Tobago on March 28th. Guyana and the Bahamas make up the remainder of Group F. Puerto Rico will need to win Group F to advance to the second round of World Cup qualifying. 

“We as a club are delighted for Nicolás on his call up to the National Team of Puerto Rico,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Harry Watling. “The state of Connecticut has a proud Puerto Rican community who will join our fans and our entire organization in wishing Nico a great experience during his time competing on the international stage. We will all be keeping a close eye on the results and are excited to see him return with us at the end of March as we attack the start of the USL season.”