November 21, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Hartford Athletic News Release
Hartford Athletic midfielder Danny Barrera has re-signed with the Club for the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval. Barrera is the longest tenured player in Hartford history, returning for his sixth season in Green and Blue. Barrera will also be taking on a new role as a player development coach in the recently expanded Hartford Athletic Academy.
“Hartford has become home for me and my family and I am truly honored to be back for a sixth season,” said Barrera. “I want to thank the ownership group for giving me another opportunity to play for the club I love and the best fans in the league. I am excited for the 2024 season, and we will all be working hard to get back to the playoffs.”
Barrera is the Club’s all-time leader in nearly every statistical category including goals (16), assists (30), appearances (131), and minutes played (9,894). He is the only player in Club history to receive USL All-League First Team honors which he earned in 2021 after recording a league-leading 12 assists along with eight goals. The 33 year old is one of the league’s all-time great distributors across a nine-year career, currently ranking third in league history in total assists (50).
Barrera and Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz in front of the brand new Day Hill Dome in Windsor, CT
“You cannot mention Hartford Athletic without thinking of Danny Barrera. He is a special player, and an amazing person on and off the field,” said CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “Players like Danny continuing on their soccer journey to mentor young players is invaluable and, as we take the Hartford Academy to another level, having Danny involved is critical to our success. There is no better way for our young players to improve than by learning directly from our professional athletes. This is a historic moment for our club and we are thrilled Danny will be part of our ambition to create a top-flight academy here in Connecticut.”
Barrera will attend academy training sessions and games throughout the season and work directly with academy players on improving their skills.
“There is so much potential in the Hartford Athletic Academy and I am very excited to work with the many talented athletes in the program,” said Barrera. “I am incredibly impressed by the vision for the academy and I believe that we can develop the premier pathway for young players in this area.”
More player signings will be…