January 2, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Hartford Athletic News Release
Hartford Athletic have signed forward Deshane Beckford ahead of the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval.
“I am happy to reunite with Coach Burke and be part of the project in Hartford,” Beckford said. “This is one of the most passionate fan bases in the entire league and I’m glad to have them cheering me on and supporting me this season. I am also looking forward to integrating myself into Hartford’s large Jamaican community, something that I’m sure will make me feel right at home in my new city.”
Beckford joins Hartford for his sixth USL Championship season after spending 2023 with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. He was a staple as a winger in their attack, making 32 appearances and 22 starts. A consistent generator of offensive opportunities, Beckford created 28 chances, led the team in crosses with 72, and added two goals and four assists.
“We are very excited to bring Deshane to Hartford,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “He is an excellent winger with great pace on the ball, and is especially dangerous on the counter attack. He does a great job to put pressure on the opposition with his effort on defense as well. Our fans are really going to enjoy cheering on DeShane this season.”
Last season was Beckford’s return to Colorado Springs, as he was a part of Brendan Burke’s 2021 Switchbacks squad before signing with San Antonio in 2022. He was outstanding under Coach Burke, netting five goals, tallying a career-high seven assists, and connecting 29 key passes as a part of an attack that scored 58 goals.
The Montego Bay, Jamaica native has represented his country four times. Most recently, he debuted with the Jamaican senior team in a friendly against Peru in 2022. In 2019, he scored three goals in three matches for the U23 Reggae Boyz at the 2019 Pan American Games.
More player announcements and team news will be announced in the coming weeks. Get ready for the start of the 2024 season by exploring and locking in a ticket package that fits your schedule, including Season Ticket Memberships and partial season mini-plans, at HartfordAthletic.com/tickets.
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