May 17, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release
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…