Hartford Back at Home to Face Monterey Bay FC

May 23, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release

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…