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USL Hartford Athletic

Back at Home, Hartford Look to Extend Undefeated Streak against Tulsa

September 9, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


Date: Saturday, September 10th, 2022

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: HERE

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+ or hartfordathletic.com/watch

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (7-15-6) vs FC TULSA (10-14-5)

After three straight games on the road, Hartford Athletic return home riding a three-game undefeated streak in Tab Ramos's first match as Head Coach.

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford Athletic enters Saturday's game after a thrilling win at LA Galaxy II, which capped off an unbeaten three-game road trip. The hosts entered the match one point from a playoff spot but were put at a disadvantage early when defender Jalen Neal brought down Ariel Martínez in the Galaxy II box. The foul led to a red card for Neal and a penalty to Athletic, which was taken and converted by Martinez for his 4th goal of the year. Galaxy II would equalize when a blocked shot fell kindly to Cameron Dunbar, who scored off the rebound. The match seemed poised to end in a draw until substitute Andre Lewis curled a one-time shot into the top corner of the opposition's net, giving the visitors a late lead. Fellow substitute Mitchell Curry secured all three points in the 90+2 minute when his shot split two defenders and beat LA's keeper at his near post.

RAMOS MAKES HIS DEBUT

Tab Ramos will make his debut as the Head Coach of Hartford Athletic on Saturday night. He officially began his duties as Head Coach on September 1st, and his highly anticipated debut on the sidelines will be a historic moment for the club. Along side him, Omid Namazi was announced as Ramos's assistant and Director of Scouting last Friday. Namazi holds a wealth of experience and knowledge, having coached under Tab Ramos with the U.S U20 National Team and serving as the U18 Head Coach from 2016-2018. Namazi was also assistant to Ramos with the Houston Dynamo in 2020 and 2021.

STOPPAGE TIME REDEMPTION

Hartford Athletic have lost five games due to game-winning goals scored in stoppage time this season, including a stretch of three straight games that were lost in stoppage time. However, the Green and Blue have found themselves on the bright side of the added minutes out of late. Last week, Hartford scored twice in the added six minutes of stoppage time against the New York Red Bulls II. Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. and Rashawn Dally scored four minutes a part to erase a 3-1 deficit and earn a miraculous point on the road. Earlier this week in LA, Hartford took the lead in the 90th minute on a goal from Andre Lewis, and Mitchell Curry added a stoppage time goal two minutes later.

FROM THE GAFFER

FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hartford Athletic, Luka Prpa MF #11

Luka Prpa was instrumental in the buildup play in Hartford's last match but also was a key contributor on the defensive side of the ball. Prpa played a perfectly weighted through ball from his own half to Ariel Martinez, who was fouled in the opposition box, eventually leading to Athletic's opening goal. This opportunity was one of two chances created by the midfielder, allowing the team to effectively counterattack LA Galaxy II. He also led the Green and Blue with nine final third entries and 15 passes in the final third. Defensively, Prpa won possession nine times, contributing to Hartford's bend-don't-break gameplan. While only scoring twice this season, Prpa will be a player to watch in the buildup when FC Tulsa visits Trinity Health Stadium on Saturday.

FC Tulsa, Dario Suárez FW #92

Forward Dario Suárez has been a key attacking player for FC Tulsa this season. He's netted two goals in the past three games, including the game-winner in a crucial 2-1 victory against Loudoun United. In his first year with the club, Suárez ranks as one of FC Tulsa's most dynamic attacking threats. He sits second in both goals scored (6) and assists (3), third in chances created (28), and leads in shots taken (38). FC Tulsa, who have a variety of chance-creators at their disposal, will look to Suárez to lead Tulsa's attack as the team goes for the season series split in Hartford on Saturday.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

FC Tulsa visit Trinity Health Stadium in decent form as they are unbeaten 3 of their last 5. The visitors sit eighth in the Eastern Conference table with an eight-point gap between them and the last playoff spot. Their last match, against top-of-the-table Louisville City, ended in a 2-2 draw after a late-game goal from Adrián Diz. Throughout this season, FC Tulsa has been familiar with goals for and against them. The side has scored 38 so far but has conceded 48, which ranks them sixth in the USL Championship. Tulsa are led by Rodrigo Da Costa, who has eight goals and 46 chances created.

INJURY REPORT

Hartford Athletic:

Out: Ash Apollon (Groin)

FC Tulsa:

Out: Jorge Corrales (Lower Body)

Questionable: Brian Brown (Lower Body)

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: For live updates, follow along on twitter using the hashtag #HFDvTUL

Check out the Hartford Athletic Statistics

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