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USL Hartford Athletic

Hartford Aim for Four Point Week, Season Split with Atlanta

June 17, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


Date: Saturday, June 18th, 2022

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Location: Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw, Georgia

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+ or hartfordathletic.com/watch

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (2-8-3) vs ATLANTA UNITED 2 (3-10-1)

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford was rewarded with one point Wednesday night after a draw with the top team in the Eastern Conference, Memphis 901 FC. Juan Carlos Obregón Jr opened up the scoring early with a goal in the 21st minute. Conor McGlynn played a long ball from midfield that found its way past the Memphis backline and into the box. Obregón Jr ran onto it wide of the net, cut towards the middle, and then tucked it back towards the near post. Hartford keeper Jimmy Slayton was able to keep Hartford ahead until the 64th minute when Lucas Turci found Phillip Goodrum at the top of the box. Goodrum rushed towards the net and slid onto the ball to slip it past Slayton and tie the game at one apiece. Hartford had several chances with odd man breaks on Memphis, but could not find a second goal.

BEND BUT DON'T BREAK

Hartford Athletic faced 18 shots from Memphis on Wednesday night, seven of which were on target, and could have conceded far more than one goal if not for miraculous team defending. Jimmy Slayton made five saves, including a spectacular stop from point blank distance after Phillip Goodrum was fed a perfect ball into Hartford's box in the 59th minute. The Green and Blue defense blocked four shots, one of them being a game saver in stoppage time by Tom Brewitt. A poor clearance attempt gave 901 FC's Edward Kizza an open look from just yards out, and Brewitt made a heroic block with his head while standing on the goal line. While Hartford's offensive frustration continues, their back line has been a bright spot that has bent at times, but has seldom broken. They average under two goals conceded per game so far this season (1.6, T13th best in the USL Championship).

LET BOUDADI DISH

Hartford Athletic have leaned on Younes Boudadi to be a key distributor in their attacking third play as of late. In Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Memphis, Boudadi had an 85% passing accuracy percentage in the final third and led the team with four total crosses. The Belgian defensemen has just one assist on the season, but he's been a consistent generator of offensive chances for Hartford with 11 created so far this year.

OBRE-GOAL IS BACK

Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. returned to the starting lineup for Hartford Athletic on Wednesday night. The club's top striker had missed two months of action due to a knee injury suffered on April 7th. He played 17 minutes at San Diego last Saturday, but took advantage of extended playing time on Wednesday night by scoring the opening goal against Memphis, his second of the season. Obregón was surely missed by his squad, as his goal was the difference maker that earned Hartford a point in the 1-1 draw.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hartford Athletic, Prince Saydee, FW #7

Prince Saydee has put his blistering speed on display this season and has especially so as of late. In Hartford's last four games, Saydee has had 11 touches in the opposition's box, along with five shots. The forward also led multiple counter attacking opportunities for Hartford against Memphis on Wednesday night. He's found the back of the net just once this season, but has been attacking the opposition effectively as of late. Saydee also leads the Green and Blue with three assists on the year.

Atlanta United 2, Raimar, DF #7

Brazilian defender Raimar is coming off a two goal performance against Loudoun United last Saturday, his second and third of the season that gave Atlanta the 2-0 victory. He earned USL Championship Player of the Week honors for this performance, the first USL accolade for the 20-year old who made his debut for Atlanta just last month. The youngster is dynamic on the ball and has brought a spark of energy to his squad in his short stint so far.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Atlanta United 2 are coming off a 2-0 victory over Loudoun United at home last Saturday. The win was their first in their last nine games that followed their 2-1 victory over Hartford on the road on April 2nd. It was midfielder Nicolas Firmino who scored the two goals that spoiled Hartford's home opener two months ago. Atlanta are led by forward Jackson Conway, who has four goals on the year. The Green and Blue will look for the season split in their second meeting with Atlanta.

INJURY REPORT:

Hartford Athletic:

Out: Ariel Martinez (Achilles), Damon Rouse (Concussion), Tulu (Hip), Jimmy Slayton (Personal)

Atlanta United 2:

Out: None

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Follow along on twitter @hfdathletic and #ATLvHFD

Check out the Hartford Athletic Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 17, 2022


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