USL Hartford Athletic

Hartford Host Loudoun in Search of First Win on Saturday Night

Published on May 6, 2022 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


Date: Saturday, May 7th, 2022

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+ or hartfordathletic.com/watch

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (0-6-1) vs LOUDOUN UNITED FC (2-5-1)

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford Athletic are coming off a 1-0 loss to Indy Eleven in what was a long night of soccer. The match started 40 minutes late due to a lightning delay, and was followed by a 90 minute lightning delay before the start of the second half. In the 40th minute, Ayoze entered Hartford's box with a head full of steam and beat a charging Jimmy Slayton under his left hand, rolling a well-placed goal into the bottom right corner of the net. Hartford's attacking third play improved in the second half, but the effort was not enough to find a goal. There was a span of eight minutes in which they produced three corner kicks, and they totaled five in the half. They were determined to keep the ball in front of them, as they attempted 18 crosses in the half and 24 total, which broke their average of 16.3 per game in USL Championship play.

TOUGH STRETCH, TOUGHER RESULTS

Hartford Athletic have played five out of their first seven games on the road, four of them against teams that currently sit in the top five of the eastern conference table (PIT, DET, MIA, IND). All but one of their six losses have been by just one goal, and two of those losses came on stoppage time game winners for their opponent. Hartford have faced a tough stretch of teams, but the results have been even tougher. "I don't like to use luck as an excuse," said Harry Watling two weeks ago, also stating "You get what you deserve in this game, I suppose." They have a stretch of three home games over the next four weeks, and will look to get on track at Trinity Health Stadium starting on Saturday night.

MATCHUP HISTORY

There is a fascinating history between Hartford Athletic and Loudoun United. Both clubs played their inaugural seasons in 2019 and have faced each other 10 times over three seasons. To say that the Green and Blue have had Loudoun's number would be an understatement. Hartford has never lost to Loudoun, sporting a 9-0-1 record against the familiar Eastern Conference foe. Going into Saturday night, not only are Hartford Athletic looking to pick up their first win of the season, but they're also trying to keep their incredible undefeated streak against Loudoun alive. To add just a bit more drama to the matchup, both clubs will be looking to snap five-game losing streaks in USL Championship play.

FROM THE GAFFER

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Ash Apollon, DF #14

Ash Apollon has been an energy boost for Hartford Athletic when on the pitch this season. He is incredibly quick on the ball and has shown the ability to create quality chances for his forwards by beating defenders and sending strong crosses into the box. The defender started out the season coming off the bench, but earned a spot in the starting 11 in week five and has not come out since then.

Loudoun United, Sami Guediri, DF #21

Sami Guerdiri has started every match for Loudoun this season and has been aggressive when given opportunities in the opposition's third as a defender. He's created 17 chances, recorded 11 shots, and scored one goal so far in 2022. Similar to what Apollon provides for Hartford, he is a burst of energy for his Loudoun squad that helps them keep the ball on their front foot and away from their own end.

Check out the Hartford Athletic Statistics

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