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USL Hartford Athletic

Hartford Look to Spoil Miami's Playoff Hopes on Saturday

September 29, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


Date: Saturday, September 30th, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: FIU Stadium, Miami, Florida

Streaming: ESPN Plus or WTNH.com

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (4-22-4) vs MIAMI FC (9-14-8)

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford Athletic are coming off a 2-0 loss the Tampa Bay Rowdies at home this past Wednesday. Hartford out shot Tampa Bay 16 to seven, and created 13 chances to their six, but could not find the back of the net. In addition, both Rowdies' goals were last touched by a Green and Blue jersey. Their first goal came after Lewis HIlton squared a strike from well outside the box that hit the left post, then deflected off the back of Joe Rice and into the net. Just minutes later, Jerome Williams' shot was denied by Joe Rice, but Beverly Makangila inadvertently deflected the rebound into Hartford's goal.

MATCHUP HISTORY

Hartford Athletic are 2-4-1 against Miami FC all-time, dating back to 2021. Athletic's only win against the familiar Eastern Conference opponent came in July in 2021, when Danny Barrera and Conor McGlynn connected on a goal to give Hartford a 2-0 lead in the second half. Barrera backheeled a ball to McGlynn outside the box, and McGlynn blasted his shot low to the bottom left corner of the net. Both players still remain on the team two years later, and will look to connect again on Saturday night. In the two clubs' first matchup of this season last month, Joaquin Rivas led Miami to a 3-0 victory with a hat trick.

PLAYING TO SPOIL

While Hartford have been eliminated from the playoffs, they have a chance to bring Miami FC down with them and spoil their playoff hopes. Miami sit just two points out of the playoffs, and are facing a "must win" game on Saturday night. For a team with nothing to lose, playing spoiler against Miami would be a positive boost for Hartford in the final stretch of the season.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Miami FC hosts Hartford Athletic Saturday as they continue to fight for the final playoff position in the eastern conference. With 35 points, they stand just two spots below Detroit City FC and have only three games left to make that final push. Most recently, Miami was able to net two goals and shut out Birmingham Legion. Miami's strength comes from their distribution play, both the quantity and quality of their passing is top ten in the league. Miami FC is led by interim manager Lewis Neal.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hartford Athletic: Andre Lewis, MF #77

Andre Lewis is one of Hartford's most active midfielders in their attacking play, consistently distributing the ball forward and finding himself in goal scoring areas at times. He created three chances last game, including a perfectly weighted ball that led to a shot on goal from Elvis Amoh. Hartford are looking to get back on the scoresheet after being shutout in back to back games, and Lewis is a playmaker who can get them back on track.

Miami FC: Joaquin Rivas, FW #11

El Salvadorian Striker Joaquin Rivas has been the offensive leader for Miami FC's 2023 season. Although only appearing in 22 matches, Rivas leads the team in scoring with 8 and shots on target with 19. In a recent matchup, Rivas was able to net two goals with his second being the game winner against Louisville city FC. With such a proven offensive track record, Rivas will be Miami's number one target to score against Hartford as they continue their push to secure the last playoff position in the eastern conference.

INJURY REPORT

Hartford Athletic

Out: Out: Edgardo Rito (hamstring), Niall Logue (ankle), Antoine Hoppenot (abdominal)

Miami FC

Out: None

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For live updates, follow along on twitter using the hashtag #MIAvHFD

Check out the Hartford Athletic Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 29, 2023


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