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USL Hartford Athletic

Preview: Athletic Host Birmingham in Rare Wednesday Night Match

October 8, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


Hartford Athletic return to Dillon Stadium for consecutive fixtures for the first time in a month as they face Birmingham Legion. It's a quick turnaround for the Boys in Green, who just hosted Swope Park Rangers on Saturday night, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Athletic look to capitalize on their home field advantage for the remaining games to accumulate some points. Here's what you need to know:

HARTFORD ATHLETIC vs BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC

Date: Wednesday, October 9th

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: Click here

National Broadcast: ESPNews

Local TV: None

WHERE TO WATCH:

Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, 140 Huyshope Ave., Hartford, CT

City Steam Brewery and Cafe, 942 Main St., Hartford

TK's American Cafe, 255 White St., Danbury

2nd Bridge Brewing Co., 642 Hilliard St., Manchester

Lakeview Restaurant & Bar, 50 Lake St., Coventry

LAST TIME OUT:

It was a match filled with action Saturday night when Swope Park Rangers visited Hartford. The first forty-five ended with all but a goal; a combined eight shots and five yellow cards were tallied. The second half featured more action in the nets. Hartford managed a two goal lead in the twenty minutes of the beginning of the second half. Harry Swartz made lightwork of the opposition defense, slaloming past each player to deliver the perfect pass for Ryan Williams to tap home at the 57' minute mark. The second came from Danny Barrera himself at the 62' minute mark. Swartz played a simple pass to Barrera from outside the area and a few passes up opened for him, but by whim Barrera decided to curl one from distance into the corner of the goal. It was a truly unexpected moment of brilliance. The momentum swayed the opposition's way for the remainder of the match however as they responded immediately at the 67' minute before heart wrenchingly scoring again deep into added time for a full time score of 2-2.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic #14, Ryan Williams, MF:

Operating in the engine room that is the Athletic midfield, Ryan Williams is usually firing at all cylinders to make Hartford run properly. Ryan does it all. On defense, Ryan has the 2nd highest tackle success rate (80%). Of late he has done a great deal driving forward as well, tallying a goal and two assists in his last three appearances.

Birmingham Legion #11, Jerome Williams, F:

Columbus Crew loanee Jerome Williams is plying his trade in the USL this season and he's certainly leaving his mark. At just 21 years of age, Williams has hit the back netting seven times in 18 appearances for Legion FC. He is top of the scoring charts for his side. He'll be eager to set foot on the pitch as he plays against a Hartford side who's allowed ten goals in the past three matches.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Birmingham Legion are an Alabama-based club from Birmingham, Alabama. The team from the Magic City currently reside in 10th place on the league table with 40 points, currently the last team into the playoffs in the Eastern Conference if the season ended today. With one win in their last four (1W, 1D, 2L) they'll wish for some magic to beat Hartford Wednesday night. They claimed their previous three points in a narrow victory against Indy Eleven on September 20th. They'll be aching for three more as they try to keep up the pace with Saint Louis FC in 9th with 42 points and to stay clear of Charleston Battery also on 40 points in 11th.

FOLLOW ONLINE:

Can't watch? Stay in touch with our live commentary @hfdathletic or by following #HFDvBHM

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