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USL Hartford Athletic

Preview: Hartford Homecoming

May 14, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


HARTFORD ATHLETIC (2-0-0) vs PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC (0-1-0)

Date: Saturday, May 15th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3cXbaSW

Streaming: ESPN+ or hartfordathletic.com/watch

International Viewers: YouTube

LAST TIME OUT:

Hartford picked up 3 points in a 1-0 road win over Miami FC in the first USL Championship meeting between the two clubs. After a scoreless first 45 minutes, Preston Tabort Etaka came on as a substitute at the start of the second half and dominated the right wing. In the 59th minute, Conor McGlynn played a ball deep up the right side that Danny Barrera was able to chase down just before the ball went out of bounds. Barrera played a sneaky back heel pass to Tabort Etaka who cut inside and smashed the ball far post, into the upper corner for the only goal of the night!

PAY IT FORWARD:

It's undeniable that Harry Watling has assembled the deepest and most talented group of Forwards that the club has had in its three seasons thus far. Center Forwards Juan Carlos Obregon Jr. and Sebastian Elney have proven goal scoring ability in the USL Championship, and Bradford Jamieson IV, Preston Tabort Etaka, and Walmer Martinez all bring pace, energy, and excitement to the wings.

WEEKLY HONORS:

After earning two players to the USL Championship Team of the Week in Week 2, Preston Tabort Etaka brought Hartford Atheltic back into the honors circle this week. Preston was named to the Honorable Mention for the Championship's Team of the Week and his goal against Miami FC was also a nominee for the USL Championship Goal of the Week.

CALDWELL'S THOUGHTS:

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Preston Tabort Etaka , FW, #23:

Preston made his debut for Hartford Athletic last Saturday and was a total game changer. He used his speed to totally own his matchup on the right wing and created chances and pressure time and time again after coming on at the start of the second half. Preston is a challenging matchup for any left back and he'll be an important piece going up against Pittsburgh who allowed 3 goals to Tampa Bay last weekend.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Alex Dixon, FW, #7:

A very familiar face will take the pitch on Saturday wearing the opposing colors. Forward Alex Dixon is Hartford Athletic's all-time leading scorer, but signed with rival Pittsburgh in the offseason, reuniting him with Head Coach Bob Liley. The two won a USL Cup while playing for and coaching the Rochester Rhinos in 2015. Dixon is undoubtedly a favorite of the Athletic fan base and it's a safe bet that he'll be looking to put on a show for them on Saturday night.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC come into this match on the heels of a 3-0 road loss to reigning Eastern Conference Champion Tampa Bay Rowdies. It is the only match the Hounds have played this season. Hartford and Pittsburgh are quite familiar with each other as the top two finishers in Group F in 2020 played each other 3 times. Both sides have seen quite a bit of roster turnover from last year including Forward Alex Dixon who signed with Pittsburgh in the offseason.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Follow along on Twitter @hfdathletic and #HFDvPIT

Check out the Hartford Athletic Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 14, 2021


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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