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USL Hartford Athletic

Preview: Hartford Kickoff July in Detroit

July 5, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Location: Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: ESPN+ or hartfordathletic.com/watch

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (4-9-3) at DETROIT CITY FC (8-4-5)

LAST TIME OUT

Hartford Athletic are coming off a convincing 2-0 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC last Tuesday. The Green and Blue played arguably their best game of the season, as they doubled Colorado shots and shots on target, in addition to scoring two second half goals for the first time this year. It was the 36 year old Ariel Martínez who got Hartford on the board in the 74th minute, just three minutes after he subbed in. Just five minutes later, Ash Apollon delivered a high and looping ball into the box for Andre Lewis, who headed it home for the goal against his former team. Hartford earned their third clean sheet of the season and now carry some momentum into Detroit on Wednesday.

OPPOSITE NARRATIVES

Hartford and Detroit face each other for a second time on Wednesday, and enter the match in nearly opposite situations. Detroit began the season as a formidable foe and still sit among the best teams in the Eastern Conference. However, they had a challenging stretch in the month of June, going 0-2-2 in four contests. On the other hand, Hartford had a rough start to the season and are finding some momentum to climb up the table. They have turned in strong performances of late, going 2-1-0 in their last three games with a +3 goal differential.

LIFTING THEIR SPIRITS

Last Tuesday's victory was an uplifting one for Hartford Athletic, as it came just three days after the resignation of Harry Watling. "This is huge for us," said midfielder Andre Lewis after the game. "This was maybe the most important game of the season. We needed this." Technical Director Ray Reid is filling in as Hartford's Interim Head Coach, and he's off to a 1-0 start as the temporary Gaffer. The 67 year old Connecticut soccer legend who spent 25 seasons at the helm of UConn soccer made a joking reference to "The Godfather" post game last week, saying "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!" Reid and the Green and Blue front office are leading the charge in finding a new head coach, as he also went on to say "We're going to get a big time coach in here in a few weeks... And then I'll go back to helping out with the other stuff from the outside [as Technical Director]."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Andre Lewis, MF #77

Andre Lewis is an integral player for his club, appearing in all 16 games this season and starting 11 of them. He stayed out of the goal column until last week, when he notched his first goal of the year against Colorado, heading a cross past Colorado's keeper and giving Hartford a 2-0 lead late. It was a complete performance for the Jamaican, as he added two chances created and eight duels won to his stat line for the night. He also leads the team with 24 chances created on the season.

Detroit City FC, Maxi Rodriguez, MF #21

Rodriguez has manned the midfield for Detroit in 16 out of their 17 games this season, starting in all 16. His contributions are felt throughout all components of their offense. His four goals rank third on the team, scoring this many on the team's second-most shots (21). Rodriguez not only scores himself, but creates scoring opportunities for his teammates, tallying the fourth-most assists on the team (2) and second-most chances created (19).

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Detroit City FC currently sit in playoff contention at fourth place in the Eastern Conference, and are coming off a 1-0 win against Las Vegas Lights FC on the road last Saturday. It was a lone goal from Connor Rutz that pushed Detroit over the line. This will be the second meeting between the two clubs this year. Detroit snuck away from Hartford with a 2-1 victory back on April 23rd after a stoppage time goal from Stephen Carroll broke a 1-1 tie. City FC are led by forward Antoine Hoppenot, who leads the team in goals (5), assists (4) and chances created (40). Nathan Steinwascher mans the net for Detroit, whose 46 saves rank third in the USL Championship. In their first season in the Championship, Detroit has defended their home field well, posting a 5-1-3 record at Keyworth Stadium.

INJURY REPORT

Hartford Athletic:

Out: Logan Gdula (Groin), Modou Jadama (Quad)

Detroit City FC:

Doubtful: Matt Lewis (Lower body)

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #DETvHFD

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