Hartford Host Charleston in the Fourth Annual Match for a Cause
September 30, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Hartford Athletic News Release
After a 3-0 loss at Loudoun last Wednesday, Hartford have had over a week of rest heading into a matchup with Charleston at home tomorrow night. The team will be wearing special alternate jerseys for the fourth annual Match for a Cause.
Date: Saturday, October 1st, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut
Game Day Promotion: Match for a Cause
Local TV: WCTX MyTV9
Streaming: ESPN+ or hartfordathletic.com/watch
HARTFORD ATHLETIC (9-16-6) vs. Charleston Battery (6-19-6)
LAST TIME OUT
Hartford enters Saturday’s match after a week-and-a-half break following a disappointing 3-0 loss at Loudoun United. The Green and Blue entered that match riding a five-game unbeaten streak and a three-game winning streak while holding a lifetime 10-0-1 record against Loudoun. Their trend of success came to an end when Loudoun pounced on their attacking momentum early in the second half. Ted Ku-Dipietro opened the scoring in the 49th minute after receiving a backheel through ball from Skage Lehland. He would add another assist in the 71st minute when Tyler Freeman rocketed his shot off Yannik Oettl’s arm and into the net. The game’s outcome was sealed when Ku-Dipietro forced a turnover around midfield and played Freeman in on goal, who beat Oettl to complete a three-minute brace. Hartford had minimal attacking threats, attempting only three on-target shots from 23 total touches in Loudoun’s box.
AVENGING THE PAST
Saturday represents an opportunity for Hartford to bury the memory of one of tough loss at Charleston in June. Athletic fell to the Battery 3-1 in a match where they fell behind early and then equalized, but were outplayed the rest of the way and could never find the lead. The Green and Blue are 3-6-2 in the second game against an opponent this season and 2-3-1 after losing the opening matchup.
WHAT’S LEFT TO PLAY FOR
While the Green and Blue have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, they have the chance to eclipse the club’s total points record If they can win their final three games. Athletic would claim a team-record 42 total points and tie their record of 12 wins in a season as well. If perfect conditions are met, Hartford can also catapult FC Tulsa and Indy Eleven to finish the season in 8th place in the Eastern Conference.
TRUST YOUR WINGMAN
Recently, Hartford’s outside-back pairing of Joel Johnson and Younes Boudadi has become an outlet for the team’s offensive movement. Operating as wingbacks at times, Johnson and Boudadi often overlap their respective wingers to provide more width and an option going forward. Last match against Loudoun, Joel and Younes led the team in final third entries with 9 and 8, respectively. Together, the two defensemen accounted for 9 of the team’s 19 crosses while winning two interceptions each. Defense may be the key to a win on Saturday, but the attacking threat posed by Athletic’s outside backs will be one to monitor.
FROM THE GAFFER
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Hartford Athletic, Ariel Martínez FW #6
Martinez has steadily paced the Hartford attack this season and currently leads the team with six goals scored, two of which came in Hartford’s 3-0 victory against Las Vegas. He has become a mainstay in the starting eleven, starting the last seven games dating back to August 13th. The forward has been efficient when on the field, averaging a goal every 140 minutes. He was also the lone attacking bright spot in Athletic’s 3-0 loss at Loudoun by totaling a team-high two shots on target and five touches in the Loudoun box.
Charleston Battery, Andrew Booth MF #7
In an underwhelming season midfielder Andrew Booth has been one of the team’s best performers. Booth is among the best on the team in a number of offensive categories and leads with 28 chances created. The Jamaican is second on the team in assists (4) while ranking third in goals (3) and shots taken (27). Additionally, he has played a key part in leading the side’s defensive efforts. On the season, Booth has the second-most tackle total (41), which was helped by his team-high three tackles in their last match. In that match, the midfielder also led in duels won (8), showcasing his role in stopping attacks from forming. Booth will be a player to look for on Saturday and will be a key presence in the midfield.
ABOUT THE OPPONENT
Charleston enter Saturday’s match in mixed form, holding a 2-2-1 record over their last five games and a 6-19-6 record on the season. Notably, the Battery have been beaten in their last two by three or more goals. They’re coming off a 3-0 loss to the playoff-contending RGV Toros last Friday. The loss extended Charleston’s poor form when conceding the opening goal, with their record in such cases at 1-14-2. The club has scored 36 goals so far but have conceded 66, which is good for third in all of USL. Neither Hartford nor Charleston have shown a prolific goalscoring ability this year, so Saturday’s contest may hinge on either side’s defensive strength.
INJURY REPORT
Hartford Athletic:
Out: Peter-Lee Vassell (Foot)
Charleston Battery:
Out: Joe Schmidt, Joe Kuzminsky
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