The Boys in Green are back home for their second of seven matches in twenty-three days. With just two matches left at home this season, Athletic need your support more than ever as they make their push for the playoffs. Red Bulls II are just 7 points behind Hartford for second place in Group F and a win on Wednesday would all but guarantee Athletic's first ever trip to the playoffs.

HARTFORD ATHLETIC (6-3-1) vs NEW YORK RED BULLS II (4-7-0)

Date: Wednesday, September 16th

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT

Tickets: Click Here

Local TV: WCTX MyTV9

Streaming: hartfordathletic.com/watch or ESPN+

International Viewers: YouTube

Program: hartfordathletic.com/program

LAST TIME OUT:

For the second time this season, Hartford lost to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, this time by a score of 5-0. Ryan James scored his second consecutive brace against Hartford and Forward Ropapah Mensah added a brace of his own. An Anthony Velarde PK in the waning minutes of the first half gave Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead heading into the half which proved to be more than enough for the home side who clinched a playoff spot with the win.

SO MANY GAMES, SO LITTLE TIME:

On Saturday, Hartford Athletic started a stretch of seven matches in twenty-three days to close out the 2020 regular season. Hartford will play two games a week for the rest of the season. Two of those matches are a result of postponed matches against Philadelphia Union II. The two clubs swapped venues for their home matches on September 20th and September 23rd. Had they not, Hartford would have ended the season with four consecutive road matches.

THE NEW GUYS:

While Saturday’s match is one to forget for Hartford, it was nice to see some of the club’s newest faces on the pitch for the first time. Midfielder Justin Haak, who was acquired on loan from NYCFC, started and played the full 90 minutes. He led all players with 3 interceptions and completed just over 88% of his passes. Haak earned Cigna Man of the Match honors for his performance. Idan Cohen, who signed as a free agent, also made his Hartford debut as a substitute. Cohen came on for Tyreke Johnson in the 64’ and played right back. In just 26 minutes of play he had 34 touches, completed 93.8% of his passes, and recorded an interception and a clearance.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hartford Athletic, Danny Barrera, MF, #10: 

Barrera is the engine that makes the Hartford attack go. In the last four matches - in which Barrera has gone without a goal or an assist - Hartford has only managed 4 goals. The Athletic attack needs Barrera to get back to his beginning of season form where he registered 6 assists in a 5 game stretch. A move back to the center of the pitch may be coming which could help that.

New York Red Bulls II, Wallis Lapsley, GK, #65:

Lapsley wasn't in goal the last time these teams met, serving a Red Card suspension for a handball. That turned out to be the difference as a miscue from backup goalkeeper Alex Bobocea led to the game-winning goal from Sam Strong. Lapsley comes off a clean sheet in his last performance and his presence in net will certainly be felt by the Red Bulls II back line.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT:

Hartford will host a well-rested New York Red Bulls II squad on Wednesday night. RBII comes in winning 2 of their last 3 matches, including a 6-0 dismantling of Philadelphia Union II last Wednesday, an astounding feat considering their first goal came in the 45’. Forward Omar Sowe recorded a hat trick and midfielder Caden Clark added two goals of his own. RBII come into this match as the only real challenger in Group F for a playoff spot. They are seven points back of the Boys in Green, who have one match in hand.

FOLLOW ONLINE: 

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