Welcome to our second edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on things happening during the offseason, as well as things going on around the league and the soccer world. This week, learn about how HA is working with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence as part of their Rapid Rehousing program - a program that is brand new here in Connecticut.

Athletic Contributes to Rapid Rehousing Program:

Hartford Athletic are helping the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) get families back on their feet and into safe housing through the Rapid Rehousing Program. 

The organization has worked with Hartford Athletic to provide housing to families that have been affected by domestic violence and need a safe place to live. CCADV is a state wide organization that provides support to domestic violence victims. They help with counseling, court advocacy and safety planning, among other things. One of the programs offered at CCADV is helping families who are fleeing with finding safer housing. This was a place where the club found it could provide value.

Most housing leases are twelve months long, but Hartford Athletic players typically live in market for ten months. That leaves a two month gap where the apartments are vacant. The club offered CCADV the ability to use these apartments for families in need. After the 2020 season ended, Athletic players moved out of their housing, and two families moved in. During their time in Hartford Athletic housing, CCADV will help out the families until they can get back on their feet. 

“Our families have a place they can call home and live without worry,” said Annie Stockton Sabrowski, Director of Housing Advocacy for the CCADV. “It’s a win-win for everybody in this situation.”

If you want to learn more about the coalition, visit http://www.ctcadv.org.

Around the USL:

- Danny Barrera made the USL’s list of Top 10 Assists from the 2020 season on a Harry Swartz goal from the home opening match.

- USL HQ announced a partnership with PUMA to become apparel partner of the league office, National Partner for new USL Academy League

- USL and Tampa Bay Rowdies’ midfielder Juan David Tejada played 45 minutes for Panama in 6-2 loss against the US Men’s National Team. 

Youngest US Men’s National Team ever plays friendlies against Wales and Panama:

The United States Men’s national team wrapped up their November camp this past week and there was a lot to be excited about!

Head coach Gregg Berhalter named a squad of 24 players with an average age of 22 years old. In what felt like the first time, the US Men’s National team roster showcased players playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world such as Juventus’s Weston McKennie, Barcelona’s Sergino Dest, and Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna.

On the pitch, the United States played to a nil-nil draw with Wales in Swansea. After only playing with each other for two days prior, it was no surprise the team could not click in the final third. A debut for 17 year old, Yunus Musah was the highlight of the match. The Valencia FC midfielder was born in New York City and is eligible to play for England and Italy as well. National team fans are hoping he chooses the Star and Stripes, of course.

Two players who started against Wales were former Red Bulls II players, Tyler Adams and Matt Miazga. Adams who was one of the best players on field, is one of the first of his kind in terms of developing in the USL and progressing to playing in the Champions league. 

The USMNT faced Panama, a familiar CONCACAF opponent, in Austria only a couple days later. This time out the attackers were firing on all cylinders, dispatching Panama six goals to two. A pair of youngsters scored their first two goals for the Red White and Blue, Sebastian Soto and Nicholas Gioacchini.