Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what's going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. In this week’s edition, get to know Gabi Torres’ off-season activities, his favorite eats in Connecticut, and much more in our first edition of  “Playing Favorites”. Plus, we share an important announcement that you may have missed from the United Soccer League on Thursday!

Playing Favorites with Gabi Torres

Favorite Soccer team to watch:

GT: I really enjoy watching Messi, but Barcelona hasn't been the best lately. So, Liverpool is another team I like to watch. 

Favorite American sport or team:

GT: Big time Lebron fan. So, c'mon Lakers!! 

Favorite athletes to watch:

GT: Messi, Neymar, Marcelo, Lebron, Tom Brady, Gabriel Medina  

Favorite off-season activity:

GT: I really like trying out new sports, such as Footvolley, and Surfing. During this off season, I am enjoying reading different books while drinking big cups of fresh coffee! 

Favorite TV show/Series:

GT: Friends 

Favorite Food:

GT: Brazilian classic: Rice, Beans, and Steak! 

Favorite Restaurant in CT:

GT: Frank Pepe's and Banana Brazil  

One fun fact about you we might not know:

GT: My wife is pregnant! Baby Torres is coming soon!!!

Around the USL:

- USL Championship Announces 2021 Season Format 

https://twitter.com/USLChampionship/status/1352360341892722697?s=20 

- USL launches impact committee focusing on Anti-Racism efforts, LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Community Engagement, and Gender Equity.  

https://twitter.com/USL_HQ/status/1351907596551278592?s=20 

The USWNT Does Not Miss!

The US women’s national team picked up right where they left off in 2020 dispatching Colombia four goals to nil this past week. Fans in Orlando were treated to a five-star performance, the only kind we’ve come to expect from the World Cup Winners.  

There were some standout performers in this match but those with the last name Mewis stole the show. Sisters Sam and Kristie Mewis played a part in every single goal, Kristie with one of her own and Sam  with her first hat trick at the international level. Sam, a Manchester City attacker, is solidifying herself as one of the best goal scorers in the world. At Manchester City, Sam Mewis plays with USWNT teammates Rose Lavelle and Abby Dahlkemper who have just recently joined the fast-growing Barclays FA Superleague.  

There was also a highly anticipated debut made by Brazilian born-American Catarina Macario. The skillful Stanford alumni plays at club level for one of Europe’s best teams, Olympique Lyonnais, in France. The winger has been compared to retired Brazilian legend Marta Vieira da Silva (Marta) and has shown glimpses of what a bright future she has ahead. Macario had fans on the edge of their seats and they’ll be looking forward to seeing more of her in the future.   

On the other edge of the age spectrum, Veterans Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe made their returns to the national team. The duo both contributed an assist each and still provide exceptional experience and skill for head coach Vlatko Andonovski. With the Olympics on the horizon, the USWNT players are competing for the limited spots and the players mentioned in this article will surely be at the top of that squad list.