HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic announced on Wednesday the club had re-signed defender Ashkanov Apollon ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“I’ve been fortunate to create some great relationships over my time in Hartford, and I love playing in front of our incredible fans. I’m looking forward to a third season with the club,” said Apollon. “We finished last season on a positive run and I’m excited to build off of that momentum. Coach Ramos and the technical staff are building an exciting culture of winning, and I am excited to see what the future holds for this club.”

Apollon is returning for his third season with Hartford after he was acquired via transfer from San Diego 1904 FC in September of 2021. In 2022, Apollon tallied a goal and an assist across 23 appearances and nine starts. The versatile defenseman spent time playing left back and left wing for the Green and Blue, using his speed and distribution ability to create chances for Hartford. Most notably, Apollon assisted fellow 2023 re-signee Andre Lewis with a brilliant cross from outside the box on one of Hartford’s best goals of the year in a 2-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

“Ash’s versatility makes him an incredible asset for our squad,” said Hartford Head Coach Tab Ramos. “He is an incredibly athletic player who is always looking to create chances. Ash is a veteran presence who will be a leader both on and off the field in 2023.”

Apollon’s Hartford tenure began with a short but productive six games with the club in 2021. He recorded a goal and an assist, and was named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week after two excellent performances in wins against Loudoun United FC. The 31-year-old has made four appearances for the Haitian National Team and was most recently called up in this past June for Haiti’s Concacaf Nations League against Bermuda, Guyana and Monserrat, where the side won three games out of four outings.

“We’re delighted to have Ash back on our roster in 2023,” said Hartford Technical Director Ray Reid. “He’s an invaluable player because of his ability to play at all three levels of the pitch with creativity and technical skill. He carries himself extremely well and will be a great presence for our younger players to learn from.”