HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic announced on Thursday the club had signed defender Rece Buckmaster ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction pending league and federation approval.

Buckmaster comes to Hartford after two strong seasons with Memphis 901 FC, where he recorded 53 appearances and totaled more than 4,500 minutes. The 27-year-old added two goals and five assists and recorded 86 clearances, 22 blocked shots, and 114 interceptions. This was his second stint with 901 FC, having started every game for them in 2020 before signing with Indy Eleven in 2021.

“Rece has consistently demonstrated that he is one of the top defenders in the USL,” said Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “He brings infectious energy to the pitch, is incredibly durable and will add a toughness to our back line that every defensive unit needs. We are excited to have him in Hartford.”

Following his collegiate career at Indiana University from 2015 to 2018, Buckmaster was drafted 32nd overall by the New York Red Bulls in the 2019 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. He went on to make seven appearances for the Red Bulls, including the first round of the 2019 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. In that same year, he made 18 appearances for New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship.

Analysis

Hartford Athletic continued its retool of its defensive unit with the arrival of Rece Buckmaster, who should provide a solid option at right back for his new club after two solid campaigns for Memphis 901 FC. The move marks a return to the northeast for the 27-year-old, who began his professional career with the New York Red Bulls organization and has 111 appearances across the regular season and playoffs in the Championship.

Buckmaster isn’t as splashy a signing as some of Hartford’s moves so far this season, but he’s proven to be a reliable piece at this level. After last season’s defensive challenges in Hartford, that’s more than enough to offer a chance at improvement.