HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic announced on Wednesday the club had signed forward Enoch Mushagalusa ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The 24-year-old joins Hartford having most recently played for fellow USL Championship Louisville City FC. A creative goalscorer and playmaker, Mushagulsa racked up 12 goals and four assists over the last two years, including a career high 10 goals in 2022 for LouCity. He made 15 appearances with Louisville in 2023 before being loaned to San Diego Loyal SC, where he appeared four times before suffering an injury that saw him miss the final eight matches.

“Enoch is an exciting player who will add a spark to our attacking arsenal,” said Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “He is a fantastic athlete who possesses dynamic skill on the ball, creativity in the final third, and consistent finishing ability. We can’t wait to see him in Green and Blue.”

Mushagalusa has made 99 appearances in the USL Championship across the regular season and playoffs in his career, recording 21 goals, nine assists and 82 chances created. Prior to joining LouCity for the 2022 season, he spent two campaigns with Sporting Kansas City II.

Analysis

Hartford Athletic continued to add quick attacking pieces to its attacking lineup with the signing of Enoch Mushagalusa, which follows Tuesday’s arrival of Marcus Epps to the overhauled squad’s lineup. Typically playing as a left winger, Mushagalusa is another whose willingness to take on defenders is a key characteristic. At LouCity, he completed 94 dribbles in 52 appearances, and showed a bit more composure in his finishing, moving above 50 percent in his shooting accuracy rate compared to his time at SKC II.

The key here, though, is Mushagalusa’s speed, which can be used to stretch defenses and create space for players like Danny Barrera to exploit in midfield and at the top of the penalty area. Expect the 24-year-old to be regularly in the lineup rotation for Head Coach Brendan Burke in the new year.