HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic announced on Wednesday the club had re-signed midfielder Beverly Makangila ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Makangila returns to Hartford for a second year after a promising 2023 season in Green and Blue where he appeared in 15 games. The Congolese midfielder was set back by an ankle injury that saw him miss 11 games from April to June, but he responded with a quality second half of the season. Makangila became a frequent starter through Hartford’s final 17 games, and added an exclamation point to his return by scoring one the team’s best goals of the season, sparking a 2-1 victory against New Mexico United on August 5th.

“I am thrilled to be back in Hartford for a second season and reunite with Coach Burke,” said Makangila. “I think our fans are going to be very excited about the way we play soccer and I can’t wait to get back out in front of them in just a few months.”

Prior to signing with Hartford, Makangila spent 2021 and 2022 with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. He made 52 appearances and helped lead the Switchbacks to back-to-back playoff appearances under current Hartford Athletic Head Coach Brendan Burke, who had taken over the Colorado Springs squad late in 2020.

“I have been impressed by Beverly’s talent since the first time I saw him play and I am very pleased to work with him once again,” said Burke. “He has all the tools to succeed at this level, and we believe he can take a big step up in his game this season. He adds some good defensive instincts to our midfield, and we’re excited to see him back in Hartford.”