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

Beckford joins Hartford for his sixth USL Championship season after spending 2023 with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. He was a staple as a winger in their attack, making 32 appearances and 22 starts. A consistent generator of offensive opportunities, Beckford created 28 chances, led the team in crosses with 72, and added two goals and four assists.

“I am happy to reunite with Coach Burke and be part of the project in Hartford,” said Beckford. “This is one of the most passionate fan bases in the entire league and I’m glad to have them cheering me on and supporting me this season. I am also looking forward to integrating myself into Hartford’s large Jamaican community, something that I’m sure will make me feel right at home in my new city.”

Beckford has made 97 appearances in the Championship overall in his career, recording 11 goals, 12 assists and 72 chances created. He previously competed for Burke in the 2021 season in Colorado Springs and has also spent time with Rio Grande Valley FC and San Antonio FC.

“We are very excited to bring Deshane to Hartford,” said Hartford Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “He is an excellent winger with great pace on the ball and is especially dangerous on the counterattack. He does a great job to put pressure on the opposition with his effort on defense as well. Our fans are really going to enjoy cheering on DeShane this season.”

Analysis

Deshane Beckford’s arrival at Hartford Athletic adds another key piece to the club’s front line with the Jamaican’s speed and ability to stretch defenses a huge weapon for the club. Beckford ranked second in the Championship in the 2023 season with 69 completed dribbles – an individual single-season high – and alongside fellow newcomers like Enoch Mushagalusa and Marcus Epps adds another burner on the flanks for Head Coach Brendan Burke.

The one area Hartford will be hoping to see an uptick in form this season for Beckford will be in his finishing. Last season he recorded two goals on an Expected Goals mark of 4.94xG and a shot conversion rate of just 3.8 percent. That’s been the other side of the coin for Beckford in his career, with his 11 goals coming on 19.15xG and a shot conversion rate of 8.4 percent. If he can tighten up there, Hartford could have one of the most explosive threats in the league in its ranks.