HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic announced on Wednesday the club had signed midfielder Junior Moreira ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Moreira joins Hartford after spending the past four years with Cancún F.C. of Mexico’s Liga de Expansión MX. The 21-year-old helped the side claim the 2023 Apertura title, recording 14 appearances in the regular season before starting all six games of the postseason as the side defeated Atlante 3-0 on aggregate in the two-legged final. He also started in both games Campeón de Campeones Final in May, 2024, as the side won a penalty shootout against Atlante to earn the title.

“I am extremely excited to compete in Hartford,” said Moreira. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play this game that I love and to bring my skills to a team that is committed to success. Coach Burke is great at helping players compete, grow, and develop and I’m excited to play for him and defend Fortress Hartford this season.”

A native of Guinea-Bissau, the 5-foot-5 central midfielder recorded one goal in 95 appearances during his time with Cancún F.C., logging 6,719 minutes of action for the side.

“He is a phenomenal team player who has a knack for reading the game,” added Hartford Head Coach Brendan Burke. “He can play effectively on both sides of the ball, allowing him to contribute heavily in moments of transition and we are excited to see him contribute to our continued competitive growth as a club.”