Hartford Athletic to Begin Season in July
- Thread starter TheDoggPound
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 1,361
- Reaction Score
- 2,816
It was lucky but it was also a play of the year type goal. It was ESPN's #2 play of the day and all the coach could do was give a "the Gods must like us smile." Last year everything went wrong, including a batch of own goals early, but this year everything seems to be bouncing Hartford's way. However, the coach is going to drive into their heads leading up to the RBII game that they stopped playing after going up 2-0 and it should have cost them. If they do that this weekend they will probably blow a gift wrapped chance to win the group. If they play as they should there will be playoff game at Dillon on the weekend of 10/9-11.
Last edited:
Waquoit
Mr. Positive
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
- Messages
- 33,731
- Reaction Score
- 89,102
The coach rested starters for the game and it almost bit him. But now we will have our best players fit for Saturday. And not only do they win the group with a win, if Louisville and Tampa Bay tie or worse they would win the Eastern Conference.
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 1,361
- Reaction Score
- 2,816
That's true. I think the team also misses Harry Swartz, who could be counted on to help keep up the team's energy level. The announcers last night noted his absence and that the team needed him back but I didn't hear if they gave his injury status.
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 1,361
- Reaction Score
- 2,816
Athletic turned in one of their most entertaining efforts of the season, particularly in the second half. Even though the score was only 2-0, there was a lot of end to end action. Hartford also showed some of its best passing of the season, creating through the midfield instead of depending on long outlets from the back. I think the 18-year old they picked up on loan from NYCFC has really helped steady play in the center of the field.
By finishing first in their group (and tying for the conference crown) they will get a home game against St. Louis FC, a franchise that is going out of business because MLS is moving in. With a win they will play the winner of Louisville and Pittsburgh. They have the seeding advantage v. Pittsburgh but lose a tie breaker to Louisville. If things break right they could have at least 3 home games (win round 1, beat Pittsburgh in 2nd round and then host conference championship) before the league final. There are two teams in the west (Reno and Phoenix) that have a seeding advantage so Hartford would need an upset or two to host a final.
By finishing first in their group (and tying for the conference crown) they will get a home game against St. Louis FC, a franchise that is going out of business because MLS is moving in. With a win they will play the winner of Louisville and Pittsburgh. They have the seeding advantage v. Pittsburgh but lose a tie breaker to Louisville. If things break right they could have at least 3 home games (win round 1, beat Pittsburgh in 2nd round and then host conference championship) before the league final. There are two teams in the west (Reno and Phoenix) that have a seeding advantage so Hartford would need an upset or two to host a final.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 1,361
- Reaction Score
- 2,816
According to the Phase III guidelines outdoor event venues can now be up to 50% of capacity. I assume that applies to Dillon. Has Athletic said anything about increasing ticket sales?
Waquoit
Mr. Positive
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
- Messages
- 33,731
- Reaction Score
- 89,102
They had been hinting that capacity could be adjusted if the rules change. I haven't seen an announcement yet.
I don't think there will be an open sale though. They have established a waiting list for anyone interested in Saturday.
UPDATE: I just received an email stating that Athletic was awaiting a final approval from the city that was received today. And it said my tickets to the game will be near the seats I sat in all year. That tells me they redrew the grid for increased capacity. It going to be a beautiful night Saturday!
Last edited:
Waquoit
Mr. Positive
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
- Messages
- 33,731
- Reaction Score
- 89,102
Gut punch loss and we have a jokester here.
At least it was a competitive game. Too bad it was a loss to a team that will either no longer exist soon or become owned by the St Louis MLS franchise. The USL would kick out MLS sponsored clubs soon, if they were smart. Open up the league to new markets.
Crazy as it may sound, the economic hardships we are enduring may have a huge impact on the promotion and relegation pyramids in Europe.
Waquoit
Mr. Positive
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
- Messages
- 33,731
- Reaction Score
- 89,102
Supposedly, there are a bunch of new markets hoping to get in including Providence. And I don't think they need to kick out the MLS teams, word is that they are creating their own developmental league.
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 1,361
- Reaction Score
- 2,816
Athletic could have, and probably should have, won the playoff game. They carried the play for most of the game and had a number of excellent chances to cash in. Unfortunately, they didn't. It was, however, a good season for the team and they move forward to year 3 with a growing fan base. Hopefully all games next season will be played with the stadium completely open.
As for the MLS reserve teams, the rumor was that they would all drop down a level to USL League One. It already includes several reserve clubs, including Revolution II.
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2011
- Messages
- 27,757
- Reaction Score
- 71,170
One thing about the effect of the pandemic on the Athletic. Although it hurt team this year, in the long term it has built a fortified hard core of fans. I mean, if you come out to see a team under these conditions, you care. And you know a lot of other folks who are truly committed. Bodes well for the future.
Pawtucket is in; replacing the Paw Sox with a USL Championship franchise. Stadium will be larger than Dillon. Dillon may need to consider expansion in time.
USL Expansion Centered On Stadium-Anchored Entertainment Districts
Announced on December 2, 2019, Tidewater Landing is a $400 million economic development project along the riverfront in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, that will feature extensive development, highlighted by a stadium to host its new USL Championship franchise set to begin play in 2022.
www.forbes.com
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2011
- Messages
- 27,757
- Reaction Score
- 71,170
Pawtucket is in; replacing the Paw Sox with a USL Championship franchise. Stadium will be larger than Dillon. Dillon may need to consider expansion in time.
USL Expansion Centered On Stadium-Anchored Entertainment Districts
Announced on December 2, 2019, Tidewater Landing is a $400 million economic development project along the riverfront in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, that will feature extensive development, highlighted by a stadium to host its new USL Championship franchise set to begin play in 2022.
Hell of a trade, the Red Sox triple A franchise for a USL team.
Waquoit
Mr. Positive
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
- Messages
- 33,731
- Reaction Score
- 89,102
And now Worcester is a New England hotspot.
Worcester is ugly.