Hartford Athletic could open its season next month after the United Soccer League Board of Governors voted Thursday to tentatively open the league’s season July 11.
Like other pro sports leagues around the state, the USL had its season derailed following the outbreak of coronavirus. The league began its regular season in early March, with only a handful of teams having a chance to play any games. Hartford Athletic had yet to play a single game before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary suspension of play on March 18.
“On behalf of Hartford Athletic, we want to thank all of our incredible fans and partners for their patience during this challenging time,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell in the statement. “We have been working very hard behind the scenes with the USL League Office and fellow USL Clubs to safely return to the field this year. We are thrilled that we will be able to bring you USL Championship soccer this season starting in July and cannot wait to officially kick off our second season.”
Details of the league’s July 11 return, including schedule and postseason information, will be announced in the coming weeks, the league said.
“It’s important to note that the league’s return to play will be conducted in strict alignment with all local and state public health guidelines,” the league said in a statement. “USL HQ also remains in regular dialogue with the USL Players’ Association on all matters concerning player health and wellness protocols and looks forward to continuing those discussions.”
Hartford Athletic finished 8-21-5 in its inaugural season in 2019, missing the playoffs and finishing second to last in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Jimmy Nielsen and the team mutually parted ways upon completion of the season, and the team hired Radhi Jaidi, former coach of Southampton’s U-23 team, as its new head coach in November.
Shawn McFarland can be reached at smcfarland@courant.com.
