Hartford Athletic announced that they had acquired defender Britton Fischer on loan from MLS side Minnesota United ahead of the 2026 season. He projects as a rotational center-back for Brendan Burke's side, and adds welcome depth in the middle of defense.
Fischer joined the North Carolina FC academy in 2019, and went on to make his professional debut for that club – then competing in USL League One – in 2021 when he was just 17 years old. He went on to make 30 appearances totaling just under 2000 minutes for NCFC over the next two seasons, before transferring to Minnesota United FC 2 of MLS NEXT Pro ahead of the 2023 season.
Over the next three seasons, Fischer made 73 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro, as well as suiting for MNUTD 2 in the U.S. Open Cup and the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. He also spent two brief spells with the senior side, featuring in the MLS squad’s 2025 U.S. Open Cup victory over Louisville City.
In 2025, he was a reliable presence in the center of defense for the MLSNP side, as they turned in slightly-above-average defensive numbers as a unit. The nature of MLS NEXT Pro can make the evaluation of defenders difficult, but his performances were enough for Minnesota to subsequently sign him to a contract that includes multiple option years.
With their season opener against Sporting JAX mere days away, the acquisition of Fischer gives the Latics much-needed depth at center back, where previously only Jordan Scarlett, Arturo Diz and TJ Presthus were available as regular starters for Burke’s currently-preferred back-three. While both Matt Real and Baboucarr Njie can tuck inside in a pinch, Fischer provides regular rotational depth and allows Burke to use his other players in their more natural positions on the flanks. At 6'4", he also brings some height to the roster, as he's now the tallest outfield player in the squad.
Hartford Athletic take the pitch for the first time this season on Saturday, with a visit to USL Championship newcomers Sporting JAX, before a quick turnaround sees them travel to take on Birmingham Legion the following Wednesday.
