Hartford Players Report For Preseason: What We Know Heading Into 2024

A look into a second trip to Bradenton, open tryouts and more as Brendan Burke gears up for his first season at the helm.

Jan 16, 2024

Monday marked the beginning of an eight-week preseason journey for Hartford Athletic as players reported to the team offices in Windsor for the first time, with just under 53 days until their season opener at El Paso Locomotive on March 9.

The team is set to hold their first official training session of the year on Thursday at the newly-opened Day Hill Dome — the first opportunity for Brendan Burke to get a complete look at his rebuilt squad since his hiring on Dec. 12, 2023.

Ahead of Thursday’s session, here’s what we know as Hartford gears up for their sixth campaign in the USL Championship:

Historic Open Tryouts

Just weeks after the departure of fan-favorite 2019 open tryout signee Conor McGlynn to Rhode Island FC, Hartford’s 2023 open tryouts returned historic numbers for the club. A total of 261 players from 16 different countries flocked to the Day Hill Dome for a three-day trial period in December — a record turnout in the club’s sixth edition of the tryouts.

According to a club release, players came from as close as West Hartford to as far as The Gambia, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Haiti, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Italy and Bolivia.

Of the 261 participants, six were invited to Hartford Athletic’s preseason to continue pursuing their dream of playing professionally — another club-high. Players chosen represented Massachusetts, Haiti, Jamaica, Nigeria and Brazil. It has not been confirmed how many will have the chance to sign for the club upon the conclusion of the preseason slate.

Bradenton, Florida

For the second straight season, the majority of Hartford’s preseason action will take place at the Premier Sports Complex in Bradenton, Florida, beginning just under a month out from the start of the season on Feb. 11. The team will play a number of preseason exhibitions at the facility against competition from around the country — including a matchup with Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids on Feb. 14.

Last season’s trip included friendlies against the University of Connecticut, Fairfield University, the Columbus Crew and Orlando City B. This year’s full schedule will be released “in the coming weeks,” per a club statement.

Upgrades, upgrades, upgrades!

Hartford made several additions over the offseason apart from the roster in the offseason — a number of necessary facilities upgrades headline Hartford’s resumé heading into the new season.

The first, and potentially most essential upgrade was the completion and unveiling of the Day Hill Dome: a full-sized, climate-controlled indoor turf field that will serve as Hartford’s official training facility in Windsor, across the street from the team office. The full facility also includes three outdoor fields — two turf, and one full natural grass field. The outdoor complex is set to be completed in the spring.

Finally, in an exclusive interview with The Blazing Musket, Chief Executive Officer Nick Sackiewicz revealed a number of player-centered upgrades coming to the team offices this season, including team lounges, first-team locker rooms, video rooms and a cafeteria, to name a few — a “proper training facility” and key part of recruiting top talent, according to Sakiewicz. The facilities are expected to be complete by the summer.

Roster Nearly Complete

A complete overhaul of Hartford’s roster is nearing completion, with 14 new players and a pair of returning players announced so far. The completion of the roster is expected to be announced by the end of January.

Here is a look at how the roster is looks so far:

Goalkeepers: Renan Ribeiro, Brooks Thompson

Defenders: Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Joe Farrell, Rece Buckmaster, Jordan Scarlett

Midfielders: Danny Barrera (returning), Beverly Makangila (returning), Jay Chapman, Emmanuel Samadia, Joe Schmidt, Anderson Asiedu

Forwards: Marcus Epps, Enoch Mushagalusa, Deshane Beckford, Romario Williams