Jack Panayotou Joins Hartford Athletic On Loan From New England Revolution
The midfielder previously spent time in the USL Championship with Rhode Island FC
Hartford Athletic announced on Friday that they have acquired midfielder Jack Panayotou on loan from the New England Revolution. The New England native, who previously spent time on loan with Rhode Island FC, will be available for selection on Saturday against Portland Hearts of Pine in the USL Jägermeister Cup.
Panayotou joined the Revs academy in 2019 and made his MLS NEXT Pro debut in 2022, coming on as a substitute against Rochester New York FC. A week later, he came off the bench again, scoring two second-half goals in a win over FC Cincinnati 2. His first start came the following week against Orlando City B, and Panayotou went on to make nine appearances for Revs II over the course of the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Also during the 2022 season, Panayotou participated in the MLS Next Cup Championship for the Revs U-19 side. He scored a tournament-high six goals, including both goals in his side’s 2-1 win over the FC Dallas U-19’s in the semifinals, and the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over San Francisco Glens in the final.
In 2023, the midfielder played for both Revs and Revs II, making eleven appearances in MLS NEXT Pro, during which he scored five goals and contributed two assists across the regular season. He also added an assist in the playoffs, as Revs II reached the Eastern Conference finals before falling to Columbus Crew 2. With the parent club, Panayotou made 13 total appearances across all competitions, including starting both of the Revs’ U.S. Open Cup games.
Panayotou was a busy player in the 2024 season, which he began with Revs II, and contributed three goals and an assist before being loaned out to RIFC in the USL Championship. There, he played four times — adding two assists — before being recalled by his parent club.
Back with the Revs, he played five games in MLS and three in the Leagues Cup where he added another goal and an assist before being sent back to RIFC to conclude the season.
Back in the Championship, he made another eight appearances across the regular season and the playoffs. Panayotou had four goals and six assists over 26 appearances in five different competitions in the 2024 season.
In his time with the Revs organization, as well as his stint with RIFC, Panayotou has demonstrated ability as both a goalscorer and a playmaker. On a minutes-adjusted basis, he was one of the top scorers among all midfielders in MLS NEXT Pro in 2023 and 2024 and on the same basis he was one of the better creative players in that league.
He also showed growth from 2023 to 2024, getting on the ball more and being a more effective distributor. Hartford’s midfield has struggled in the early going, and the addition of Panayotou — along with the return of Samuel Careaga from an injury layoff — should change the picture for the better, by giving the Latics two players with more of an attacking mindset who are comfortable on the ball.
Hartford Athletic return to action on Saturday, April 26, as they host Portland Hearts of Pine in the USL Championship at Trinity Health Stadium
Also not surprising. Hopefully they let Jack stick around in Hartford until the end of the season.
Last year's recall to sit the bench did no one any good.
Porter, once again, fails to understand WHY YOU TRAIN YOUNG PLAYERS IN YOUR SYSTEM.