Saturday will mark a historic day for MLS NEXT Pro newcomers CT United FC as the club welcomes Columbus Crew 2 to the University of Connecticut’s Morrone Stadium in the club’s inaugural home match.

It’s no surprise that excitement around the club is reaching new highs ahead of the historic match, and it’s something club owner Andre Swanston, Head Coach Shavar Thomas, and team captain Alex Monis emphasized to The Blazing Musket on Thursday.

Team owner Andre Swanston views Saturday not as an opener, but a chance for CT United to stake its claim in the Connecticut sports scene. The Connecticut Sun were sold to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, with the intention to relocate the franchise to Houston following the 2026 WNBA season. It’s unfortunately not the only sports franchise to vacate the Constitution State, as the NHL’s New York Islanders approved plans to relocate their American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada ahead of the 2026-27 season.

“While other pro teams are leaving, we’re all in on Connecticut," Swanston said. "CT United is the state’s MLS Next Pro team and the only place fans can see a pro team competing against current and future MLS talent week in and week out."

Saturday will mark a homecoming for Head Coach Shavar Thomas. Before Thomas embarked on his professional career, which included stops in Dallas, Kansas City, the LA Galaxy, Chivas USA, Philadelphia, Montreal, and Fort Lauderdale, he spent time at the University of Connecticut in 2001 and 2002.

Like Swanston, Thomas is excited to make an impact on the Connecticut sports scene while representing everything about the state.

“This club represents Connecticut’s work ethic and resilience, and our focus is on setting that standard from the very first match," he said.

Team captain Alex Monis emphasized the group’s excitement heading into Saturday’s opener, but made no light of the responsibility the group has in this new venture as they look to represent the state and make people proud.

“There’s a real sense of pride going into this game," Monis said. "We’re not just playing for ourselves. We’re representing an entire state and helping build something from the ground up. This group understands the responsibility that comes with that, and we’re ready to set the tone with the kind of energy, commitment, and identity fans can believe in from day one.”