WEST HARTFORD, CONN. - Coming off a successful double digit win season in 2024, Hartford looks to build off their success as they compete for regular season, conference, and unprecedented national success.
The Hawks finished last season with a record of 10-5-3, securing a home playoff game, which would unfortunately fall to the way of Roger Williams. However, this season they look to make a push for a conference title.
Key Returners:
Four Hawks graduated and left the program including top-offensive threat Kellijah Morgan, but some of the top important pieces will be coming back with another year of experience under their belt. 2024 CNE Second Team All-Conference selection sophomore Brayden Tahiliani (Whitby, Ontario) is the top returner for Hartford and is set to lead the defense after playing 1256 minutes in his first year. Senior goalkeeper Ryan Lunn (Southington, Conn.) also returns after a solid 2024 where he made 75 saves to go with six shutouts. Sophomore defender Adam Eley (Newington, Conn.) is also poised for a breakout year after 1486 minutes in his freshman season. In the offensive third CNE All-Conference Third Team selection junior Austin Murawski (Rocky Hill, Conn.) returns after tallying 17 points in 2024. Senior Nick Castrovinci (Roxbury, N.J.) will also be crucial after putting together five goals last season. In the midfield senior captain Jack Merrill (Newton, N.J.) returns after playing a team-high 1582 minutes last season.
"We're taking this season from the start of the spring. We worked really hard, we got really fit, hit the weight room, so we took that into the summertime… making sure everyone was running, lifting, playing some soccer. So when we came in on August 16th, we could make sure we hit the floor running really quickly". Said Merril.
"The expectation is to really be a leader… making sure I can step up in any role I can. I want to make sure the guys can look up to me, come up to me if they ever need anything. I really just want to see us win, and be successful." Said Tahiliani.
"I'm really trying to do my best to lead the younger guys and show them the way. Not everything needs to be perfect as long as everyone's working their hardest, and working together as a team I think we can do a lot of good things together." said Trey Sadler (Newington, Conn.) coming off an unfortunate stretch of injury.
New Faces, Same Expectations:
Hartford will welcome eight newcomers to the squad, spearheaded by sophomore transfer Jaiden Daigle (Rocky Hill, Conn.) from University of St. Joseph where he started in all 21 games his freshman season, tallying one assist, and anchoring a back line that kept eight shutouts, as well as winning the GNAC Championship with the Blue Jays.
Full Incoming Class:
Forwards:Tray Cousley (Kingston, Jamaica), John Hunt (West Hartford, Conn.)
Midfielders: Cameron Tedesco (Old Saybrook, Conn.), Eddie Hageman (Colchester, Conn.), Nikodem Kolc (New Britain, Conn.), Joe Ofori-Mintah (Manchester, Conn.), Nick Malas (East Stroudsburg, Pa.)
Defenders: Matt Dalek (Berlin, Conn.), Jaiden Daigle (Rocky Hill, Conn.)
Season Outlook:
Hartford opens up the 17-game regular season on August 29th on the road against St. Joseph's University – Brooklyn. Kicking off their home opener against CNE opponent Suffolk University, Saturday, September 13th at 5:00PM. Which will kick off their seven game schedule at home.
All home games will be live streamed on the CNE Network powered by HUDL, while other game coverage can be found on the schedule home page.
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