The Hartford Athletic won their first-ever international friendly with a 5-1 win over Puerto Rico, a match that raised more than $4,600 to benefit hurricane relief efforts on the island. (Photo courtesy Hartford Athletic)
HARTFORD, August 28 – The Hartford Athletic professional soccer team has donated $4,685 – $1 for every ticket sold – to the San Juan Center in Hartford to benefit hurricane relief in Puerto Rico. Hartford Athletic welcomed the Puerto Rico National Soccer Team to the capital city for a friendly match at Dillon Stadium on Saturday, August 17.
“It was great to see everyone come to the stadium and show their pride for Puerto Rico,” said Donovan Powell, chief operating officer of the Hartford Athletic. “Connecting with our community is one of our core values. By bringing the Puerto Rico National Team to Hartford, we were able to serve one of the largest communities in our city. This is just the first of many international friendly matches we’ll be hosting in Hartford and we’re excited for what lies ahead.”
It was the first international friendly in team history for Hartford, which beat Puerto Rico, 5-1. Tied at 1-1 at halftime, Hartford scored four times in the second half on goals from Jose Angulo, Mads Jorgensen, Sebastian Dalgaard and Danny Barrera. Wojciech Wojcik scored in the first half for Hartford.
Gerard Diaz scored for the Puerto Rican national team. Cody Cropper, 26, on load from the MLS’ New England Revolution, earned the win in net for Hartford.
Fans were invited to a meet-and-greet with players and coaching staffs from both sides on Friday night, before the match on Saturday afternoon. After Saturday’s match, both teams met at mid-pitch for a commemorative picture.
“The San Juan Center is honored by the generous contribution from the Hartford Athletic Soccer Club,” said Fernando Betancourt, executive cirector of the San Juan Center. “On behalf of the many volunteers, that for the last two years, were able to provide emergency services to evacuees affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, we say thank you. Bringing the National Puerto Rican Soccer team and this financial contribution, are only two examples of the enormous contributions and impact the Hartford Athletic Club is having in our community.”
Hartford Athletic resumes play next Saturday, September 7, at 4 p.m., to host a special charity match to benefit gender equality, presented by Stanley Black & Decker. There will be a special women’s soccer clinic on the day of the match benefitting Girls for Technology, as well as a meet-and-greet with local female business leaders, sports stars, and engineers.
