Hartford Athletic captain and all-time scoring leader Danny Barrera re-signed with the franchise for the 2022 season, according to a team release on Tuesday.
“This community has become home for me and my family, and I am thrilled to be back with Hartford Athletic for a fourth season,” Barrera said, according to the release.
“I’m looking forward to working with Coach [Harry] Watling again and building on last year’s successes. Our goal is to get back to the playoffs and every day, we’ll be giving everything we have on and off the pitch to get back there.”
Barrera, who joined the Athletic for their inaugural season in 2019, had the best year of his career in 2021, scoring eight goals and a league-high 12 assists. He became the first Hartford player to be named to the USL Championship’s All-League First Team. The midfielder is also Hartford’s all-time leader in goals scored (13), assists (23), key passes (154) and USL Championship appearances (65).
“Danny is the captain and the heartbeat of this team. I am very happy that he will be back on the pitch for us in 2022,” said Hartford Athletic coach Harry Watling, according to the release. “Every time Danny gets the ball, you think something is going to happen. I love his imagination and creativity, but equally as important is his leadership and mentorship of the young players on this team. We will look to him to provide that again this season.”
According to the release, Barrera’s deal is pending United Soccer League and federation approval.
