AC Connecticut

Last updated
AC Connecticut
AC Connecticut logo.svg
Full nameAC Connecticut
Founded2011;13 years ago (2011)
Stadium Dillon Stadium
Capacity5,500
Majority OwnerPeter D'Amico
General ManagerRobin Schuppert
League USL League Two
2024 5th, Northeast Division
Playoffs: DNQ
Website Club website

AC Connecticut is an American amateur soccer team based in Newtown, Connecticut, playing in USL League Two, the fourth tier of the American soccer pyramid. The team colors are blue, black and white.

Contents

History

CFC Azul was founded as a USL PDL team on December 21, 2011, and launched its inaugural season in 2012. The club is the pinnacle for a 70-plus youth team organization and is Connecticut's only professional organized soccer franchise. [1] In its first season of play, CFC Azul finished mid-table tied for 4th place with fellow expansion team Worcester Hydra.

In 2013, CFC finished in 6th place with a record of 2 wins, 6 losses and 6 draws. [2] In time for the start of the 2014 season, Peter D'Amico became the primary owner and managing partner of the Azul. [3] Additionally, CFC teamed up with WXCI 91.7 FM to broadcast play-by-play of Azul's home games. [4]

The team split off from its Connecticut Football Club (CFC) parent and was renamed AC Connecticut on September 5, 2014. [5] [6]

In 2021, AC Connecticut announced a partnership with Hartford Athletic to identify potential players and create a pathway to pro soccer. [7]

Stadium

The team was originally scheduled to play their home games at Reese Stadium on the campus of Yale University. However, due to scheduling conflicts, CFC Azul ended playing their 2012 home games at various locations throughout Connecticut including Veterans Stadium in New Britain, CT. For the 2013 season, CFC Azul played their home games at Central Connecticut State University. CFC Azul signed a multi-year contract to play their games the Westside Athletic Complex at Western Connecticut State University. [8] AC Connecticut now plays their home games at Dillon Stadium in Hartford, CT the home of the USL Championship team, the Hartford Athletic. They also have facilities in Newtown, CT at Newtown Youth Academy. [9]

Year-by-year

Year Level LeagueReg. SeasonPlayoffs U.S. Open Cup
CFC Azul
2012 4 USL PDL 5th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify
2013 4USL PDL6th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify
2014 4USL PDL2nd, NortheastConference Semifinalsdid not qualify
AC Connecticut
2015 4USL PDL4th, Northeastdid not qualify 1st Round
2016 4USL PDL6th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify
2017 4USL PDL6th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify
2018 4USL PDL5th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify
2019 4 USL League Two 8th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify
2020 Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021 4USL League Two6th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify
2022 4USL League Two7th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify
2023 4USL League Two7th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify
2024 4USL League Two5th, Northeastdid not qualifydid not qualify

Players and staff

Notable former players

Current staff

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Connecticut FC Azul Joins USL PDL". United Soccer Leagues (USL). 11 January 2012. Archived from the original on 20 October 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  2. ↑ "PDL 2013 standings". Archived from the original on 6 September 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  3. ↑ "CFC Soccer to be based at Westconn". 7 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  4. ↑ "WXCI 91.7 FM to broadcast Azul home games". 19 June 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  5. ↑ "AC Connecticut Unveils New Name, Logo". United Soccer Leagues (USL). September 5, 2014. Archived from the original on September 10, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  6. ↑ "CFC AZUL CHANGES NAME TO A.C. CONNECTICUT". AC Connecticut. September 5, 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-09-10. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  7. ↑ USLChampionship.com Staff (March 19, 2021). "Hartford Athletic Announces Partnership with AC Connecticut". USL League Two.
  8. ↑ "Azul, WCSU Reach Agreement". United Soccer Leagues (USL). March 18, 2014. Archived from the original on March 19, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  9. ↑ "AC Connecticut Facilities". AC Connecticut.
  10. ↑ "Azul Add Former USL-Pro Player | CFC Azul". Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  11. ↑ "Azul Get Former New England Revolution Player | CFC Azul". Archived from the original on March 31, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Eckenrode signs contract with KF Aegir in Iceland". George Mason University . May 18, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Gianluca Catalano". USL League Two .
  14. ↑ "Revolution Got Their Man in Virginia's Kessler". Boston Globe . January 15, 2020.
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