The Average Fan: A Hartford Athletic Podcast
The Blazing Musket
The Average Fan is a podcast for the average soccer fan.Hosts Sam Lattof and Oliver Scholes will discuss the latest news surrounding Hartford Athletic, providing analysis and commentary along the way. Additionally, they will be joined by guests on occasion to discuss opponents and individuals' journeys with the club.Scholes has been covering the club for The Blazing Musket since 2024 and has been a fan of the club from the very beginning.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Can't Win Them All
Hartford Athletic just walked into the most electric home atmosphere in club history and still came up short in the USL Cup final. Oliver, Perrin, and Sam break down what went wrong, why the loss felt so brutal, and what the team has to clean up before a massive road test against Pittsburgh.Perrin, fresh off a whirlwind solo tour, brings a unique perspective from the road - from New York and DC to Kentucky, St. Louis, Louisville, and Hartford. He shares what it was like chasing matches in tiny venues, massive stadiums, and even a Red Robin in Pennsylvania.Oliver also explains why Hartford’s performance was both encouraging and frustrating at the same time: they controlled long stretches, outshot Louisville, and still lacked the final decisive moment. Perrin adds the outsider’s eye, comparing the energy in Hartford to the broader landscape he’s been documenting across American soccer - where some clubs have a real foundation to build on, and others still feel like they’re fighting for basic awareness.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Home Cupping
Hartford Athletic are 90 minutes away from silverware, but the biggest threat to their USL Cup hopes might be the questions they still have to answer. Can Brendan Burke trust his back line after Britton Fischer’s red card? Is Michee peaking at exactly the right time? And does Louisville City have enough firepower to punish every mistake again?Sam and Oliver break down the 2-2 draw that served as a tense, windy preview for the final, including the penalty decisions, Hartford’s missed early chances, and the midfield battle that could decide Sunday. They dig into Fischer’s season-long rise and recent wobble and what Hartford must change if it wants to lift another trophy at Trinity Health Stadium.The conversation also gets into the bigger picture around Hartford Athletic, from roster health questions on Arturo Ordonez, Samuel Careaga, and Emmanuel Samadia to the club’s lingering off-field challenges with supporters, attendance, ticket prices, and front-office turnover.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Vegas Flu and Previewing Lou
Hartford Athletic just survived a rotated road test in Las Vegas, and now the real pressure starts. Before a home USL Cup final match, Hartford will play Lou City in USL Championship play.Sam Lattof and Oliver Scholes break down the 1-1 draw against the Lights, why the late push still mattered, and how a heavily changed lineup held the line through a brutal stretch of fixtures.Oliver also tackles a bigger issue in American soccer: why clubs charge for open tryouts, who that excludes, and whether Hartford should be leading differently. Then the conversation turns to next season's Northeast Division, with Portland Hearts of Pine entering the USL W League and instantly raising the stakes for everyone else.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hartford On Fire
Join us as we dive into the latest episode of The Average Fan Podcast, where we discuss Hartford Athletic's incredible run. Hartford is on fire, currently one of the hottest teams in the league, and we break down their recent matches against Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. With nine unbeaten games, can they keep the momentum going against Las Vegas Lights?The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Double Cup
Join us for a special episode of the Average Fan Podcast as we dive into the soccer journey of our guest, Perrin! Discover how he fell in love with the sport and his experiences attending matches across New England. Additionally, we recap Hartford's win over Colorado and upcoming matches against Tampa Bay and Jacksonville.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Barry Coffey Is On Fire
Join us for the latest episode of the Average Fan Podcast as we dive into the exciting world of Hartford Athletic!In this episode, we discuss the return of $2 beers and $1 hot dogs at games, the team's recent performance, and the impact of key players like Antony Siaha and Barry Coffey. We also preview the upcoming USL Cup semifinal against Colorado Springs Switchbacks and reflect on Brendan Burke's journey as head coach.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Making Moves
In this episode, we explore Hartford Athletic's recent performances, roster moves, and upcoming matches. Oliver Scholes shares insights on team dynamics and player development.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Sadat Anaku Show
Join us as we dive into the latest episode of the Average Fan Podcast, where we discuss Hartford Athletic's recent performances, including their thrilling 4-2 victory over Charlotte and the upcoming match against Miami FC!What's your biggest takeaway from Hartford's recent games? Drop your thoughts in the comments!Follow us on InstagramThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hartford Needs Goals
Sam and Oliver cover Hartford Athletic’s rough night against Loudoun United, why the performance fell apart after a promising opening half hour, and what it says about a team trying to survive with half its roster unavailable.They also break down why Michael Adekugbe’s first start offered a rare bright spot, and what Hartford’s attack looks like if Augi Williams misses more time. You’ll also hear why Barry Coffey continues to matter, how Brendan Burke’s system can look brilliant when everything clicks and unbearable when it doesn’t, and why so much of the fan anger is tied not just to results, but to style, injuries, and the club’s off-field decisions.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Remember Winning
Join us as we dive into the latest episode of the Average Fan Podcast, where we discuss Hartford Athletic's ongoing scoring struggles and the recent match against Phoenix Rising. We also discuss recent contract extensions, give an injury update, and look ahead to the match against Loudoun UnitedChapters00:00 Introduction and Match Recap01:25 Hartford's Defensive Performance and Clean Sheets03:22 Offensive Struggles and Player Performances07:14 Injury Updates and Player Opportunities12:17 Recent Contract Extensions and Team Stability20:24 Upcoming Match Against Loudoun: Key Factors27:36 Defensive Strategy Against Loudoun's Attack35:25 Ownership and Investment in U.S. Soccer44:18 FIFA's Controversial Plan to Sell World Cup StakeThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
El Sadico
Join us as we dive into the latest episode of the Average Fan Podcast, where we analyze Hartford Athletic's recent struggles and look ahead to their upcoming match against Phoenix Rising.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
El Clamico Episode
Join us for a deep dive into the upcoming El Clamico match as we discuss Rhode Island FC's season and Hartford Athletic's struggles. In this episode, we welcome Jason Carey from the Raising Anchor podcast to share insights on Rhode Island FC's performance and key players to watch.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Coffey Time
In this episode, Sam and Oliver discuss Hartford's recent match against OC and Lou City while looking ahead to Westchester. The fellas also touch on Barry Coffey's performance, recent efforts to grind out results, and what players were disappointing when getting chances to start. Also, they discuss the latest World Cup highlights and the broader issues surrounding FIFA's corruption. Chapters02:02 World Cup Reflections06:01 Hartford Athletic's Lineup Decisions11:55 Midfield Dynamics and Tactical Choices14:58 Standout Performances and Player Contributions30:41 Looking Ahead: USL Cup Match42:34 FIFA's Corruption and the World Cup ExperienceThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Remember The Latics
In this episode, Oliver and Sam discuss Hartford's upcoming matches and the future of USL teams in women's soccer.Chapters00:00 Introduction and World Cup Insights05:52 Hartford Athletic's Season Overview11:47 Analyzing Louisville City FC23:55 Orange County's Surprising Success30:28 Managing Schedule Congestion: Roster Depth and Rotation41:41 Reflecting on the USLW Season: Successes and Lessons Learned46:19 The Future of Women's Soccer: Opportunities for GrowthThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Burke Is At The Wheel
We discuss Brendan Burke's contract extension, if the USLW debut was a success for Hartford and the success of the USLC side in recent matches.Chapters02:18 Brendan Burke's Contract Extension: A Game Changer06:17 Transforming the Club Culture: Burke's Impact09:09 Player Retention: Building a Strong Foundation12:12 Brendan Burke: The Balanced Manager16:07 Hartford Athletic's Performance in USLW20:50 Danny Barrera's Leadership and Team Development24:02 Evaluating the Debut Season of Hartford Athletic Women27:38 USL Championship: Massive Win Against Tampa Bay Rowdies28:37 Tactical Setup and Game Strategy32:10 Possession and Efficiency in Play36:49 Player Performances and Key Contributions40:26 Challenges with Augie Williams45:18 Looking Ahead: Match Against Pittsburgh52:01 Dan Gaspar's World Cup Journey and ImpactThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Battle of the Green
In this episode, Oliver and Sam are joined by our first-ever guest, Mike from United In Green and They Play In Green. Mike talks about Vermont Green's women's side ahead of Hartford heading up to Virtue Field. Oliver also discusses the USL Cup win, the matchup against the Rowdies and Brendan Burke's tenure in Hartford.00:00 Meet the First Guest: Mike Popovich04:11 Mike's Journey into Soccer10:46 Atmosphere at Women's Games15:33 Attacking Strategies in USLW22:42 Keys to Victory for Hartford and Vermont39:27 Brendan Burke's Tournament Philosophy43:41 Impact of Anthony Siaha's Red Card47:39 Hartford's Strategy Against Tampa Bay57:56 Brendan Burke's Coaching Journey01:05:09 World Cup Excitement Amid Controversy01:11:56 The Importance of Local PoliticsThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hartford Forgot How to Score Again
In this episode, Oliver and Sam discuss Hartford Athletic's recent performances and front office improvements, providing insights into the USL Championship and USLW League squads.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hartford's Highs And Lows
This episode features an in-depth discussion on Hartford Athletic's recent performance, team tactics, player developments, and the current state of the front office, along with insights into the USLW League team.Chapters00:00 Analyzing the Match Against FC Tulsa09:35 Substitutions and Player Performances13:24 Hartford's Attack Strategy and Challenges18:11 Previewing the Match Against New Mexico United20:30 Expectations for Hartford's Response After Loss23:04 Key Strategies for Success Against New Mexico25:11 State of the Front Office: Changes and Challenges31:02 USLW League: Rising Stars and Team Performance36:41 Fan Engagement and Atmosphere at Games40:09 Future Prospects: Competing for the Division TitleThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cup Chances & Lady Latics
The fellas discuss the debut USL W match, USL Cup and the upcoming FC Tulsa matchChapters00:00 Atmosphere and Experience at W League Game06:00 Hartford Athletic's Performance Against Brooklyn FC08:48 Injury Concerns and Team Depth17:51 Previewing the Match Against FC Tulsa21:11 Women's Game Highlights and Standout Players27:02 Future Prospects for Hartford Athletic in USL 230:04 Closing ThoughtsThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Rouxing
In this episode, Oliver discusses the recent leadership changes at Hartford Athletic, the team's performance, and the upcoming matches. Chapters02:04 The Departure of Michelle Rue06:46 Fan Reactions and Operational Issues12:21 Analyzing the Detroit City Game25:04 Visa Issues and Emanuel Samadia's Impact 29:46 Analyzing the Upcoming Match Against Brooklyn FC38:42 The Launch of Hartford Athletic's Women's Team43:32 Expectations for the Women's Team in the USLW47:48 Concerns Over Stadium Conditions and Turf MaintenanceThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Missing Goals
In this episode, Sam and Oliver analyze Hartford Athletic's recent performance against Rhode Island FC, discuss the upcoming match against Detroit City, and delve into the latest developments with the new collective bargaining agreement and Connecticut United's stadium plans.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Bye Week Reflections02:12 Analysis of the Rhode Island Game05:30 Augie Williams and Team Dynamics08:33 Player Performances and Fitness Updates12:11 Sadat Anaku's Struggles15:05 El Clamico16:47 Previewing the Detroit City Match25:35 USL CBA Agreement Insights36:16 Connecticut United's Future and Stadium SituationThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Please Spare Some Goals
Oliver and Sam discuss the match against Loudoun and preview El Clamico. Additionally, they discuss the return of Samuel Careaga, Brenden Burke's substitution strategy, World Cup hype, local broadcasting, and of course... the size of beers.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Game Day Experience06:13 Attacking Challenges and Player Availability12:55 Substitution Strategies and Managerial Decisions20:10 Roster Management and Future Additions26:32 Sponsorship Challenges and Opportunities32:27 El Clamico Dynamics and Match Performance46:02 Local Broadcasting DevelopmentsThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Locomotive and Loudoun
In this episode, Sam and Oliver analyze Hartford Athletic's recent match against El Paso Locomotive, logistical challenges, and the upcoming match against Loudon United.Chapters00:00 Game Day Experience and Logistical Challenges06:43 Fan Atmosphere and Supporter Engagement22:16 Injury Updates and Future Prospects28:44 Midfield Dynamics and Team Challenges43:22 Connecticut United's Struggles and Future ProspectsThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rotation And Results
Join us as we analyze Hartford Athletic's recent US Open Cup match, league performance, and upcoming challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Weather Banter02:25 US Open Cup Match Analysis15:17 Miami FC Game Review23:06 Hartford's Defensive Challenges and Opportunities25:54 Facing El Paso Locomotive: A Tough Match Ahead29:31 Offensive Strategies: Who Will Step Up for Hartford?33:25 Season Performance Review: Expectations vs. Reality37:21 Connecticut United: A New Era in Local Soccer44:55 Final Thoughts: Beyond Soccer and Current EventsThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Beers For Ants!
Oliver and Sam peel back the curtain on Hartford's impressive start to the season, sharing insights into how a deep roster, strategic identity, and veteran leadership keep them afloat—even amid injuries and operational chaos. They touch on the win over Brooklyn, the home opener both on and off the field and upcoming matches against RIFC and THE Miami FCThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Early Season Success
In this episode, Sam Lattof and Oliver Scholes analyze Hartford Athletic's recent performances, U.S. Open Cup progress, roster adjustments, and upcoming matches. They also discuss the challenges of playing in unconventional venues and the broader context of USL Championship dynamics.Chapters02:03 Analysis of the U.S. Open Cup Performance05:57 New Player Integration and Team Dynamics09:58 Strategic Approach to the U.S. Open Cup13:51 League Performance20:05 Upcoming Matches and Expectations27:47 Home Field Advantage and Stadium Atmosphere30:27 Indy Eleven: A Team in Search of Identity40:29 The Fan Experience: What Makes Home Games Special45:52 Labor Negotiations and League DynamicsThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2026 Season Opener Is (Maybe) Here
In this episode of The Average Fan Podcast, Sam Lattof and Oliver Scholes analyze the upcoming USL Championship season, focusing on the labor negotiations, team strategies, and key players to watch. They also discuss the new jerseys, and the potential impact of a strike on the season start.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Current State of USL Championship02:47 CBA Negotiations: Sticking Points and Reactions05:45 Health Insurance and Player Welfare Concerns09:00 Hartford Athletic's Roster Changes and New Signings11:53 Sporting Jax: New Team Dynamics and Coaching14:56 Game Preview: Hartford vs Sporting Jacks28:17 Birmingham Legion's Challenges and Changes34:29 Hartford's New Kit and Fan Reactions36:43 U.S. Open Cup Expectations39:03 CT United's Promising StartThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hello Hartford
In this episode of The Average Fan Podcast, hosts Sam Lattof and Oliver Scholes delve into the world of Hartford Athletic. Oliver discusses his history with the club, the vibrant soccer community in Hartford, and the team's outlook for the upcoming season. Additionally, Oliver updates fans on who arrived and departed over the offseason, the coaching philosophy of Brendan Burke and the launch of the women's team.The Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing MusketChapters00:00 Introduction to the Average Fan Podcast02:15 Oliver's Journey with Hartford Athletic05:11 The Soccer Community in Hartford11:29 Vibes for the Upcoming Season15:00 Offseason Moves and Key Signings22:23 Impact of Player Departures26:13 Key Players to Watch This Season30:49 Brendan Burke's Coaching Philosophy39:24 Outlook on USOC and USL Cup43:24 The Launch of the Women's TeamThe Average Fan Podcast is produced by and partnered with The Blazing Musket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.