Two more for Hartford Athletic
Hartford Athletic announced the signings of defender Klisman Sousa and midfielder Ryan Williams on Thursday as the team prepares for preseason training in Melbourne, Fla.
Sousa, 23, was an All-Big East second-team selection at Providence this past fall. A native of New Bedford, Mass., Sousa was among the 180 or so players who attended open tryouts earlier this month.
“We’ve been incredibly impressed with what we’ve seen from Klisman over the past few weeks,” head coach Jimmy Nielsen said in a release. “He’s come in ready to compete from the very beginning and has quickly made it clear that he belongs on our club.”
Sousa joins former Providence teammate Mac Steeves on the roster. Steeves, who was signed in January, is the Friars’ career leader in goals with 35.
Williams, a native of Birkenhead, England, last played for the Tranmere Rovers of the English League Two. In the past, he played for Serie B Club Paysandu of Brazil and the USL Championship’s Ottawa Fury FC.
“Ryan has played all over the world in many different systems and that kind of experience is invaluable,” said Nielsen. “He is an intelligent player who fits well with our roster.”
While in Florida, the club will play Orlando City B, Miami FC and Eastern Florida State College in a trio of preseason matches.
Hartford Athletic will begin regularseason play March 9 at Atlanta United 2, and will play its first home game May 4 against Charlotte Independence.