History was made in Hartford Saturday.
Hartford Athletic tied Charlotte Independence, their first game in front of a home crowd.
Before the pros stepped foot on the pitch, young fans practiced their footwork.
“We like to watch how they play. It teaches us how to be better,” said Ava Maselek, playing outside Rentschler Field with her Sporting CT teammates before the Hartford Athletic game.
“It’s a fun bonding experience as a team to get closer with each other,” her teammate Camryn Dimauro said.
Dozens of local teams traveled together to watch these smooth moving superstars.
“It’s cool because I want that to be my future,” Matheus of Milford said.
Local soccer supporters have been counting down the seconds until this long awaited home game.
“I was just excited. He surprised me with it during Christmas,” said Lucas Almeida of Watertown, sporting a blue wig. “It’s amazing for the state. I think it’s a long-time coming,” Lucas’ father said.
More than 11-thousand fans flooded the stands of Rentschler Field, some getting the proper gear to cheer too.
“They’re 0-8, but we figure it’s the first game in Hartford and we have to support them,” said Tom Lonselle of Madison, who had just bought a hat.
“I’m a huge soccer fan and as soon as I heard about this club coming on this scene. I’ve been spreading this word as much as I can,” said Brian Howe of West Hartford.
This Atlanta rapper had to come back to his roots. “I’m from here’s it’s only right”, said PxRRY. The Hartford native wrote the team’s theme song, “This is huge for Connecticut. Huge for Hartford, so I had to be a part of it.” PxRRY was seen dancing to his jam in the aisles before the beginning of the game.
“Look how amazing this is! What an environment. Hartford was ready for this baby,” said super fan group 2nd Regiment’s founder Myke Furham of New Britain.
Despite ending in a tie, those we spoke to have a new favorite home team.
“GOOO HARTFORD,” cheered the Sporting CT teammates.
