Hartford, Connecticut Hartford Athletic announced Tuesday that the club has signed defender Matt Sheldon ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season.
Sheldon is coming to Hartford after a season with the Charleston Battery. The 30-year-old has played 2,325 minutes in 27 starts during the 2022 season. A defender who frequently distributes from the outside area, Sheldon led Charleston with 65 crosses and recorded 2 of his assists. One of his helpers was his on July 16 against Hartford Athletic, pinpointing a pass across the box to an open Augustin Williams.
“I am thrilled to be in Hartford,” said Sheldon. “Having played at Trinity Health Stadium last year, I know Hartford has built a loyal group of supporters and a passionate football community. It’s a roster. Director Ramos has a clear vision for this group and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Over six seasons in the USL Championship with four different teams, Sheldon has appeared in 123 regular season and playoff games and clocked over 8,000 minutes. From 2019 until 2021 he spent his three seasons at FC Tulsa before joining Charleston in 2022. He played a big role on defense, swiping 48 interceptions, making 40 tackles, and winning 182 duels in 65 starts.
Athletic manager Tab Ramos said, “Matt is an important player in our back line.” We make it suitable for
Outside the US, Sheldon plays for German club SG Kinsenbach and New Zealand club Waterside Karori AFC. A native of Portland, Oregon, Sheldon stayed in the West from 2011 until 2014 when he played for UC Davis during his college days. In his four years he made 81 appearances, scored 15 goals and recorded 7 assists.
