# AC Connecticut

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.

## 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. 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. In time for the start of the 2014 season, Peter D'Amico became the primary owner and managing partner of the Azul. Additionally, CFC teamed up with WXCI 91.7 FM to broadcast play-by-play of Azul's home games.
The team split off from its Connecticut Football Club (CFC) parent and was renamed AC Connecticut on September 5, 2014.
In 2021, AC Connecticut announced a partnership with Hartford Athletic to identify potential players and create a pathway to pro soccer.

## 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. AC Connecticut now plays their home games at Trinity Health 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.

## Year-by-year

| Year | Level | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs | U.S. Open Cup |
| CFC Azul ||||||
| 2012 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2013 | 4 | USL PDL | 6th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2014 | 4 | USL PDL | 2nd, Northeast | Conference Semifinals | did not qualify |
| AC Connecticut ||||||
| 2015 | 4 | USL PDL | 4th, Northeast | did not qualify | 1st Round |
| 2016 | 4 | USL PDL | 6th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2017 | 4 | USL PDL | 6th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2018 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2019 | 4 | USL League Two | 8th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2020 | Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic | Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic | Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic | Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic | Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021 | 4 | USL League Two | 6th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2022 | 4 | USL League Two | 7th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2023 | 4 | USL League Two | 7th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2024 | 4 | USL League Two | 5th, Northeast | did not qualify | did not qualify |

## Players and staff
### Notable former players

* Steve Covino
* Ryan Kinne
* Jannik Eckenrode
* Gianluca Catalano
* Henry Kessler

### Current staff

* Robin Schuppert – General Manager
* Alex Harrison – Head Coach
* Joe Mingachos – Head Coach
* Joe Falstoe – Assistant Coach
* Sean Weir – Fitness Coach
* Paul Winstanley – Goalie Coach