Podcast: Hartford Athletic’s Rashawn Dally on playing in his home state

Hartford Athletic forward Rashawn Dally joined 'The Goal' podcast. (Hartford Athletic)

The latest guest on New England Soccer Journal’s “The Goal” podcast is getting the rare opportunity to play professional soccer in the state he grew up in.

Hartford Athletic 25-year-old forward Rashawn Dally developed as a player in Connecticut after moving there from Jamaica when he was 10-years-old. He then went on to star collegiately at Quinnipiac. So far in the 2022 season, the 6-foot-2 Dally has appeared in eight matches for Hartford and has a goal to his credit. 

He was selected 49th overall by FC Cincinnati in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft after finishing his college career. He played sixteen matches over two seasons for the former USL side, while also spending two stints on loan, one with Memphis 901 FC in 2019 and another with Las Vegas Lights in 2020. He re-signed with Memphis for the 2021 season.

Dally joined host Matt Langone on the podcast to discuss how his season with the Athletic is going in familiar Connecticut, and his personal journey in the sport. 

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Here are some highlights from our discussion with Dally in the latest episode of “The Goal.”

On the opportunity to play in his home state:

Dally: “It’s been amazing. Right now, I’m staying at home, so I have the support of my family, physically, here at least. Just being able to suit up on game day, looking at the skyline of downtown and having my family and friends in the stands, it means everything to me. It’s a great feeling.”

On the professional soccer grind:

Dally: “I think it’s been a process of self-discovery. Moving away from home into a brand new environment is completely different than college. You’re being on your own with the day-to-day grind of showing up, being professional and on a quest to be the best player you can be.”

On the best part of being a pro soccer player:

Dally: “Getting to experience meeting different people. Soccer is a very diverse sport — you have people from all over the world and different walks of life. Being able to experience them, hear about their experiences and journeys.”

On playing soccer in Connecticut during his young developmental years:

Dally: “There’s a lot of talent, a lot of good players, whether they’re in high school or looking to play in college. I see it at all levels at camps that I’ve been part of or camps that I’ve helped run.”

On the best food in Hartford (besides his mom’s cooking):

Dally: “It depends what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for Jamaican food, there’s a lot of great Jamaican spots in Hartford. If you’re looking for vegan Jamaican food, there’s Fire-N-Spice, and that’s pretty good. The Russell is a more popular one, and that’s good, too.”

“The Goal” podcast is brought to you by the Hoosac School and University of Nebraska High School.

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