New England Soccer Today

MASL: Hartford City Signs Trio

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Hartford City’s roster for its inaugural MASL campaign continued to take shape on Monday as the expansion side signed midfielder Joey Tavernese, defender Jayme Kapinos, and goalkeeper Joey Kapinos.

The trio were all a part of the 2014-15 Rochester Lancers squad that reached the Eastern Division finals. The Lancers folded after the season, rendering all three as free agents.

Tavernese scored 28 goals and added 20 assists last year, earning the Lancers’ Offensive Player of the Year award. He was also named to the MASL Team of the Week after a March 1 performance in which he tallied 4 goals and 2 assists versus the Baltimore Blast. He also helped New Jersey-based Icon FC win the inaugural ASL championship game in July.

“I expect Joey to lead our attack and be a constant threat going forward,” Hartford City FC coach Paul Wright said in a team release. “He is a player that will rarely be outworked and will provide us with valuable MASL experience.”

Jayme Kapinos, who is the twin brother of fellow signee Joey Kapinos, played in 22 games across the last two seasons for the Lancers (2014-15) and Detroit Waza Flo (2013-14). He scored three goals, and added five assists during his time with the Lancers and Waza Flo.

“Jayme is a strong defender, a consistent performer with prior playoff experience in the MASL,” Wright said. “We expect him to play an important role as we prepare for competition in this league.”

Joey Kapinos, who enjoyed a stint with the Western Mass Pioneers in 2013, collected 584 saves, and recorded a .715 save percentage over the last three seasons with the Lancers (2014-15) and the Waza Flo (2012-13, 2013-14).

His first year in the league, he set the Detroit club record for wins in a season with 13, helping the team to a US Arena Open Cup championship and earning himself all league 2nd team plaudits. He has also represented the US Futsal National Team during the 2015 WMF World Cup.

“Joey is an exceptional goalkeeper who brings a wealth of experience to the team,” Wright said. “He is a great communicator and we will be counting on his leadership this season.”

Hartford City will kick off its debut season on Nov. 8 at the XL Center vs. the Chicago Mustangs.

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