New York City FC II have lost forward JJ Jimenez to the USL Championship club Hartford Athletic. The 23 year-old spent his entire three-year career with NYCFC’s reserve team but was unable to break through despite producing at a high level. Instead, he moves to US Soccer’s second division where he hopes to make an impact with the Connecticut-based club.
“The direction this club is headed and the energy around it are inspiring,” said Jimenez after signing. “I’m ready to give everything I have to help Hartford succeed in 2025 and can’t wait to play in front of the best fanbase in the USL.”
In three seasons Jimenez made over 70 appearances, scoring 23 goals and assisting on 11 others. Along the way he was a major part in the II team’s epic run in last year’s US Open Cup, finishing as the lowest division team to go the furthest in the competition. The run saw them defeat New York Red Bulls II and FC Motown before falling to Hartford in the round of 16.
Jimenez represents yet another young talent that was unable to break through to the rigid roster that NYCFC has collected. While producing exceptional talent, City have not been able to create the pipeline that Red Bulls have cultivated in order to maximize the potential of so many young players.
photo from NYCFC II