Alfonso Vazquez: How his path could impact Connecticut soccer

Alfonso Vazquez, left, signs his professional contract alongside Bruce Mandell and Radhi Jaidi. (Photo by Jason York)

FARMINGTON, Conn. — When Hartford Athletic signed 17-year-old Alfonso Vazquez (Windham, Conn.) to a professional contract on Wednesday, the USL Championship team signaled its search for talent extends beyond normal channels.

Normally, the second-year club would look at college soccer standouts, those with domestic experience or internationals with something to prove, perhaps from their burgeoning relationship with Premier League side Southampton FC.

But Vazquez, the all-time leading scorer in Connecticut high school history with 149 goals for Windham from 2016-19, emerged from an open tryout in December.