Match Recaps

In their ninth match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United FC fell to Hartford Athletic 0-1 at Trinity Health Stadium. The Red-and-White are now 2-6-1. 

Loudoun United FC traveled to Hartford on Saturday night. Prior to Saturday’s match, Loudoun United and Hartford Athletic have met ten times in the USL Championship.  

The two teams exchanged chances early in the first half, with Skage Simonsen getting the first good chance in the 13^th minute as he was slipped in behind by Sami Guediri but the shot went high of the crossbar. Just minutes later, Goalkeeper Luis Zamudio was tested from a header by Hartford’s Andrew Lewis.  

Zamudio was tested once again from a long range shot from Conor McGlynn that was easily collected by the goalkeeper. The difference in the match came just four minutes before the break as Corey Hertzog controlled near the halfway line and released Johnson in for a breakaway chance that he slotted home. 

After halftime, the hosts had another chance to add to their score when Prince Saydee himself behind the defense but hit the crossbar as Zamudio closed space.  

The Red-and-White are back on the road to face Detroit City FC on Saturday, May 14th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 P.M. ET at Keyworth Stadium. 

Player Notes  

• Isaac Espinal made his fifth consecutive appearance for Loudoun United. 

• Three D.C United players played against Hartford Athletic including Hayden Sargis, Jacob Greene, and Gaossou Samaké. 

#HFDvLDN 

• This was the eleventh time the clubs have met in the USL Championship.  
• Loudoun United are now 0-10-1 against Hartford Athletic. 

Match Notes 

• Loudoun United are now 2-6-1 in the USL Championship. 

In their eighth match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United FC fell to Birmingham Legion FC 1-3 at Segra Field. The Red-and-White are now 2-5-1. 

Loudoun United FC hosted El Paso Locomotive on Saturday night. Prior to Saturday’s match, Loudoun United and El Paso Locomotive had never met in the USL Championship.  

Loudoun jumped out the gates early with a pair of chances including a Guediri shot that went high after winning the ball in their attacking half. United took the lead just before the half-hour mark, as Sami Guediri buried a penalty from the spot into the left corner of the net after a handball was called on El Paso’s defender. 

El Paso had a big chance as Luna found his shot saved by the outstretched left arm of goalkeeper Joe Rice. El Paso were awarded a penalty of their own in the second half after a controversial penalty call. El Paso’s Solignac scored from the spot in the 68^th minute. Diego Luna put El Paso ahead in the 81^st minute with a finish into the left side of the net.  

Loudoun was reduced to 10 men as Liadi was shown a red card. Solignac sealed the win for the visitors with a low finish from the right side. 

The Red-and-White go on the road to face Hartford Athletic on Saturday, May 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. ET at Trinity Health Stadium. 

Player Notes  

• Joe Rice and Skage Simonsen both started the match for their Loudoun United debut.  

• Sami Guediri scored his first goal for Loudoun United from a penalty. 
• Three D.C. United players against El Paso Locomotive including Jeremy Garay, Jacob Greene, and Gaossou Samake. 

#LDNvELP 

• This was the first time the clubs have met in the USL Championship.  

• Loudoun United are now 0-1-0 against El Paso Locomotive. 

Match Notes 

• Loudoun United are now 2-5-1 in the USL Championship. 

In their seventh match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United FC fell to Birmingham Legion FC 1-2 at Segra Field. The Red-and-White are now 2-4-1. 

Loudoun United FC hosted Birmingham Legion FC on Sunday afternoon. Prior to Sunday’s match, Loudoun United and Birmingham Legion have only met twice in the USL Championship.  

Loudoun jumped out the gates early with a pair of chances including a powerful shot from Azaad Liadi that was parried out for a corner kick. That corner kick then led to a header from Rio Hope-Gund that just went high of the crossbar.  

Both sides then traded opportunities for the rest of the first half. In the 14th minute, Luis Zamudio saved a low shot from Birmingham’s Anderson Asiedu. Birmingham Legion had their best chance of the half when Martinez weaved his way through the left side of the penalty area for a cross that hit a defender and bounced to Legion FC’s Marlon, only for his shot to be saved by the strong hand of Zamudio and onto the crossbar and back into the arms of the goalkeeper.  

Following the halftime break, Legion FC put on the pressure as they were awarded a penalty from a foul. Legion FC’s Bruno Lapa stepped up to the task only to be met with a Zamudio save to his right. 

The breakthrough for Birmingham Legion came just past the hour-mark, as Lapa set up Martinez for a shot into the bottom corner of the net. Loudoun was then reduced to 10-men as Hayden Sargis was issued a red card for an intentional handball. Less than a minute later, Birmingham added a second when Macky Diop fired a shot from the top of the box.  

Loudoun quickly responded with a goal from Abdoul Zanne. Zoumana Diarra found himself space for a shot from the left of the penalty area which was deflected across the box onto the on-rushing Zanne to put it home from close-range. 

The Red-and-White stay at home to face El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday, April 30 for ‘Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown’ night. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45 P.M. ET at Segra Field.  

Player Notes  

• Luis Zamudio recorded six saves on the night including a penalty save. 
• Abdoul Zanne scored his first Loudoun United goal. 
• Five D.C. United players played against Birmingham Legion including Jeremy Garay, Jacob Greene, Gaossou Samake, Hayden Sargis, and Kimarni Smith. 

#LDNvBHM 

• This was the third time the clubs have met in the USL Championship.  
• Loudoun United are now 0-2-1 against Oakland Roots. 

Match Notes 

• Loudoun United are now 2-4-1 in the USL Championship. 

In their sixth match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United FC fell to Oakland Roots SC 4-1 at Laney College Stadium. The Red-and-White are now 2-3-1. 

Oakland Roots hosted Loudoun United at Laney College Stadium on Saturday evening. Prior to Saturday’s match, Oakland Roots and Loudoun United have never met in the USL Championship.  

Neither team found the back of the net in the opening minutes of the match, but Loudoun United found the first good chance in the 14th minute when Tyler Freeman found Azaad Liadi in space and forced the Oakland goalkeeper into a save. 

The hosts took the lead in the 26th minute from Klimenta who tapped the ball into the back of the net from Dennis’ free kick. The hosts went into the locker room on the front foot.  

Oakland doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute from the penalty spot after a foul inside the box. Oakland then added a third and fourth in the 67th and 76th minute from Azocar and Rito. 

Loudoun pulled one back with Abdellatif Aboukoura scoring his first professional goal just two minutes after subbing onto the pitch. 

The Red-and-White head home to face Birmingham Legion on Sunday, April 24 for ‘College Night’.  Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. ET at Segra Field.  

Player Notes  

• Abdeellatif Aboukoura scored his first professional goal for Loudoun United. 
• Tyler Freeman, Carson Vom Steeg, and Houssou Landry all started their first game of the 2022 USL season. 
• Abdoul Zanne recorded his first assist for Loudoun United. 

#OAKvLDN 

• This was the first time the clubs have met in the USL Championship.  
• Loudoun United are now 0-1-0 against Oakland Roots. 

Match Notes 

• Loudoun United are now 2-3-1 in the USL Championship. 

In their fifth match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United FC fell to Louisville City FC 2-0 at home. The Red-and-White are now 2-2-1. 

Loudoun United hosted Louisville City at Segra Field for their second home match of the season. LouCity took the lead early as Wilson Harris finished a pass from Jorge Gonzalez in the fourth minute. Jon Kempin recorded his first save of the match in the 15th minute from a low effort from 20 yards out.   

In the opening minutes of the second half, Loudoun had its first chance on target as Jacob Greene’s curled shot was saved by Louisville’s Kyle Morton. In the 53rd minute, Ownby doubled LouCity’s lead as he beat a high line and lobbed the ball into the back of the net. 

Tyler Freeman had the best chance of the second half as he wiggled his way through two defenders with his shot just going wide of the left post.  

The Red-and-White head to Oakland to face Oakland Roots SC on Saturday, April 16 at 10:00 P.M. ET. Tune into ESPN+ to watch the match. 

Loudoun United will be back home at Segra Field on Sunday, April 24 to face Birmingham Legion FC with kickoff scheduled at 4:00 P.M. ET.  

Player Notes  

• Seven D.C. United players played against Louisville City FC (Jon Kempin, Jacob Greene, Hayden Sargis, Kimarni Smith, Ted Ku-DiPietro, Gaossou Samake, Moses Nyeman) 

• Jon Kempin made his first appearance for Loudoun United and recorded three saves during the match. 
• Zoumana Diarra made his Loudoun United Debut. 

#LDNvLOU 

• This was the fourth time the clubs have met in the USL Championship.  
• Loudoun United are now 1-3-0 against Louisville City. 

Match Notes 

• Loudoun United are now 2-2-1 in the USL Championship. 

In their fourth match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United fell to Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-0 on the road. The Red-and-White start the season 2-1-1.  

Loudoun United traveled to Highmark Stadium to play their third away match of the season. The Riverhounds opened the game controlling most of possession; however, it was Loudoun who were awarded the first big chance of the night in the 15th minute when Michael Gamble’s cross was chested down by Jacob Greene to Jackson Hopkins inside the penalty area for a volley that was saved by Pittsburgh’s goalkeeper.  

Azaad Liadi had the next chance in the 38th minute which was blocked by a Riverhound’s defender for a corner. Both teams entered the locker room scoreless. 

Pittsburgh came close to getting on the board after halftime when a first-time shot from outside the box was parried over the crossbar by Luis Zamudio. Hopkins was again denied by the Hound’s goalkeeper a few minutes later on a shot from the right side of the goal. 

In the final half-hour, Luis Zamudio denied two attempts from the Riverhounds including a top corner save onto the crossbar off a back post header. 

The Riverhounds found their first goal on the night in the 65th minute as Kelly found the back of the net. Eight minutes later, Kelly added a second on the night as he finished a corner. 

 Loudoun United will be back home at Segra Field on Sunday, April 10 to face Louisville City with kickoff scheduled at 4:00 P.M. ET. Tune into ESPN+ to watch the match.  

Player Notes  

• Luis Zamudio had a season-high five saves against Pittsburgh. 
• Jackson Hopkins, Isaac Espinal, Matai Akinmboni, and Jace Clark of D.C. Academy found minutes against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. 
• Luis Zamudio, Rio Hope-Gund, Grant Lillard and Hayden Sargis have played all 360 minutes of the 2022 season. 

#PITvLDN 

• This was the tenth time the clubs have met in the USL Championship. 
• Loudoun United are now 1-9-0 against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. 

Match Notes 

• Loudoun United are now 2-1-1 in the USL Championship. 

Loudoun United FC (LUFC) concluded its three-match March slate on Saturday, March 26, drawing Miami FC 0-0 on the road.  

The club earned its first victory at home against Indy Eleven before defeating New York Red Bulls II on the road. LUFC are off to a record-breaking start in the opening month, extending the unbeaten streak to three games. Before the calendars flip to April, catch up on the highlights from the opening month: 

Stalwart Defense 

The Red-and-White lead the league in clean sheets and are the only team to have yet conceded a goal in the 2022 USL Championship season. Goalkeeper Luis Zamudio has recorded three clean sheets throughout three games. However, the stalwart defense has only allowed four total shots on goal. The backline of Rio Hope-Gund, Hayden Sargis, and Grant Lillard have played every minute of the 270 total minutes. Throughout the three matches, the trio have recorded 27 clearances, seven blocks and 17 interceptions. Not only have the three held strong defensively, but Loudoun’s defense has also been key in possession and creating opportunities going forward. Captain Rio Hope-Gund currently holds a 91% passing accuracy while Lillard and Sargis have ranked in the top 3 through three games for total number of passes. 

Creating Chances 

There has been no question that LUFC have been dangerous going forward in attack. Sami Guediri leads the team in shots, crosses, and created chances while Tyler Freeman holds a 100% shooting accuracy with a team-high two goals. Micheal Gamble, Jeremy Garay, Houssou Landry, and Ted Ku-Dipietro have all recorded an assist in the month of March.   

Team of the Week Honors 

The USL Championship has awarded Loudoun United four team of the week honors through three games. Following his Week 1 performance, Sami Guediri landed himself in the USL Team of the Week. Guediri completed 78 of 96 passes, won 11 of 18 duels and recorded 13 recoveries. Following Week 2, Jacob Greene notched his first Team of the Week performance. Greene found his second goal of his professional career while recording three shots on target, completing 24 of 31 passes and winning five of seven duels. Tyler Freeman and Sami Guediri were handed honorable mentions following their Week 2 performances.  

Pathway to Pro 

Only three games into the season, Ryan Martin has provided professional debuts to two D.C. United academy players. 15-year-old Matai Akinmboni made his professional debut against Miami FC providing one interception. 16-year-old Isaac Espinal made his professional debut against New York Red Bulls II and has played in two matches accumulating 32 minutes. Former Loudoun United players Ted Ku-Dipietro and Gaoussou Samake both made their debut with D.C. United in the month of March.  

In their third match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United drew Miami FC 0-0 on the road. The Red-and-White start the season with two wins, one draw, and three clean sheets.  

Loudoun United traveled to Riccardo Silva Stadium to play their second away match of the season. Miami FC controlled possession in the beginning the match but the Loudoun backline held strong. The hosts believed they had taken the lead in the 13th minute; however, the goal was ruled out for interference by a player in an offside position.  

One minute later, Loudoun United’s Grant Lillard found himself at the back post from a freekick, but his header went just wide. 

Sami Guediri found himself an early yellow card in the 15th minute for dissent. Loudoun United entered the locker room at half time leading Miami 7-5 on shots.  

Loudoun United threatened first in the second half on a set piece, as Houssou Landry got on the end of Guediri’s freekick, but Miami’s goalkeeper produced a great save to keep it level.

56’ | Huge chance for Landry! But still scoreless in Miami. Getting closer…

0-0 | #MIAvLDN pic.twitter.com/Ip4v93Z5LU

— Loudoun United FC (@LoudounUnitedFC) March 27, 2022

In the 80th minute, the hosts had their best chance of the game after a low cross fell to Miami’s Parkes, only for Rio Hope-Gund to block the shot wide of the post. 

Loudoun United was reduced to 10 men with seven minutes to go as Guediri was sent off for a second yellow card of the match.  

In the 88th minute, Tyler Freeman almost grabbed a late goal with a shot from the top of the box which forced a punching save from the Miami goalkeeper. 

Loudoun United will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, April 2, with kickoff scheduled at 7:00 P.M. ET. Tune into ESPN+ to watch the match.  

Player Notes  

• Matai Akinmboni made his professional debut for Loudoun United. 
• Luis Zamudio recorded his third clean sheet in three club appearances. 
• Luis Zamudio, Rio Hope-Gund, Grant Lillard and Hayden Sargis have played all 270 minutes of the 2022 season. 

#MIAvLDN 

• This was the fifth time the clubs have met in the USL Championship. 
• Loudoun United are now 1-3-1 against Miami FC. 

Match Notes 

• Loudoun United lead Miami FC 14-9 on shots. 

Match Highlights from #MIAvLDN ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pKbYsCGXqR

— Loudoun United FC (@LoudounUnitedFC) March 27, 2022

In their second match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United top New York Red Bulls II 3-0 on the road. The Red-and-White start the season with two wins, two clean sheets, and four goals in two matches. This marks the best start in Loudoun United history 

Loudoun United traveled to New York Red Bulls II to play their first away match of the season. The Red Bulls were on the front foot early with their high-pressure defense, however Loudoun United subsided the opposition. 

The game’s turning point was in the 26th minute when Red Bulls’ Cragwell received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Jackson Hopkins. Hopkins was substituted out with an injury following the challenge. 

The freekick, as a result of the foul, proved to be a big chance as Sami Guediri beat the wall but his shot just went wide of the goal. 

In the 35th minute, Adebayo-Smith had Red Bulls’ best chance of the game as he found himself with just the keeper to beat, however Luis Zamudio denied the shot with an outstretched left foot. 

With a man down, Red Bulls’ found themselves under pressure as Loudoun United had back to back chances from Kimarni Smith and Jacob Greene, forcing a couple heroic saves from the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper in the 40th minute. 

Both teams went into the locker room with six shots a piece at half-time. Loudoun United started the second half with determination producing the first shot from Kimarni Smith, forcing yet another save from Red Bulls’ goalkeeper.  

In the 52nd minute, Guediri forced a turnover in the midfield which led to a quick one-two on top of the box between Michael Gamble and Tyler Freeman. Gamble fed Freeman in behind the backline and Freeman split the goalkeeper’s legs to score his first goal for Loudoun United FC. 

Just six minutes later, Freeman found his brace. Rio Hope-Gund found himself on top of the ball as a handball was awarded to Loudoun United. Quickly, Hope-Gund put it back into play finding Jeremy Garay who then played a wide-open Freeman. Freeman found himself one-versus-one with the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper and made no mistake by burying the ball in the back of the net.  

Red Bulls’ tried to respond by making a flurry of substitutions. In the 76th minute, Jacob Greene sealed the deal as he was played into space down the right wing by Houssou Landry. Greene calmly found the back of the net.  

Loudoun United will travel to Miami to face off Miami FC on Saturday, March 26, with kickoff scheduled at 7:00 P.M. ET. Tune into ESPN+ to watch the match.  

Player Notes  

• Tyler Freeman came off the bench to score his first and second goal for Loudoun United.  

• Freeman is tied in 1st place in the USL Championship league in goals. (2) 
• Luis Zamudio recorded his second start and second clean sheet for Loudoun United. 
• Grant Lillard (1st), Hayden Sargis (2nd), and Sami Guediri (4th) lead the league in passes. 
• Jacob Greene scored his first goal of the 2022 season, his 2nd professional goal. 

#NYvLDN 

• Loudoun United are now 4-4-1 against New York Red Bulls II in Club History. 

Match Notes 

• Loudoun United led possession with 65% on the night.