Match Preview | Phoenix Rising FC vs. Loudoun United FC
Leesburg, VA (September 18th, 2025) – Loudoun United Football Club is back on the road to take on Phoenix Rising FC at Phoenix Rising Stadium at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+.
The Matchup
The Red-and-White (11-9-4) currently sit in third place in the Eastern Conference with 37 points. Loudoun United is looking to bounce back following a disappointing 5-2 loss to San Antonio FC this past weekend (read more here). As for the Western Conference side, Phoenix Rising are sitting in 7th place in the West with a 7-7-10 record and 31 points. Phoenix has drawn its last three matches, all against Western Conference foes. This will be the first matchup between the two clubs this season, with the last meeting being in August of 2024 at Segra Field, where Phoenix handed Loudoun a 1-0 loss. Both teams will be looking to secure a big three points as they aim to clinch a spot in the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs.
Players to look out for on the Loudoun United side include Abdellatif Aboukoura, who, despite not playing for the last few matches, sits in 4th place in the league for goals with 11. Others include forwards Zach Ryan (5 goals) and Quimi Ordonez (4 goals) as well as new defensive signing Bolu Akinyode, who made his debut for the Red-and-White last Saturday. On the Phoenix side, Ihsan Sack leads the squad with seven goals, followed closely by Hope Avayevu, who has six. Avayevu leads his club (and the league) in assists with nine thus far.
Thoughts from the Club
Head Coach Ryan Martin on facing a tough Phoenix side on the road:
“We’ve had a really strong week of training and preparation. We know how tough they (Phoenix Rising) can be, and for us, it’s about focusing on the controllables and responding to setbacks. The guys are excited for this one, and we are ready to have a good performance on Saturday night.”
Notes
Hugo Fauroux is tied for first in the league in saves with 73. Fauroux made his 300th career USL Championship regular-season save in last weekend’s match against San Antonio FC.
Abdellatif Aboukoura sits in 4th place in the league for goals with 11.
Florian Valot sits in second place in the USL Championship for assists, with 8. Ben Mines sits just behind him with 6.
How Can I Follow the Match?
Saturday’s USL Championship match against Phoenix Rising FC can be found on ESPN+ at 10:00 pm ET.
Follow Loudoun United Football Club
To keep up with news and information on the team, follow @loudoununitedfc on X and Instagram.
