Leesburg, VA (April 13, 2026) — Loudoun United FC has signed midfielders Abigail Merchant and Allison George to its USL W team for the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval.
Merchant joins the club following her senior season at University of Connecticut, where she served as team captain and continued to develop into a reliable presence in the midfield. In 2025, she appeared in 13 matches with seven starts, scoring a goal in a road victory over Rhode Island. Across her collegiate career, Merchant steadily progressed, earning more minutes each season and contributing both offensively and defensively, including her first career goal and assist during her junior campaign. Merchant began her collegiate journey after overcoming a freshman-season injury, going on to appear in 43 matches for UConn. Following her time at UConn, she will use her fifth year of eligibility at George Mason University. Merchant has also earned recognition through U.S. Soccer training and PDP invites during her development career.
“Adding Abbey to our group is a big step for us,” said Loudoun United USL W Head Coach, Christian Cziommer. “She’s coming from a very strong program at UConn where she took on a leadership role, and that experience is something we value. Abby is a composed midfielder whose work rate and consistency will help bring balance to our team. We’re excited to have her continue her development here at Loudoun.”
Player: Abigail Merchant
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: 11/16/2003
Age: 22
Birthplace: Williamsburg, VA
Height: 5’5’’
Status: Domestic
George joins Loudoun United following her sophomore season at Stony Brook University. During the 2025 season, she appeared in 17 matches with one start, logging 619 minutes. She recorded seven shots, including three on goal, and played a season-high 90 minutes against Towson on October 2. A Knoxville, Maryland native, George built an impressive resume at Brunswick High School, where she was a four-year varsity player and two-year captain. She earned First Team All-County honors in 2023 after back-to-back Second Team selections and was named the 2024 County Defensive Player of the Year. George helped lead her team to a Maryland 1A State Final appearance in 2021 and four consecutive regional championships from 2021 to 2024, along with a Central Maryland Conference Small School title in 2024.
“Allison is a player who brings a high level of discipline to our squad,” said Loudoun United USL W Head Coach, Christian Cziommer. “She’s had a solid collegiate season at Stony Brook and comes in with a strong foundation from her time at Brunswick. Allison is someone who is willing to do the work defensively and contribute to the structure of the team, and that’s going to be important for us as we build throughout the season.”
Player: Allison George
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: 07/17/2007
Age: 18
Birthplace: Knoxville, MD
Height: 5’7’’
Status: Domestic
Fans can secure their seats for Loudoun United FC’s next home match as they host Charleston Battery at Segra Field for a 6:00 PM kickoff on April 25. Come out and watch as Loudoun take the pitch and be part of the matchday energy in Leesburg. Tickets start at just $10 and can be purchased now at https://www.loudoununitedfc.com/tickets/ets/.
About Loudoun United FC
Loudoun United FC is the highest-level professional soccer club in Virginia, competing in the USL Championship. The club is committed to advancing the game, developing top talent, and providing a high-quality experience for players, supporters, and the local community. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.loudoununitedfc.com.
