Leesburg, VA (August 1, 2026) — Loudoun United FC earned its second consecutive victory and clean sheet with a 2-0 win against Hartford Athletic. Abdellatif Aboukoura opened the scoring just before halftime before Thor Úlfarsson added the second goal in the 73rd minute to secure all three points for the Red-and-White.
Match Summary
Hartford created several opportunities during the opening stages and tested the Loudoun defense. Loudoun grew into the match and began creating more opportunities in the attacking half. Salvatore Mazzaferro came close to opening the scoring in the 28th minute when he connected with a cross from Richard Aman, but his header was saved by Hartford goalkeeper.
Loudoun continued pushing forward as the first half approached stoppage time. Loudoun found the breakthrough in the 48th minute when Úlfarsson found Aboukoura inside the penalty area. Aboukoura placed his right-footed finish into the bottom corner to give Loudoun a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Loudoun carried its momentum into the second half and continued creating chances around the Hartford penalty area. Aman nearly doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute, but his shot from the left side of the six-yard box struck the post. The pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Úlfarsson collected the ball inside the penalty area and finished into the center of the goal to extend Loudoun’s lead to 2-0. Hartford looked for a way back into the match during the closing stages, but Loudoun’s defense remained organized in front of Bandré.
Thoughts from the Club
Head Coach Anthony Limbrick on earning the home victory and the team’s complete performance:
“It was great to get that win for the fans. They have been so supportive for a long time, and we have drawn several home games where we were pushing to win. To keep a clean sheet and score two good goals tonight was really important. I did not think we were great in possession during the first half, and it was a very tight game, but it was a great lesson for us as a team. When we defend properly, stay in the game and do the right things, our attacking quality will come through. We defended really well from back to front, and our attacking players delivered when the opportunities came. We also scored at important times tonight, which was really pleasing.”
Forward Abdellatif Aboukoura on the team’s growing confidence and his connection with Thor Úlfarsson:
“It feels good to give the fans what they want, and now we need to build on this result. I think the group is starting to show what we can do. We struggled earlier in the season, but things are starting to click. We have been really close, and now the results are beginning to go our way. Thor and I have a great relationship on and off the field. I was injured at the beginning of the season, so we did not get to play with him as much as I wanted, but that connection is starting to show. We appreciate the fans continuing to come out because we feel their energy and support. Wednesday will be a fun match, but our focus is on Saturday because that is where the points are and what matters most.”
Notes
Following tonight’s match, Loudoun United FC holds a 6-2-12 all-time record against Hartford Athletic.
Jacob Erlandson is one match away from recording 50 USL Championship regular-season appearances in his career.
Pacifique Niyongabire is two matches away from recording 50 USL Championship regular-season appearances in his career.
Kwame Awuah is three matches away from recording 100 appearances across all competitions for Loudoun United.
Abdellatif Aboukoura is five matches away from recording 100 appearances across all competitions for Loudoun United.
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.
