Leesburg, VA (October 24, 2026) — Loudoun United FC closed out the 2026 regular season with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brooklyn FC at Segra Field, earning its first home win of the season. After falling behind 3-1 in the first half, the Red-and-White scored three unanswered goals in the second half, capped off by an 88th-minute winner from Liam Butts.
Match Summary
Loudoun wasted little time getting on the scoresheet, taking the lead just three minutes into the match. James Murphy found Rida Zouhir outside the box, where the midfielder fired a right-footed shot into the top right corner to give the Red-and-White an early 1-0 advantage.
Brooklyn responded in the 17th minute when they found the back of the net from inside the box to level the score. Six minutes later, the visitors took a 2-1 lead after converting a penalty kick. Loudoun looked to respond, with Salvatore Mazzaferro forcing a save in the 26th minute before Aboukoura tested the Brooklyn goalkeeper in the 37th minute. Despite Loudoun’s efforts, Brooklyn extended its advantage in first-half stoppage time, heading the ball into the bottom right corner to give the visitors a 3-1 lead heading into halftime.
The Red-and-White came out of the break looking to close the gap and found an immediate response. In the 47th minute, Murphy played a through ball to Aboukoura, who finished from the center of the box to bring Loudoun within one. The goal marked a historic moment for Aboukoura, who tied Zach Ryan for the most all-time goals in club history across all competitions.
Loudoun continued applying pressure throughout the second half, with Eddy Davis III forcing a save from close range in the 62nd minute. Just three minutes later, the Red-and-White found the equalizer. Following a free kick, Mazzaferro directed a header toward Murphy, who finished with a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner to bring the match level at 3-3.
Both sides continued searching for the go-ahead goal as the match entered its final stages. Brooklyn came close in the 75th minute, while Loudoun continued pushing forward in search of a winner. The breakthrough finally came in the 88th minute when Liam Butts fired a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner, giving Loudoun a 4-3 lead. The goal marked Butts’ first of the season and completed the Red-and-White’s second-half comeback.
Loudoun held on through stoppage time to secure all three points in its final match of the 2026 regular season.
Thoughts from the Club
Head Coach Anthony Limbrick on the comeback victory, the team’s second-half performance and finishing the season with a win for the fans:
“I thought it was really important, and credit to the players. They were fantastic and could easily have given up at halftime, with nothing to play for in the game. It was really important that we put on a show and got the win for the fans. There are plenty of people who come here week in, week out, spend their money and turn up in all different weather throughout the season, and we really wanted to get the win for them. I thought we started the game very well. The first 15 or 20 minutes were very good, but their goal took the momentum away from us, and then we gave away a penalty. To be 3-1 down at halftime, I didn’t think it was a 3-1 game, but huge credit to the players. They really dug deep, and I knew we were going to get back into the game. It could have gone 4-3 to them, but I’m really pleased to finish the last game with a win. James was outstanding in the second half, not just with his goal but with the way he tidied up play, won defensive duels and kept everyone going. And for Liam to come on and score, I was really pleased for him. It’s a good way for him to finish his loan spell with the club.”
Midfielder and Captain James Murphy on the team’s second-half comeback, his performance and closing out the season with three points:
“I thought it was good. The boys really dug in. It’s been a long couple of weeks for us, and it hasn’t been the easiest. We faced some adversity in the first half. I don’t think we played badly, but we probably gave up goals that we shouldn’t have. We came in at halftime and said, ‘Look, we’ve got 45 minutes to make something out of the last day of the season.’ That was the message I tried to put out, and the rest of the boys did as well. If I’m going to say it, then I have to go and act on it. So I tried to do what I could to get us back in the game and get a result, and all the boys pushed on, too. To score three goals in the second half and come away with three points on the last day of the season, in front of a packed Segra Field, was unbelievable. It meant a lot to the boys. All credit to the players and staff. We didn’t give up when we easily could have at halftime. We kept going, and I think we got what we deserved at the end of the day.”
Notes
Liam Butts scored his first goal of the 2026 season.
Abdellatif Aboukoura tied Zach Ryan for the most all-time goals in Loudoun United FC history across all competitions.
Loudoun United FC earned its first home victory of the 2026 regular season.
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.
