Leesburg, VA. (February 11, 2022) – Loudoun United FC announced today three player signings for the upcoming 2022 USL Championship season. The Red-and-White have signed goalkeeper Joe Rice, defender Carson Vom Steeg, and defender Rio Hope-Gund.
Joe Rice, a Fairfax native, joins Loudoun United FC (LUFC) after most recently competing in USL League One with New England Revolution II. Rice signed to Revolution II during the 2020 preseason and went on to start and play in nine matches, recording 45 saves and three clean sheets. Rice ranked third in USL League One with eight shutouts in 20 appearances in the 2021 season. Rice had a 76.2% save percentage, the highest of any goalkeeper to play at least 1,000 minutes in the 2021 USL League One campaign.
The six-foot-four-inch goalkeeper made his professional debut with the Richmond Kickers of USL League One in 2019. In 2018, Rice made 13 appearances for Lionbridge FC in USL League Two. Prior to his professional career, Rice attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where he was a member of the Rams’ soccer team.
“Joe [Rice] is a seasoned goalkeeper that has found great experience in USL League One,” said Head Coach, Ryan Martin. “He’s a great shot stopper and has exceptional distribution skills. We look forward to the competition and depth he will bring to our goalkeeper position.”
Rio Hope-Gund joins LUFC after most recently spending a season with Major League Soccer’s Orlando City. The 22-year-old native of New York was drafted by Orlando City at No. 19 overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. Hope-Gund was a standout with Manhattan SC in USL League Two, starting every game for the club in 2019.
Prior to his professional career, the defender was an essential piece of Georgetown University’s defense from 2017 to 2021, where he recorded 44 appearances (32 starts), scored two goals, and provided two assists. Hope-Gund was a part of the Hoya defense that recorded 21 shutouts across the 2018 and 2019 seasons and won the 2019 NCAA National Championship.
“We are excited to add Rio [Hope-Gund] to our roster and strengthen our defensive side,” said Martin. “He has a high-ceiling with room to grow and has proven himself at Georgetown with his ability to lead as a team captain.”
Carson Vom Steeg, a defender from California, attended UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) from 2018-2021, where he played 22 games (20 starts) while scoring three goals. Prior to his time at UCSB, Vom Steeg attended Stanford University, winning the 2017 NCAA National Championship while appearing in 18 matches (two starts). Before his collegiate career, the California native captained the U.S U-18 Men’s National Team from 2015-2017 which included friendlies against Belgium and Russia.
“Carson [Vom Steeg] is a talented defender with great size and physicality,” said Martin. “The thing that caught our eye from him was his professionalism and we think he is a terrific addition to our backline.”
Player: Carson Vom Steeg
Position: Defender
Birthdate: February 1, 1999
Age: 23
Hometown: Santa Barbara, California
Country: USA
Height: 6’0’’
Weight: 170 lbs.
Status: Domestic
Player: Joe Rice
Position: Goalkeeper
Birthdate: March 6, 1996
Age: 25
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Country: USA
Height: 6’4’’
Weight: 190 lbs.
Status: Domestic
Player: Rio Hope-Gund
Position: Defender
Birthdate: August 20, 1999
Age: 22
Hometown: New York, New York
Country: USA
Height: 5’11’’
Weight: 170 lbs.
Status: Domestic
