Loudoun United’s latest road trip led to multiple young players making their professional debut as they faced Swope Park Rangers and Louisville City. After Calle Brown exited Saturday’s game against Louisville in the 31st minute with a head injury, goalkeeper Colin Miller came in to play out the rest of the match.
The young keeper was tested late in the first half but was able to save a right-footed effort from Louisville City’s Alexis Souahy. Despite conceding a goal after the break, Miller felt he and the rest of the team responded well.
“In the second half we played with more confidence and fought back against Louisville for spells of the half,” Colin Miller, Loudoun United FC goalkeeper said. “I think we proved to ourselves that we can play with any team in the league if we stick together and play our game. It’s disappointing to lose the game but there are positives to take away to help us grow together as a team."
This appearance marked Miller’s professional debut and his first USL Championship cap for Loudoun United. He joined the club in February of 2018 after an impressive four-years as captain of Providence College, which carried over to an outstanding showing at the MLS combine. The 22-year-old from Bel Air, Maryland relished the opportunity to make his debut.
“I am humbled and proud to represent the club. The circumstances weren’t ideal but as a goalkeeper you just always have to be ready, no matter what. It was a great atmosphere to play in tonight, and after the first five minutes I was able to settle in and find an opportunity to impose my will on the game. I trusted all of my training and preparation heading into the game, and was able to enjoy the night."
Loudoun United’s latest road trip led to multiple young players making their professional debut as they faced Swope Park Rangers and Louisville City. After Calle Brown exited Saturday’s game against Louisville in the 31st minute with a head injury, goalkeeper Colin Miller came in to play out the rest of the match.
The young keeper was tested late in the first half but was able to save a right-footed effort from Louisville City’s Alexis Souahy. Despite conceding a goal after the break, Miller felt he and the rest of the team responded well.
“In the second half we played with more confidence and fought back against Louisville for spells of the half,” Colin Miller, Loudoun United FC goalkeeper said. “I think we proved to ourselves that we can play with any team in the league if we stick together and play our game. It’s disappointing to lose the game but there are positives to take away to help us grow together as a team.”
This appearance marked Miller’s professional debut and his first USL Championship cap for Loudoun United. He joined the club in February of 2018 after an impressive four-years as captain of Providence College, which carried over to an outstanding showing at the MLS combine. The 22-year-old from Bel Air, Maryland relished the opportunity to make his debut.
“I am humbled and proud to represent the club. The circumstances weren’t ideal but as a goalkeeper you just always have to be ready, no matter what. It was a great atmosphere to play in tonight, and after the first five minutes I was able to settle in and find an opportunity to impose my will on the game. I trusted all of my training and preparation heading into the game, and was able to enjoy the night.”
Also notable from this match were the full debuts of academy products Adam Lundegard and Moses Nyeman, as each player made their first start for the club. They join Nelson Martinez, who started against Swope Park Rangers on Wednesday, in a group of three academy players who have made their debuts for the club under new Head Coach Ryan Martin.
“It’s important to see how these young players perform under a tough situation where they have to make decisions and continue to grow,” Ryan Martin, Loudoun United Head Coach, said. “For example against defending champions, under less than ideal weather conditions and with a great crowd.”
Loudoun United return to action this Saturday, June 16, when they take on Indy Eleven at 7:30 p.m. at Audi Field.
Also notable from this match were the full debuts of academy products Adam Lundegard and Moses Nyeman, as each player made their first start for the club. They join Nelson Martinez, who started against Swope Park Rangers on Wednesday, in a group of three academy players who have made their debuts for the club under new Head Coach Ryan Martin.
“It’s important to see how these young players perform under a tough situation where they have to make decisions and continue to grow,” Ryan Martin, Loudoun United Head Coach, said. “For example against defending champions, under less than ideal weather conditions and with a great crowd.”
Loudoun United return to action this Saturday, June 16, when they take on Indy Eleven at 7:30 p.m. at Audi Field.
