In their second match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United top New York Red Bulls II 3-0 on the road. The Red-and-White start the season with two wins, two clean sheets, and four goals in two matches. This marks the best start in Loudoun United history
Loudoun United traveled to New York Red Bulls II to play their first away match of the season. The Red Bulls were on the front foot early with their high-pressure defense, however Loudoun United subsided the opposition.
The game’s turning point was in the 26th minute when Red Bulls’ Cragwell received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Jackson Hopkins. Hopkins was substituted out with an injury following the challenge.
The freekick, as a result of the foul, proved to be a big chance as Sami Guediri beat the wall but his shot just went wide of the goal.
In the 35th minute, Adebayo-Smith had Red Bulls’ best chance of the game as he found himself with just the keeper to beat, however Luis Zamudio denied the shot with an outstretched left foot.
With a man down, Red Bulls’ found themselves under pressure as Loudoun United had back to back chances from Kimarni Smith and Jacob Greene, forcing a couple heroic saves from the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper in the 40th minute.
Both teams went into the locker room with six shots a piece at half-time. Loudoun United started the second half with determination producing the first shot from Kimarni Smith, forcing yet another save from Red Bulls’ goalkeeper.
In the 52nd minute, Guediri forced a turnover in the midfield which led to a quick one-two on top of the box between Michael Gamble and Tyler Freeman. Gamble fed Freeman in behind the backline and Freeman split the goalkeeper’s legs to score his first goal for Loudoun United FC.
Just six minutes later, Freeman found his brace. Rio Hope-Gund found himself on top of the ball as a handball was awarded to Loudoun United. Quickly, Hope-Gund put it back into play finding Jeremy Garay who then played a wide-open Freeman. Freeman found himself one-versus-one with the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper and made no mistake by burying the ball in the back of the net.
Red Bulls’ tried to respond by making a flurry of substitutions. In the 76th minute, Jacob Greene sealed the deal as he was played into space down the right wing by Houssou Landry. Greene calmly found the back of the net.
Loudoun United will travel to Miami to face off Miami FC on Saturday, March 26, with kickoff scheduled at 7:00 P.M. ET. Tune into ESPN+ to watch the match.
Player Notes
- Tyler Freeman came off the bench to score his first and second goal for Loudoun United.
- Freeman is tied in 1st place in the USL Championship league in goals. (2)
- Luis Zamudio recorded his second start and second clean sheet for Loudoun United.
- Grant Lillard (1st), Hayden Sargis (2nd), and Sami Guediri (4th) lead the league in passes.
- Jacob Greene scored his first goal of the 2022 season, his 2nd professional goal.
#NYvLDN
- Loudoun United are now 4-4-1 against New York Red Bulls II in Club History.
Match Notes
- Loudoun United led possession with 65% on the night.
