In their seventh match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season Loudoun United FC fell to Birmingham Legion FC 1-2 at Segra Field. The Red-and-White are now 2-4-1.
Loudoun United FC hosted Birmingham Legion FC on Sunday afternoon. Prior to Sunday’s match, Loudoun United and Birmingham Legion have only met twice in the USL Championship.
Loudoun jumped out the gates early with a pair of chances including a powerful shot from Azaad Liadi that was parried out for a corner kick. That corner kick then led to a header from Rio Hope-Gund that just went high of the crossbar.
Both sides then traded opportunities for the rest of the first half. In the 14th minute, Luis Zamudio saved a low shot from Birmingham’s Anderson Asiedu. Birmingham Legion had their best chance of the half when Martinez weaved his way through the left side of the penalty area for a cross that hit a defender and bounced to Legion FC’s Marlon, only for his shot to be saved by the strong hand of Zamudio and onto the crossbar and back into the arms of the goalkeeper.
Following the halftime break, Legion FC put on the pressure as they were awarded a penalty from a foul. Legion FC’s Bruno Lapa stepped up to the task only to be met with a Zamudio save to his right.
The breakthrough for Birmingham Legion came just past the hour-mark, as Lapa set up Martinez for a shot into the bottom corner of the net. Loudoun was then reduced to 10-men as Hayden Sargis was issued a red card for an intentional handball. Less than a minute later, Birmingham added a second when Macky Diop fired a shot from the top of the box.
Loudoun quickly responded with a goal from Abdoul Zanne. Zoumana Diarra found himself space for a shot from the left of the penalty area which was deflected across the box onto the on-rushing Zanne to put it home from close-range.
The Red-and-White stay at home to face El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday, April 30 for ‘Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown’ night. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45 P.M. ET at Segra Field.
Player Notes
- Luis Zamudio recorded six saves on the night including a penalty save.
- Abdoul Zanne scored his first Loudoun United goal.
- Five D.C. United players played against Birmingham Legion including Jeremy Garay, Jacob Greene, Gaossou Samake, Hayden Sargis, and Kimarni Smith.
#LDNvBHM
- This was the third time the clubs have met in the USL Championship.
- Loudoun United are now 0-2-1 against Oakland Roots.
Match Notes
- Loudoun United are now 2-4-1 in the USL Championship.
