In their fifteenth match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season, Loudoun United defeated Phoenix Rising FC 4-3 at Segra Field.
In the first-ever matchup between Loudoun United FC (LUFC) and Phoenix Rising FC, the red-and-white came out victorious in an all-out shootout. Loudoun and Phoenix combined for 38 shots on the night with nine on target for each side.
Phoenix was first to get on the board as Aodhan Quinn fired his shot into the bottom right corner in the ninth minute of the match. LUFC found their footing in the 32nd minute from a little individual brilliance as Abdellatif Aboukoura sent defenders the wrong way and finished for his third goal of the season. Michael Gamble recorded his third assist of the season.
Both teams entered the locker room with a goal apiece. The second half started slow until Loudoun United scored in the 58th minute from no other than the 17-year-old Egyptian international Aboukoura once again. Sami Guediri cleverly slipped Aboukoura in behind the defensive line, who then lifted the ball over Phoenixβs diving goalkeeper from a tight angle.
Just 1 minute and 42 seconds later, Nicky Downs played a one-two combination with Guediri on the top of the box, who then finished a pin-point pass for Loudounβs third goal of the match.
In the 83rd minute, Tyler Freeman was a man on a mission as he won a tackle inside the 18-yard box and cut the ball back onto his left foot for his third goal of the season.
Phoenix would then score two late goals in the 90th and 93rd minute but Loudoun were able to hold on to the lead.
βI am incredibly proud of the guys to fight back after going a goal down. The resiliency to score four goals against a team like Phoenix is tremendous,β said Head Coach Ryan Martin. βDifferent guys stepping up in many ways. Iβm very proud of their effort and focus this week.β
The Red-and-White are back on the road this Saturday, June 25 against Orange County. The game will be available on ESPN+.
Player Notes
- Two D.C. United Academy players were on tonight’s roster including Abdellatif Aboukoura and Jace Clark.
- Michael Gamble leads Loudoun United with three assists on the season.
- With his third and fourth goal of the season, Abdellatif Aboukoura is Loudoun United’s leading goalscorer (4).
- Tyler Freeman recorded his third goal in eight appearances for Loudoun.
#LDNvPHX Notes
- This was the first time the two clubs have met in the USL Championship.
- Loudoun United is now 1-0-0 against Phoenix Rising FC.
