In their first matchup in club history, Loudoun United FC defeated LA Galaxy II 2-0 at Segra Field. The Red-and-White earned three points and a clean sheet in front of their home crowd.
In a fairly even contest, the first half lacked the final product as both teams entered the locker room at halftime without recording a shot on target. The game opened up in the 63rd minute when Zoumana Diarra found the onrushing 17-year-old Kristian Fletcher. The U.S. U19 international made no mistake and buried his left-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net.
With the game still in the balance, Loudoun United had plenty of work to do until the final whistle. Just three minutes later, goalkeeper Luis Zamudio was called into action. Los Dos found their best opportunity in the 66th minute of the match when the ball was crossed from the right flank to their unmarked forward. From seven yards away, Luis Zamudio moved quickly across his goal line to save a point-blank shot to keep the home team in the lead.
On his birthday, Kristian Fletcher decided to gift himself a brace. Abdoul Zanne beat his defender with ease on the left flank and slotted the ball to Fletcher, who rifled his shot into the top right corner from 12 yards out.
With the win, Loudoun United claim points for the first time since their match against FC Tulsa on July 3.
βObviously very happy and proud of the guys…Luisβ save…Kristianβs goals. We keep talking about how critical moments win and lose games,β said Head Coach Ryan Martin. βThought we were organized and very disciplined in control of the game at times. Overall, very happyβ
Loudoun United FC are back on the road as they take on San Antionio FC on Wednesday, August 10. The match is available on ESPN+. The Red-and-White are back home on Saturday, August 20 for Back-to-School Bash. The first 500 fans will receive a drawstring bag. Tickets are available at loudoununitedfc.com/tickets/.
Player Notes
- D.C. United Academy had five youth players featured in tonight’s roster including Kristian Fletcher, Ignacio Alem, Gavin Turner, Matai Akinmboni and Brian Chavez.
- 17-year-old Kristian Fletcher scored his first professional brace in 85 minutes played.
- Goalkeeper Luis Zamudio started the match and recorded two saves for his fifth shutout of the season.
- Zoumana Diarra and Abdoul Zanne recorded an assist on the night.
#LDNvLA Notes
- This was the first time the two clubs have met in the USL Championship.
- Loudoun United is now 1-0-0 against LA Galaxy II.
