In their second matchup this season, Loudoun United FC defeated Atlanta United 2 3-1 at Segra Field in front of 1,932 home fans. The Red-and-White earned three points at Segra Field and additional breathing room from ATL2, who were just two-points shy of Loudoun in the Eastern Conference standings entering Saturday’s match.
LUFC came out of the gates hot as Jeremy Garay found Abdoul Zanne in space with a long through-ball down the right flank. Zanne was fouled hard from behind by Raimer, which resulted in Loudoun United’s first penalty of the night. Kansas City native Tyler Freeman stepped up to take the penalty and thunderously buried it into the left corner to put Loudoun ahead in the eighth minute of the match.
Tyler Freeman almost found his brace just minutes later, when D.C. United’s Gaoussou Samake crossed the ball to the near post. Freeman met the ball with good contact which forced a save from Atlanta’s goalkeeper, who had to make 10 on the night.
Loudoun United were on the front foot for most of the first half, but Atlanta did not make it easy for the Red-and-White. Forward Jackson Conway scored the equalizer in the 22nd minute with an acrobatic finish.
The teams entered the locker room level at the break. Loudoun United did not take their foot off the gas as Freeman found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper after turning Atlanta’s defender at the top of the box. The shot, however, was saved once again.
In the 68th minute, Loudoun found a bit of luck as Houssou Landry lofted the ball into the six-yard box to the onrushing Zanne. With Zanne’s pressure, Atlanta’s defender had no choice but to intervene and toe-pokt the ball into his own net to put Loudoun ahead.
Atlanta looked to level the score quickly once again. However, goalkeeper Luis Zamudio denied a well struck shot by Jackson Conway in the 75th minute to keep a clean sheet in the second half.
Again, midfielder Houssou Landry found himself at the start of a goalscoring opportunity in the 93rd minute. Houssou found fellow countryman Zoumana Diarra in space on the left flank. With pace, Diarra dribbled 35+ yards into Atlanta’s 18-yard box, cut it back onto his right foot and found a wide-open Jeremy Garay. D.C. United’s Homegrown made no mistake in rifling his shot into the back of the net for his first professional goal.
Loudoun United FC are back on the road as they take on FC Tulsa on Saturday, August 27. The match is available on ESPN+.
Player Notes
- D.C. United Gaoussou Samake started the match for Loudoun United FC and played 75 minutes.
- Tyler Freeman scored his sixth goal of the season from the penalty spot in the eighth minute of the match.
- Jeremy Garay scored his first professional goal in the 93rd minute of the match.
- Zoumana Diarra recorded his second assist for Loudoun United.
#LDNvATL Notes
- This was the second time the two clubs have met in the USL Championship this season.
- Loudoun United is now 2-2-0 against Atlanta United 2, with both teams being undefeated at home.
