Leesburg, VA (May 3, 2026) — Loudoun United FC has signed defender Samuel Kerneklian, midfielder Sir-John Perkins, and forwards David Williams and Nathan Yared to its USL Two team for the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval.
Kerneklian joins Loudoun United following his time at Georgian Court University and a year of continued development with UNKNWN Athlete in Richmond, Virginia. A versatile outside back, Kerneklian is comfortable playing on either side of the field and brings a strong technical foundation to Loudoun’s back line. Prior to his collegiate career, he competed at Indian River High School in Delaware, where he was a consistent contributor across multiple seasons. After spending one year at the Division II level with Georgian Court in 2023, Kerneklian continued to sharpen his game in a pre-professional training environment while pursuing his goal of playing professionally and representing Armenia at the international level. His work rate, adaptability and commitment to development make him a strong addition to the group.
“Sam comes to us from Richmond, VA, and our staff identified him at the open tryouts back in December,” said Loudoun United USL Two Head Coach Matthew Mountford. “He brings a great work ethic to the group and we are excited to help him progress and take his game to the next step.”
Player: Samuel Kerneklian
Position: Defender
Birthdate: 05/15/2005
Age: 20
Birthplace: Millsboro, DE
Height: 5’10’’
Perkins joins Loudoun United after gaining experience with AD Torrejón CF in Spain, where he competed in the club’s U19 setup and progressed within the academy environment. A midfielder with intensity and range, Perkins brings energy to the center of the pitch and has experience across several competitive youth and pre-professional levels. His background includes time with Virginia Dream FC in the NPSL, Commonwealth Cardinals in USL Two, Springfield SYC in MLS NEXT, Fredericksburg Football Club and Virginia Development Academy. At the youth level, he also earned experience with the Virginia ODP State Team and was a three-year varsity starter at Stafford High School. Perkins’ combination of toughness, mobility and experience in different environments gives Loudoun another strong option in midfield.
“Another person identified at the open tryout, Sir-John brings intensity and robustness to the center of midfield, along with a bright personality to the group,” said Loudoun United USL Two Head Coach Matthew Mountford. “His energy will be a big help for us this season, and we are excited to see his growth.”
Player: Sir-John Perkins
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: 06/14/2005
Age: 20
Birthplace: Stafford, VA
Height: 6’1”
Williams signs with Loudoun United after completing his sophomore season at Loyola Maryland. A Virginia native, Williams brings size, athleticism and a strong pressing presence to the front line. During the 2025 season with the Greyhounds, he appeared in 10 matches, recording one assist across 128 minutes while putting two of his three shots on target. Before Loyola, Williams attended Virginia Academy, where he was named First Team All-State and helped his team capture a Division III Soccer Conference title. He also played club soccer for Springfield SYC, continuing his development in one of the region’s competitive youth environments. His physical profile and willingness to put pressure on opposing defenders will add another dimension to Loudoun’s attacking group.
“David came to us from our Goalkeeper Coach, Brian, at the invitational tryouts and he is extremely driven to improve and help the group,” said Loudoun United USL Two Head Coach Matthew Mountford. “He will help us physically, and excels at pressing the opposition defenders. We are thrilled to welcome him back home for the summer.”
Player: David Williams
Position: Forward
Birthdate: 07/06/2006
Age: 19
Birthplace: Reston, VA
Height: 6’2”
Yared signs with Loudoun United as an experienced attacking player with a strong collegiate resume and recent professional experience. Yared starred at Shenandoah University, where he earned 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team honors, 2024 All-ODAC First Team honors and ODAC Offensive Player of the Week recognition. He was also named United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team and All-ODAC First Team in 2023, VaSID Second Team All-State in both 2022 and 2023, and All-ODAC First Team in 2022 after earning All-ODAC Third Team honors as a freshman in 2021. Prior to Shenandoah, Yared was a standout at Lake Braddock, earning First Team All-District, First Team All-Region and First Team All-State honors while being named the school’s Most Outstanding Player. Most recently, he gained professional experience with Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC and competed in the 2025 NISA Pro Cup.
“Nathan is an exciting winger who can take players on 1v1 and create opportunities, which is invaluable in this league,” said Loudoun United USL Two Head Coach Matthew Mountford. “He comes to us fresh off a good season in Iceland and we look forward to seeing his impact on the USL 2 stage.”
Player: Nathan Yared
Position: Forward
Birthdate: 07/09/2003
Age: 22
Birthplace: Springfield, VA
Height: 6’0”
About Loudoun United FC
Loudoun United FC is the highest-level professional soccer club in Virginia, competing in the USL Championship. The club is committed to advancing the game, developing top talent, and providing a high-quality experience for players, supporters, and the local community. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.loudoununitedfc.com.
Fans can secure their seats for Loudoun United FC’s next home match as they host Oakland Roots at Segra Field for a 5:00 PM kickoff on May 2. Come out and watch as Loudoun take the pitch and be part of the matchday energy in Leesburg. Tickets start at just $10 and can be purchased now at https://www.loudoununitedfc.com/tickets/ets/.
