Leesburg, VA (August 13, 2026) — Loudoun United FC announce that the club has signed defender Akil Watts for the remainder of the 2026 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.
Watts joins the Red-and-White with experience across Major League Soccer, the USL Championship, and MLS NEXT Pro. Most recently, he competed with St. Louis City SC, where he made 57 MLS appearances during his time with the club. Watts originally joined the organization with St. Louis City 2 in 2022 before signing an MLS contract with the first team later that year.
“I’m excited to be here,” said Akil Watts. “I haven’t played in a while and have been traveling quite a bit, so I’m ready to get started, get back on the field and get to know the guys.”
Prior to joining St. Louis, Watts spent three seasons with Louisville City FC in the USL Championship. He signed with Louisville in August of 2019 and went on to make 34 USL Championship appearances during his time with the club.
“Akil is an experienced player who we’re pleased to welcome to the group,” said Anthony Limbrick, Head Coach of Loudoun United FC. “He has competed at a high level in both MLS and the USL Championship and understands the demands of this league. He is athletic and gives us another strong option in the midfield. We believe his experience and quality will be valuable to the team as we head into an important stretch of the season.”
Watts began his development with the Portland Timbers Academy before moving overseas to join Spanish club RCD Mallorca’s youth setup in 2018. He returned to the United States the following year to begin his professional career with Louisville City.
At the international level, Watts represented the United States at both the 2017 Concacaf U-17 Championship and the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He appeared in three matches during the World Cup, including starts in the United States’ Round of 16 victory over Paraguay and quarterfinal match against England.
“Adding Akil is an important signing for our club.” said Alen Marcina, Sporting Director for Loudoun United FC. “He’s a player we’ve identified and tracked for some time, and he fits exactly the profile we were looking for. His versatility, MLS experience, proven success in the USL Championship, and competitive mentality will strengthen our group. We’re excited to welcome Akil to Loudoun United FC and believe he’ll make a positive impact both on and off the field.”
Fans can secure their seats for Loudoun United FC’s next home match on Saturday, August 22 as the Red-and-White host New Mexico United at Segra Field for a 6:30 PM kickoff. Come out and watch Loudoun United take the pitch and be part of the matchday energy in Leesburg. Tickets start at just $10 and can be purchased now at https://seatgeek.com/loudoun-united-fc-tickets.
Player: Akil Watts
Position: Defender
Birthdate: 02/04/2000
Age: 26
Birthplace: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Height: 6’0”
Status: Domestic
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.
