Leesburg, VA (August 22, 2026) — Loudoun United FC earned a point at home following a 0-0 draw against New Mexico United at Segra Field. The Red-and-White controlled much of the match and created several opportunities throughout the night but were unable to find the breakthrough.
Match Summary
Loudoun started on the front foot and created its first opportunity in the opening minute when Pacifique Niyongabire forced a save from inside the box. The Red-and-White continued to push forward, with James Murphy coming inches away from the opening goal in the 10th minute when his effort from outside the box struck the post.
The match shifted in Loudoun’s favor in the 31st minute when New Mexico was reduced to 10 men following a second yellow card. Pedro Santos was forced to leave the match shortly afterward due to injury, with Giorgi Lomtadze entering in his place. Loudoun continued to control possession and search for an opening before halftime. Richie Aman tested the New Mexico goalkeeper late in the half, but the two sides entered the break scoreless.
The Red-and-White came out applying immediate pressure after halftime. Aman narrowly missed the top corner less than a minute into the second half before Murphy and Abdellatif Aboukoura each created chances as Loudoun continued to spend time in the attacking half. Loudoun kept pushing as the second half progressed, moving the ball around the New Mexico defense and creating opportunities from multiple areas of the field. Bolu Akinyode saw a header blocked before Aman came close again in the 78th minute, striking the post from outside the box.
The Red-and-White continued searching for the winner in the closing stages. Salvatore Mazzaferro and Akil Watts both tested the goalkeeper from distance, while Loudoun maintained pressure around the New Mexico penalty area. Despite the late push, the breakthrough never came as the match finished 0-0.
Thoughts from the Club
Head Coach Anthony Limbrick on the team’s performance and pushing for the win after New Mexico was reduced to 10 men:
“I thought it was a really tough start for us against a good team. They looked to dominate the ball, and we found it difficult to get up against them. We had a few moments on the counterattack. We did hit the post, I think, through James Murphy, which was a good chance, but then obviously the sending off changed the game and made it very different. I thought we did enough in the second half to win the game. I thought we had enough chances, and we should have scored with a little bit more quality in there. But credit to the players, they pushed to the end against a really good team. They were celebrating when they got the draw at the end there, so it showed what it meant for them to see out that second half. Credit to the players who went to the end, but it felt like a bit of a loss for us not winning at home.”
Midfielder Bolu Akinyode on the team’s performance and creating more quality in the final third:
“Yeah, it was a tough one. Obviously, they get the red card and we go on top of them, but I think we lacked a little bit of quality in the final third, everyone included. It’s small margins that are going to get us to the playoffs. So I think we just need to be better when we get in those positions, finish off chances and be a little bit more ruthless in front of goal.”
Notes
Kwame Awuah recorded his 100th appearance across all competitions for Loudoun United FC.
Ethan Bandré recorded his fifth clean sheet of the season.
Abdellatif Aboukoura is one match away from recording 100 appearances across all competitions for Loudoun United FC.
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.
