Loudoun United FC (LUFC) concluded its three-match March slate on Saturday, March 26, drawing Miami FC 0-0 on the road.
The club earned its first victory at home against Indy Eleven before defeating New York Red Bulls II on the road. LUFC are off to a record-breaking start in the opening month, extending the unbeaten streak to three games. Before the calendars flip to April, catch up on the highlights from the opening month:
Stalwart Defense
The Red-and-White lead the league in clean sheets and are the only team to have yet conceded a goal in the 2022 USL Championship season. Goalkeeper Luis Zamudio has recorded three clean sheets throughout three games. However, the stalwart defense has only allowed four total shots on goal. The backline of Rio Hope-Gund, Hayden Sargis, and Grant Lillard have played every minute of the 270 total minutes. Throughout the three matches, the trio have recorded 27 clearances, seven blocks and 17 interceptions. Not only have the three held strong defensively, but Loudoun’s defense has also been key in possession and creating opportunities going forward. Captain Rio Hope-Gund currently holds a 91% passing accuracy while Lillard and Sargis have ranked in the top 3 through three games for total number of passes.
Creating Chances
There has been no question that LUFC have been dangerous going forward in attack. Sami Guediri leads the team in shots, crosses, and created chances while Tyler Freeman holds a 100% shooting accuracy with a team-high two goals. Micheal Gamble, Jeremy Garay, Houssou Landry, and Ted Ku-Dipietro have all recorded an assist in the month of March.
Team of the Week Honors
The USL Championship has awarded Loudoun United four team of the week honors through three games. Following his Week 1 performance, Sami Guediri landed himself in the USL Team of the Week. Guediri completed 78 of 96 passes, won 11 of 18 duels and recorded 13 recoveries. Following Week 2, Jacob Greene notched his first Team of the Week performance. Greene found his second goal of his professional career while recording three shots on target, completing 24 of 31 passes and winning five of seven duels. Tyler Freeman and Sami Guediri were handed honorable mentions following their Week 2 performances.
Pathway to Pro
Only three games into the season, Ryan Martin has provided professional debuts to two D.C. United academy players. 15-year-old Matai Akinmboni made his professional debut against Miami FC providing one interception. 16-year-old Isaac Espinal made his professional debut against New York Red Bulls II and has played in two matches accumulating 32 minutes. Former Loudoun United players Ted Ku-Dipietro and Gaoussou Samake both made their debut with D.C. United in the month of March.
