In their thirteenth match of the 2022 United Soccer League Championship Season, Loudoun United defeated New York Red Bulls II 1-0.
After an initial weather delay, the match was kicked off at 8:35 P.M. ET. The starting 11 saw a lot of chances following D.C. United’s Capital Cup over the weekend.
Loudoun United found the first chance of the match when Griffin Yow found space at the top of the box and latched onto a shot that skimmed the crossbar. Just five minutes later, Yow picked up the ball from halftime, dribbled past three defenders and forced a good stop from the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper.
Off Loudoun’s corner kick opportunity, Adebayo-Smith found himself in space on the counterattack. His right-footed shot was well-saved by the flying right hand of Luis Zamudio.
In the 36th minute, New York Red Bulls II possibly found their best chance of the match when Adebayo-Smith broke into space for a 1-v-1 with Zamudio. However, the 6’5 goalkeeper read the shot well to save the breakaway opportunity with his left foot.
Just two minutes later, the match saw it’s difference maker. After winning the ball in midfield, Grant Lillard found Abdellatif Aboukoura free in backspace. The Egyptian international cleverly chipped the goalkeeper to score his second professional goal of the season for Loudoun United.
After the break, the match kept it’s intensity. In the 75th minute, Nicky Downs found a beautiful, weighted pass from Abdoul Zanne at the top of the box. The shot was saved well, recycled and ended with a freekick opportunity right on the edge of the 18-yard box.
Griffin Yow fancied the chance and did well to curl it up and over the wall, however, the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper was up for the task.
In the 89th minute, D.C. United Academy player Gavin Turner was subbed on to make his professional debut for Loudoun United FC. At just 15 years, 4 months, and 20 days, the midfielder became one of the youngest debutants in Loudoun United history.
The Red-and-White are on the road this Saturday, June 11 at Atlanta United 2. The game is available to stream on ESPN+.
Player Notes
- Four D.C. United Academy players were on tonight’s roster including Abdellatif Aboukoura, Matai Akinmboni, Gavin Turner, and Mathias Yohannes.
- Two D.C. United players started in tonight’s match, including Jacob Greene and Griffin Yow.
- Abdellatif Aboukoura scored his second goal of the season.
#LDNvNY Notes
- This was the tenth time the two clubs have met in the USL Championship.
- Loudoun United is now 5-4-1 against New York Red Bulls II.
