There’s little way around sugarcoating things for Loudoun United’s last three weeks. Since back to back home wins over Birmingham and Oakland last month, Loudoun has lost four straight, five when including their U.S. Open Cup elimination to the Columbus Crew, by a combined total of 14 goals to 3. Wednesday’s loss to New Mexico may have been the flattest defensive performance of the bunch for a team that comes into today’s game playing their fifth in less than two weeks, using largely the same lineup throughout. This is a tired bunch, the good news being they’ll likely get a couple of days to recharge before picking up this next phase of their season.
The Opposition
In Hartford, Loudoun has found a team that’s had their number more than many, and have dropped results and points in a variety of ways to the Athletic. Last September’s 3-0 win over Hartford was Loudoun’s first win over the club in 12 attempts, with Hartford winning 10.
The good news is in theory this isn’t necessarily the same Hartford group as in years past. They will see familiar faces from Loudoun years past like forward Elvis Amoh and goalkeeper (and Fairfax native) Joe Rice in the lineup, guys like Danny Barrera and Connor McGlynn remain from years past. But this is a different lineup, to the extent that Prince Saydee leads the team in goals (4), assists (3), shots (13) and chances created (14). They have given up the most goals so far, have one win so far this season and have lost three straight, four of five, and have yet to win at Trinity Health Stadium this season. If there was a time for coach Tab Ramos’ group to try and turn things around, it would be the first game of a three-game homestand where Sacramento and Louisville also come to town.
Your Random Stat
35 – The total number of goals allowed by both teams.
How to Watch:
Match date/kickoff time:Â Saturday, May 20, 7:00pm ET
Venue:Â Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT
Online Streaming:Â ESPN+
Loudoun Unavailables: Alex Nagy (ACL) and Kwame Awuah (achilles) are both out for the season, Cole Turner (meniscus) is out until approximately August. Yanis Leerman (ankle) may return today.