Not only do can high level results overlook the underlying moments, but in Loudoun United’s case, show the growth that the organization has made. Before Saturday night’s game in Florida, Loudoun and the host Tampa Bay Rowdies played five times at Tampa’s Al Lang Stadium, losing four straight since their scoreless draw in the team’s first year. Moreover, Tampa outscored Loudoun 14-2 in those four games. So having Loudoun not only match that total Saturday, but to also sweep the Rowdies for the first time (after doing so by the same 2-0 result in June), well it feels like kind of a notable victory. So hey, may as well dive into it!

Sometimes you do what the TV tells you to do! Shout out to ESPN and the USL folks for some foreshadowing:

And it started a few moments later, this was before the first Loudoun goal:

That was the counter part, the over commit is Jordan Doherty on the goal, sliding to get to a Robby Dambrot longball that led to a break in and the first Loudoun goal:

On a healthy Kalil ElMedkhar (Flo’s version). Kalil’s been injured and missed almost two months due to injury, and fortunately Loudoun’s done enough on offense in the interim where they haven’t had to rush him into the XI. And after some cursory minutes against Charleston, ElMedkhar appeared at halftime in the next three games, scoring three and adding an assist in 135 minutes. From an underlying, per 90 perspective, ElMedkhar’s goals and goals added (via ASA) are Top 3 in the League, behind Best XI guys like Nick Markanich and Wilson Harris.

Saturday saw his return to the lineup centrally, with Florian Valot dropping back behind him next to Tommy McCabe, resulting in what may have been the most effective attacking front five the team’s had all year. While he was not notable chalkboard-wise (he had 17 passes, less than Zach Ryan), when the team gained possession, he started his attacking runs, which enabled space for Valot to come up in attack and help the wingers and wide midfielders. He wasn’t as far forward but served to start things in back effectively.

On the Zip and the backline. Needless to say, when you’re a defender playing a part in both goals, you’re in a vibe, and Robby Dambrot’s really been feeling it lately:

His getting forward allows for Kwame Awuah to take a spell in back, or send them both forward when McCabe drops back. His off-field stuff is valued, but this advanced wrinkle in his play was either personally unnoticed or is a nice evolution in Loudoun’s 2024.

However, a note toward Jacob Erlandson, Keegan Hughes and Yanis Leerman. Tasked with handling Tampa’s front three of Manuel Arteaga, Cal Jennings and Josh Perez, the backline held the trio that comprised more than 30 goals in USL and Open Cup play this year to one shot on target, a 20 yard effort from Cal Jennings in the first half, and two shots in the second half. If they don’t get in front of those shots in the first third of the game, there may be a different outcome.

Random Stat of the Day: 7, the number of shutouts Hugo Fauroux has in 2024, tied for the single season record for Loudoun with Luis Zamudio.

So, where does this leave us? You could look at Loudoun United’s summer unbeaten streak a couple of different ways. They didn’t lose in eight (and when they did, it was to Eastern elites Charleston), but also their only win since July 13 was to a 9 man Miami FC side, and that was over five games. So this serves as a “Get Right”(tm) spot of sorts, winning on the road against a good team, and knowing they can beat the good teams again, or at the very least give them a run for their money. Getting themselves right was a nice moment too as Loudoun host three of the next four at home. They are tied in 7th with Rhode Island, whom they host this weekend.

Loudoun are in a four team logjam at the moment, where two points separate fourth from eighth. Time to get to work.