Loudoun United had had encouraging performances in their last two games but game away splitting the results in both, and came into Segra Field hosting a wounded but dangerous Phoenix Rising team. And after a shaky start, the Red-and-White righted the ship and two quick second-half goals helped the team to a raucous 4-3 win in front of 1,588.
With injuries, illness, and call-ups with U20 national teams, loan downs from D.C. United was at a minimum, with Gaoussou Samaké being the only loan down. For Academy players, Abdellatif Aboukoura started, with Jace Clark and Kristian Fletcher being on the bench, and Fairfax native Joe Rice started, with Luis Zamudio on the bench.