WASHINGTON, DC (June 18, 2022) - D.C. United have acquired defender Rio Hope-Gund on a four-day loan from United Soccer League (USL) Championship affiliate Loudoun United FC for their match against Chicago Fire FC on June 18.
Hope-Gund signed with Loudoun United on Feb. 11, 2022. The center back has made 13 appearances for the Red-and-White this season helping them to three shutouts. He made his debut for the club in the 1-0 win against Indy Eleven on March 13, 2022. He previously joined the Black-and-Red for their 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against the New York Red Bulls on May 11. Hope-Gund scored the winning goal against Xelajú in the 16th minute in a 1-0 win to help D.C. United win the 2022 Capital Cup.
The defender from New York, started his professional career with Orlando City SC where he was drafted in the first round (19th overall) of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 21. Hope-Gund spent the entire season with them as a substitute without making an appearance. Subsequently, on Feb. 11, 2022, he was signed by Loudon United and has captained the squad in all 13 matches he has been featured in.
Player: Rio Hope-Gund
Position: Defender
Birthdate: August 20, 1999
Age: 22
Hometown: New York City, NY
Country: United States
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 170 lbs
Status: Domestic
