D.C. United will play against their United Soccer League (USL) affiliate, Loudoun United FC, in their second 2021 preseason match on Friday, March 26 at Audi Field with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. This will be the first time the two teams meet since Loudoun United’s inaugural season in 2018. It will also be Loudoun United Head Coach Ryan Martin’s first preseason friendly with his squad ahead of the 2021 USL Championship season.
D.C. United will look to build upon their first preseason friendly in which they drew 1-1 with USL League One side Greenville Triumph SC on March 20. The first exhibition match, that was split into three 30-minute periods, saw Black-and-Red debuts for new signings Kimarni Smith, Michael DeShields, and Adrien Perez. After going a goal down, D.C. United’s fourth overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, Kimarni Smith, scored the lone goal in the match when he headed in the equalizer from Griffin Yow’s cross in the 29th minute. Head Coach Hernán Losada made 11 changes to the lineup in the 45th minute as players continue to build fitness ahead of the 2021 MLS season. The friendly was Losada’s first match on the Black-and-Red sidelines as he continues to implement his philosophy with the players.
Loudoun United FC will feature a mixture of new faces and returning players from last season. In Loudoun’s first preseason friendly since they reported to camp on March 12, it will be an opportunity for Head Coach Ryan Martin to analyze his new signings and start forming an identity ahead of the 2021 USL season.
The teams will play two 45-minute halves for the first time this season. The match will not be streamed and will be played behind closed doors. Live match updates will be provided on Twitter.
