Loudoun Now
With opening day fast approaching, Loudoun United is preparing for its 2021 season after a busy off-season that saw changes in players and coaching.
As the United Soccer League affiliate for D.C. United, much of the focus is on preparing talented players for the major league team.
“Ultimately, you know, the aim and the goal of Loudoun United is to fast-track our younger guys into the first team, and I think we’ve always got to have one eye on that,” said Technical Director Stewart Mairs during a virtual press conference March 8.
That can make Loudoun United games a good place to see upcoming talent before they hit the majors.
In first round of MLS draft, D.C. United doubles up on ACC talent
Steven Goff, The Washington Post
Jan. 21, 2021
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Until Thursday, D.C. United had not found itself in the top 10 of the MLS draft in seven years.
One pick was apparently not enough, so after taking Clemson attacker Kimarni Smith with its own selection at No. 4, United traded with Atlanta for the fifth choice and added Wake Forest defender Michael DeShields.
United did not relinquish much to acquire the additional first-rounder: $125,000 in financial considerations, known as general allocation money, spread over two seasons. It also swapped spots in the second round, dropping one place to No. 32 overall.
D.C. United announces Hernán Losada as new head coach
Steven Goff, The Washington Post
Jan. 18, 2021
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D.C. United on Monday hired Hernán Losada as head coach, enlisting a young, largely unknown Argentine from the Belgian league who promises to bring entertaining soccer to Audi Field and elevate an organization that hasn t contended for the MLS championship in years.
Losada, 38, is the eighth coach in club history, succeeding Ben Olsen, who was fired in October after 10 years. Like Olsen in 2010, he becomes the league s youngest coach.
Losada signed a three-year contract, which includes a club-held option year. Terms were not disclosed.