How a minor league soccer team broke away from its Major League Soccer parent
In short: Loudoun United FC began as a standard reserve squad for D.C. United, but a 2023 ownership shift transformed the club into an independent entity. Now, the team is expanding its footprint in Virginia, launching new pre-professional and women's squads while maintaining its unique identity in the USL Championship.
Founded in 2018, Loudoun United FC was established to serve as the reserve team for D.C. United, replacing the Richmond Kickers as the Major League Soccer club's USL affiliate. The team officially debuted in the USL Championship in 2019. For several years, the club functioned as a development pipeline, mirroring the branding of its parent organization with black, red, and white colors and a crest featuring a winged horse—a nod to both D.C. United’s eagle and the equestrian heritage of Loudoun County.
The landscape shifted in 2022 with the creation of MLS Next Pro, which prompted most MLS clubs to move their reserve sides to that league by 2023. Loudoun United, however, remained in the USL system. This was largely due to a specific legal agreement regarding the lease of their home ground, Segra Field, which mandated that the club continue competing in the second division. This requirement paved the way for a significant transition in February 2023, when the club was sold to Attain Sports and Entertainment, the owners of the Bowie Baysox and Frederick Keys.
While D.C. United retained a minority stake, the sale granted Loudoun United newfound independence, including eligibility for the U.S. Open Cup. The organization has since aggressively expanded its reach. In April 2025, the club announced a merger with the Virginia Revolution Soccer Club. This partnership led to the creation of a USL2 pre-professional team, Loudoun United FC 2, set for a 2026 debut under coach Matthew Mountford, alongside a new women's team in the USL W League. Today, the club plays at the 5,000-seat Segra Field, a facility built for $15 million in partnership with the county government.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Loudoun United FC
- Also: Wikidata — Loudoun United FC · CC0
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