After Loudoun United defeated the New York Red Bulls II last week despite having a short bench, Loudoun went to Alabama with even fewer players on hand, dressing 16 against the expansion Birmingham Legion FC. Loudoun did hold their own until a goal deep in stoppage time by the hosts (their first goal at home in almost three games) resulted in a 1-0 win at Birmingham’s BBVA Compass Field.
Loudoun moved forward in attack earlier than normal, though the chances were not entirely proactive; Chandler Hoffman had a 5th minute chance skied over the crossbar, and Prosper Kasim had a similar chance go just wide of Earl Edwards Jr. Loudoun had a chance late in the first half, but a Connor Presley cross to Kyle Murphy was cleared by Kyle Fisher.
The second half found Birmingham more composed on the attack and continuing to find Daniel Johnson on the left side. As Richie Williams seemed to think he could leave Alabama with a point in hand, Birmingham provided more in attack. Following Sandor Bustamante coming on for Loudoun as a substitute (after missing last week), a Birmingham ball in the Loudoun box came to Kasim, and his shot went to the near side, beating Edwards to his left in the 93rd minute for the goal, Birmingham’s first at home after almost three complete games.
Loudoun (1-3-2) will come home in a way, playing at parent club D.C. United’s stadium Audi Field against the Philadelphia Union’s USL side Bethlehem Steel on Friday May 3 at 7:30 pm.