Loudoun United has never made the postseason. They’ve never finished above 11th place in the Eastern Conference. Between 2019 and 2023, the club posted a goal difference of negative-134.
Originally run as a developmental affiliate for DC United in MLS, Loudoun is in their third season of independent operation and has taken an unlikely leap. Now, the club sits three points off the pace for the USL Championship’s Players’ Shield and leads their group in the Jagermeister Cup. There are plenty of matches left to play in 2025, but Loudoun has the look of a genuine contender.
How are they doing it? In discussion with Backheeled, head coach Ryan Martin and veteran midfielder Tommy McCabe broke down how their club is pulling it off.
Continuity amidst adversity
Much of the credit lies with Martin, who took over as head coach two months into Loudoun United’s existence and has remained ever since. The 42-year-old has instilled a positive style of play at every turn, and his trust in a squad that ended second-to-last in the East last season has paid dividends this year.
Roster continuity was crucial. Though they ended up in 11th place, Loudoun finished with a positive goal difference and similarly strong underlying numbers. The big decision made by Martin and Oliver Gage, then the club’s director of football, was to trust the process, so Loudoun returned players responsible for 89% of minutes played in 2024.
