It was hard to imagine a team being as snake-bit in front of goal as Loudoun United FC was during the 2021 season. Despite ranking eighth in the USL Championship with an Expected Goals mark of 49.63xG, the side finished with only 31 tallies in the regular season, a deficit of -18.63xG. That, combined with a defense that leaked goals consistently over the course of the season, led to a league-fewest four wins and a league-lowest -47 goal differential.

Loudoun’s fundamental problem was its finishing. While the side got solid contributions from attacking midfielder Ted Ku-DiPietro – who over the offseason signed as a Homegrown Player with D.C. United – as he notched seven goals and three assists on 45 chances created and a 5.18 Expected Assists mark, the side overall ranked last in the league with a 7.38 shot conversion percentage and a second-lowest 40.78 shooting accuracy rate. There was no question the threat that Loudoun posed – one of its four wins came against Eastern Conference power Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – but the lack of finishing early in the season resulted in a spiral down that the team seemed unable to snap out of.

The side has added new pieces that will at least try to address the defensive frailties it experienced a season ago. Former Chicago Fire Homegrown signing Grant Lillard will look to revive his career after injury and a lack of playing time since leaving Indiana University as an All-America selection and MAC Hermann Trophy finalist in 2017, while goalkeeper Trey Muse joins the side after competing on loan with San Diego Loyal SC in the Championship last season from Seattle Sounders FC. It might not be enough for Loudoun to reach the playoffs, but if their fortunes experience a reversal on a season ago, the side could still be dangerous enough to give some of the big Eastern Conference contenders a scare.

Trey Muse – Former Seattle Sounders FC Homegrown will battle fellow newcomer Joe Rice for starting spot

Grant Lillard – Center back arrives looking to establish credentials in professional ranks

Azaad Liadi – Winger gets first chance at Championship action after competing for FC Tucson, Tormenta FC

Sami Guediri – Defender brings experience from Major League Soccer, USL League One at Inter Miami CF

Timmy Mehl – Center back headed south to sign with the Tampa Bay Rowdies

Robby Dambrot – Former University of Pittsburgh defender headed back to Steel City with Riverhounds SC

Wahab Ackwei – Defender signed as free agent with Rio Grande Valley FC

Ted Ku-DiPietro – Attacking standout signed Homegrown Player deal with D.C. United