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Loudoun United’s Riley Bidois earns New Zealand Olympic call-up

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/09/24, 6:06PM EDT

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22-year-old named in squad for Paris 2024 Olympic Men’s Soccer Tournament


Loudoun United FC's Riley Bidois has been selected in New Zealand's squad for the Men's Soccer Tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics this month. | Photo courtesy Patrick Garber / Loudoun United FC

Loudoun United FC’s Riley Bidois is going to Paris.

The 22-year-old midfielder was named on Tuesday to the 18-player New Zealand squad which will compete in the Men’s Soccer Tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics later this month.

Bidois has been among the young standouts for Loudoun this season, recording two goals and one assist in 14 appearances for the side. A native of Tauranga, New Zealand, he joined United this offseason and has been part of the side’s positive shift to becoming a playoff contender in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference.

“It’s always an honor to play for New Zealand and it’s a proud moment for myself and my family,” said Bidois.  “It’s definitely been a journey, a long way with a lot of ups and downs and I’ve been working very hard this summer, so I’m thankful to get a call up.” 

Bidois recorded his first goal for Loudoun on May 18 in a 3-0 victory against Monterey Bay F.C. following which he was selected to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week. He notched his second tally on June 22 in the side’s 2-2 draw away at Miami FC, part of Loudoun’s current seven-game undefeated streak.

“This is an incredible moment for us,” said Loudoun United FC Head Coach Ryan Martin.  “Having a player named to an Olympic roster is something very humbling and exciting for me and it’s a tremendous statement about our Loudoun United roster.” 

This marks the third consecutive Men’s Olympic Soccer Tournament to feature USL Championship representation. In the 2020 event, Hartford Athletic’s Juan Carlos Obregon Jr. – currently of the Charlotte Independence in USL League One – was selected in Honduras’ squad.

In the 2016 tournament, Elder Torres of Real Monarchs SLC was also selected by Honduras as the side reached the Semifinals before falling to title-winner Brazil.

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