If you want context for the last time Loudoun United FC had defeated Louisville City FC prior to Saturday evening, consider this – neither Loudoun’s Segra Field nor Louisville’s Lynn Family Stadium had opened yet.

And yet, in the context of this season, Loudoun’s 2-1 victory in the USL Jägermeister Cup group stage at Segra Field on Saturday evening powered by goals from Abdellatif Aboukoura and Zach Ryan marked the latest landmark for a United side that’s proving itself a serious contender for silverware in its seventh season.

When the sides first met in March, Louisville retained its supremacy with a dominant display before its home fans. When they square off again in April – this time in the U.S. Open Cup – Loudoun closed the gap but could only manage a late consolation goal by Aboukoura in a 2-1 defeat.

On Saturday, however, the Eastern Conference contenders delivered an outstanding battle as United finally flipped things around.

Holding a late lead, Loudoun had to survive a late onslaught from the visitors. Goalkeeper Hugo Fauroux produced outstanding saves in stoppage time to deny Josh Jones and Sean Totsch after Jansen Wilson hit the right upright, but the final whistle brought United its first win against Louisville since July 28, 2019 at Audi Field.

“It’s nice seeing our hard work pay off,” said Ryan. “We’ve already had two hard-fought matches against these guys this season but couldn’t play a complete match. We knew going in that they are a quality competition, and that it would be a challenge, but it has been our goal this year to take these challenges head-on and play our way.”

Aboukoura once again took center stage. The 20-year-old’s sharp early finish for his 10th goal across all competitions was supplemented by another stellar all-around display that saw him record three shots on target and notch a pair of chances created, including setting up a big chance in the first half for Ryan that was denied by LouCity’s Damian Las.

But there was a confidence within Loudoun overall that seemed determined to show it belonged. While ruled out for a handball in controlling possession, Florian Valot’s chipped finish from 45 yards out was emblematic of the way Loudoun was prepared to try and go toe-to-toe with the perennial title contenders.

In doing so, it took control of Group 5 in the USL Jägermeister Cup, ending the second round as the lone side with a maximum six points. Another crucial clash comes next month at home to the Charlotte Independence, where Loudoun remains undefeated this season.

“It’s been our mission this season to make Segra Field a difficult place for these teams to come and play at,” said Loudoun Head Coach Ryan Martin. “Between our great fans and the group of guys we have here, I think we are accomplishing that.”

In prime contention for a place in the USL Jägermeister Cup knockout stages as well as in the Eastern Conference standings, United has made its mark over the first third of the 2025 campaign.

The club’s second win all-time against Louisville City, though, will only add to the club’s belief as to what could be achievable at the end of the campaign.