Northern Virginia soccer fans now have a home team, thanks to the arrival of Loudoun United FC, the professional soccer program that serves as D.C United’s reserve team.
Its first home game is on Aug. 9, at the newly built Loudoun United Stadium. Calle Brown, the team’s starting goalkeeper and Leesburg native, talked to us about returning home to create a new legacy. Highlights from our conversation are below.
How does it feel to be playing for your hometown’s professional team?
It’s pretty cool. I don’t know if I ever envisioned Loudoun County getting a professional team, and the fact that it’s soccer, I felt really, really drawn to that chance—the opportunity to come back here and play. It’s special to me because this is where I started playing soccer and the sport has been such an important part of my life, since I was 5 years old.
What are you most looking forward to during the inaugural season?
Just laying it all on the field and putting out a style of play that people can appreciate and support in the Loudoun County area, because I know soccer is such a big part of this area. To be able to win games in that new stadium at home, and help inspire kids who want to eventually play professional soccer, is what I want for this team.
How would you describe Northern Virginia soccer fans?
We’re crazy about soccer in Northern Virginia. The parents are so invested in their kids playing; they travel all up and down the East Coast. I remember my parents coming to tournaments every other weekend, and taking me to practice throughout the week. This area is heavily committed to soccer, and I think that’s why Loudoun United ended up becoming the first professional sports team in Loudoun County.
This post originally appeared in our August 2019 issue. Subscribe to our print magazine here.
