Pitt alum Robby Dambrot scores first pro goal with Loudoun United of USL

Former Pitt defender Robby Dambrot has been plying his trade with Loudoun United, an affiliate of MLS club DC United in the USL, since 2019, and on Friday, he scored the first goal of his professional career. Unfortunately, it came in a 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Dambrot’s goal opened up the scoring about 3:30 into the matchup, giving the team an early 1-0 lead. The scoring chance was created by Loudoun United midfielder Darluis Paz, who streaked down the right side of the field and found Dambrot in the box. Dambrot then slid and tapped in the ball with his left foot.

“The goal was an unbelievable feeling in the moment,” Dambrot said, according to Loudoun United. “Coming off the most challenging year of my life, it’s honestly just such a blessing to be back playing again. Any time you face adversity, it makes the positive moments that much sweeter. I just wish it would have come with a win. Darluis made a great run down the right side and crossed in a perfect ball. I just tried to get across my man, and fortunately, I was able to get on the end of it.”

Since signing with Loudoun United in 2019, Dambrot has made 10 appearances and seven starts for the team. The shot that he scored on was just the fourth of his career, but he has been solid defensively, coming up with 18 interceptions, 11 clearances and two blocks during his time with Loudoun United.

Unfortunately, the last couple of years have been unkind to Loudoun United, as the team has gone 13-31-9 since the start of the 2019 season. But for Dambrot, the experience has been beneficial, as he has seen the field relatively often and been able to impact games early in his professional career.

Dambrot, the son of Duquesne men’s basketball coach Keith Dambrot, played at Pitt from 2017 to 2018, making 19 starts in 21 appearances. With the Panthers, he logged one goal and three assists. Prior to his arrival at Pitt, Dambrot played at Akron and had one goal and three assists there as well. The Pitt alum will be in action again when Loudoun United faces Hartford Athletic on Saturday.