Maryland native Moer Yhan De Doue, better known as Peabo Doue, has been in the USL since 2013. He’s played out in Arizona for Phoenix FC and the center of the country with Oklahoma City before playing for Wilmington, Jacksonville (NASL at that time), and North Carolina FC. Despite getting the chance to play on the East Coast for multiple clubs, there’s nothing like playing back home. In 2019, Peabo Doue joined Loudoun United FC, the affiliate of D.C. United where he played in academy soccer as an amateur. Now, he’s returned to the DMV with Loudoun for 2020.

Talking about how much he enjoys playing in his native area, Doue said, “Fun is an understatement! Finally being able to come home and play in front of friends and family after being on the road for the last six years, it means a lot to me. It’s a different type of energy when you know that your people are in the stands cheering you on.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve lived in some pretty amazing cities, and I’ll always cherish those memories, but being a family man, it was always a goal for me to continue my career in the DMV when the opportunity presented itself.”

Players in the past have mentioned that it’s added pressure or responsibility playing for their hometown side and Doue is no different. “As an older, local guy on the team, I do feel that my job is to not only help the team find success on the field but, also be an advocate for the club off of the pitch,” he explained. “With the club being so young, there are plenty of opportunities to use my personal platform to make an impact in the community. From showing love and engaging with the Loudoun Stampede to speaking with different people in the area who aren’t particularly Loudoun United fans yet, I am definitely enjoying the process of building this club from the ground up.”

Despite it being their first season in 2019, Loudoun only missed the playoffs by fewer than five points. “It’s no secret that last year was pretty much a learning curve for everyone at this organization. With that being said, I honestly believe that we were a playoff-caliber team,” Doue said. “At times, especially towards our last few games, we proved that we were able to compete with teams that were consistently at the top of the table. I think that is where the motivation comes from. Knowing that we are a young, talented team that has the potential to become one of the strongest teams in the East.”

Last season, Doue registered 67 clearances, eight key passes, and two assists. Following that solid 2019 campaign, he will again be a key veteran for Loudoun as he enters his seventh season in the USL (Check out the throwback 2015 highlight below). “Crazy to think I’ve almost been in this league for a decade! Since joining in 2013, the USL has developed into a very sustainable league,” Doue reflected. “I think one of the coolest things is the league creating and encouraging a competition that is not only an optimal experience for the players but for the fans as well. Supporters in different markets all over are being recognized for their efforts and commitment to their clubs.

“I think that is great for the league and will drive awareness. There is still a lot of work to do in certain areas and I am confident that the USL is working overtime to improve those areas, but as a league, we have for sure come a long way.”

Peabo Doue is a standout on the pitch and also off the pitch with his fashion sense. Appreciating my compliment on his style, he said, “I’m no fashion king, but I do enjoy a good fit. My girlfriend and I are always trying to express ourselves, regardless of the occasion. Typically, I like to keep it fitted and simple with a nice pair of kicks, but when it comes to formal events, I usually just follow her lead.”

Also outside of soccer, Doue’s “forever a fan” of another famous DMV native that likes to put together a quality fit, one that would likely include Nike boots as a nice pair of kicks: DC-born rapper Wale. “During my freshman year at WVU, my roommate and I would have the “Back to The Feature” mixtape and “Attention Deficit” on repeat! Shoutout to my guy Uwie! As for a favorite song, there are way too many, but to me, “Pretty Girls” will always be a classic and “Clappers“, “Bait” are certified bangers. Big fan of the sound on his latest project, “Love and Loyalty” and “On Chill” in particular. I’m also listening to other Maryland natives too, like Brent Faiyaz, YBN Cordae, and IDK.”

Just as Wale rapped on his song “DC Gorillaz” that his mind was set on bringing a Grammy back to DC, Peabo Doue will definitely be focused on fighting for hardware and pride for the DMV as a member of Loudoun United FC. They open their season on the road against Philadelphia Union II this Saturday.