DC United kicked off their MLS season in style, edging out the Philadelphia Union 1-0 under the Saturday night lights at Audi Field.
D.C. United unveiled debutants, with Sean Johnson, Silvan Hefti, Keisuke Kurokawa, and Tai Baribo making their debuts as starters. Louis Munteanu and Nikola Marković entered as late substitutes, injecting new energy in the closing stages. Head Coach René Weiler celebrated his first regular-season victory of 2026, as the squad displayed glimpses of the identity forged in preseason.
D.C. United threatened early, nearly breaking through in the 6th minute when Matti Peltola picked out Lucas Bartlett on a set piece, only for Bartlett’s left-footed effort to drift just wide. The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute: João Peglow sparked a lightning-fast counterattack, feeding Tai Baribo, who coolly slotted a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner past Andre Blake, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Philadelphia answered with a surge of pressure. Milan Iloski forced Sean Johnson into action twice before halftime, first firing from a sharp angle and later unleashing a long-range effort, but Johnson stood tall with both saves. D.C. United almost doubled their advantage when Baribo rattled the right post after a clever set piece from Jackson Hopkins.
The Union’s hopes took a hit in the 58th minute when striker Ezekiel Alladoh was shown a straight red card, leaving Philadelphia with ten men. D.C. United seized control, dictating possession and stifling the visitors’ attacks. Weiler introduced Munteanu for Gabriel Pirani in the 70th minute, and the Romanian forward came close twice, his shots skimming just wide.
Philadelphia mounted a late push, with substitute Augustín Anello and Danley Jean Jacques threatening from inside the box. Yet, the defensive quartet of Bartlett, Rowles, Hefti, and Kurokawa held firm, while Johnson capped his night with three crucial saves.
Tension ran high in the closing moments, as tempers flared and yellow cards were handed out to Hopkins and Peglow for D.C. United, and to Jean Jacques and Japhet Sery Larsen for the Union.
Peltola commanded the midfield with a tireless 90-minute display, tallying seven defensive recoveries and boasting an 84% passing accuracy. Brandon Servania complemented him with composure, winning key free kicks and orchestrating the rhythm of play.
D.C. United walked away with a clean sheet, three points, and a statement victory to launch their season. With momentum on their side, they look to build on this strong start as the 2026 campaign rolls on.
D.C. United Lineup: Sean Johnson, Lucas Bartlett, Silvan Hefti, Kye Rowles, Keisuke Kurokawa, Matti Peltola, Brandon Servania, Jackson Hopkins (Nikola Markovic 90’), João Peglow, Tai Baribo (Sean Nealis 90’ + 3’), Gabriel Pirani (Louis Munteanu 70’).
