Who: Philadelphia Union (5th place, 16 points, 5-1-3) vs. DC United (13th place, 9 points, 2-3-4)
What: 2025 regular season game
Where: Subaru Park
When: Saturday, April 26, 4:30 PM
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+, Listen in on 97.5 FM
Whistle: REF: Rubiel Vazquez, AR1: Ian McKay, AR2: Meghan Mullen, 4TH: Lorenzo Hernandez, VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero, AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert

Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union Communications

After a standout win over Atlanta, the Union will look to keep their scoring form against DC United, a team they’ve historically dominated. Expect another high-scoring match with some rotation in the Union midfield to account for suspended Jovan Lukic. 

Scouting Report: DC United

DC traveled to Sports Illustrated Stadium last Saturday, where they defeated the New York Red Bulls 2-1 after losing star striker Christian Benteke to a hamstring injury early in the first half. Per DC head coach Troy Lesesne’s press conference, Benteke trained individually this week, and there is a slim possibility that he will travel to Philadelphia. 

With Benteke likely resting, DC lacks firepower– the Belgian has scored five of their 11 goals this season– but we saw Brazilian João Peglow bag a brace on the road last week in his absence. Peglow is appearing as “OUT” on the MLS Player Status report for the match day, so the Black-and-Red Eagles will have to stay solid as a whole to pull off a result at Subaru Park. Of the past eighteen meetings in the building, DC has only taken points away from five: two draws and three wins. The last of those wins was over a decade ago. 

In other news, DC announced this week that they’ve recalled Homegrown forward Kristian Fletcher from English Premier League side Nottingham Forest FC. They’ve been lacking attacking product on their ring wing, and with the Premier League season about to end, it makes sense to bring the nineteen-year-old back a little early to assist in the attacking product. DC’s statement about the recall on their site says Fletcher will be available for DC’s upcoming matches. Coach Lesesne said it is possible we may see him on Saturday, but he is not fully integrated with the squad. 

• Player Availability: João Peglow – Thigh (Out), Christian Benteke – Quad (Questionable), Jackson Hopkins – Ankle (Questionable)

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

Goals from Quinn Sullivan, Danley Jean Jacques, and golden boot frontrunner Tai Baribo put the Union back in the win column last week after a 3–0 defeat over Atlanta United at Subaru Park. Jovan Lukic received two yellow cards during that match and will be suspended for the next one. If Jesus Bueno is healed from the hamstring issue that had him out last week, he would be the logical choice to slot in that position. Bradley Carnell has sung his praises in press conferences so far this season, and has been waiting for the right opportunity to use him.

If Bueno is not fit, it may be time to let Indiana Vassilev drop to the more defensive midfield position and give a chance to one of the academy products who has played in that position for Union II. Cavan Sullivan would be the likely choice, having been given just 60 minutes against NYCFC II on Wednesday. The Union has to stop being scared of putting him on the field outside of winning positions, especially if they’d like him to develop. 

Aside from that position, Bradley Carnell could likely line his squad up the same as he did against Atlanta. Even with the history of this match being very much in the Union’s favor, they will still need to keep things clean at the back to prevent giving DC too many breakaway opportunities. 

• Player Availability: Jovan Lukic (Suspended– red card), Ian Glavinovich (Out– knee)

Key Matchup: João Peglow vs Union defenders

With DC’s attack being severely limited without Peglow and Benteke, this match will likely be won in the midfield. If Danley Jean Jacques and whoever he is paired with can have a similar match to the Union’s last outing, it will be very difficult for their opponent to break through the line. Whoever the next man up is in Jovan Lukic’s place will need to acclimate to the match quickly in order for the midfield to stay cohesive.

Player to Watch: Quinn Sullivan

After winning Goal of the Matchday for his volley last week, eyes will be on Quinn again to see if he can continue to produce. He’s had an incredible season thus far, and this match should be a chance for him to score another or move up on the league-leading assist chart. 

Prediction: 3-1 Union

It is very likely that the Union win this match, as they have historically. Are there still issues to be addressed regarding the Union’s defense against counterattacks and their attacking product? Yes, but this DC side, on paper, does not appear strong enough to knock them down. It should be a fun, early evening match at Subaru Park.