Who: Philadelphia Union (1st place, 60 points, record 18-6-7) vs. DC United (14th place, 25 points, 5-10-16)
What: 2025 regular-season game
Where: Audi Field
When: Saturday, September 27th, 7:30 PM
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+, Listen in on 97.5 FM
Whistle: referees (find on PRO)

Photo by Ryan McElroy / PSP

The Union did what was expected of them and beat a bad team in the New England Revolution last week, and will now need to do so on the road against an even lower in the table DC United. With Tai Baribo suspended from yellow card accumulation, the Boys In Blue will have to find their way to a win without the help of their leading goalscorer. 

Scouting Report: DC United

DC United has already been eliminated from playoff contention, having just 25 points this season. 

Last time around, the Union put up a 3-0 home performance against their neighbors to the South, who lacked their usual front-line firepower in both Christian Benteke and Joao Peglow. These two are both fit for this contest and will pose a challenge for the Union’s defenders on the wings and in the air. 

Last week, DC played host to Inter Miami and fell 3-2 with a goal and an assist from Benteke. Minimizing his involvement in the final third and limiting the balls supplied to him will be crucial for Philadelphia. 

Recent signing Caden Clark made his DC United debut last weekend in their loss to Inter Miami and may be a key figure for his new side going forward. He could also be an option in the front three for recently signed head coach René Weiler. DC has one win, three draws, and one loss under their new manager. 

• Player Availability: Kristian Fletcher- Knee (Out), David Schnegg- Thigh (Questionable)

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

The Union must not fall into the trap of playing down to their opponent’s level like they did for most of last weekend’s match against New England. They must take control of the match early on and set their pace. 

Mikael Uhre and Bruno Damiani will be asked to lead the line, with Tai Baribo being suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Uhre and Damiani have only started two matches together this season, the first being the Union’s 3-0 home win over Atlanta United in April, and the second was the international friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt. Neither of the pair scored in the match against Atlanta, but Damiani bagged the first goal in the 2-2 draw with Frankfurt. It will be interesting to see how the two forwards play off of each other out of the gate. 

In the defense, Frankie Westfield is away for the Under-20 World Cup, meaning Nate Harriel can slide back to his regular right back position. Olwethu Makhanya returns from his disciplinary suspensions and must keep a level head through these final fixtures. 

• Player Availability: Tai Baribo – Suspended (Out), Frankie Westfield – International Duty (Out)

Key Matchup: Olwethu Makhanya vs Christian Benteke

Both center-backs are going to have their hands full with the Belgian forward’s dominating presence in the box, but Olwethu Makhanya will have the tougher task in the battle, given his history with composure. Makhanya will need to keep Benteke locked down without losing his head in the process. 

Player to Watch: Bruno Damiani

Damiani found the back of the net in last week’s 1-0 victory against New England, and without Tai Baribo, will need to have another important performance up top. 

Prediction: 2-1 Union

The Union will grind out another three points on the road to stay in shield contention, but a defensive slip-up will cost them the clean sheet. Goals hopefully come from Bruno Damiani, Milan Iloski, or Quinn Sullivan.