Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

Who: DC United vs. Philadelphia Union
What: MLS Regular Season, “MLS is Back weekend”
Where: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
When: Saturday, February 21st, 7:30 PM
Watch: MLS on Apple TV+, Radio Call on 97.5 The Fanatic
Whistle: REF: Guido Gonzales Jr, AR1: Nick Uranga, AR2: Adam Wienckowski, 4TH: Sergii Boiko, VAR: Shawn Tehini, AVAR: Tom Supple

The Philadelphia Union will be in the nation’s capitol to open their MLS campaign against Eastern Conference rival D.C. United. The Union have started their season in fine form with a 5-0 demolition of Defence Force in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and are looking to continue their good start on Saturday against an opponent they have not lost to in five years. D.C. is in the middle of yet another rebuild, but an improved defense and the acquisition of former Union man Tai Baribo should see them offer stiffer resistance than they have in recent meetings.

Scouting report: D.C. United

D.C. United were the worst team in MLS last season, which isn’t that surprising given the last decade or so of their existence. Since Ben Olsen’s departure near the end of the 2020 season, the club has had four managers. None of the previous three have lasted longer than a year and half.  

Current Head coach René Weiler joined in the middle of last season after D.C. fired Troy Lesesne and then their General Manager. 

Weiler was only able to pick up one win, but he had little to work with. Ultimately, the Capitol club finished as the Wooden Spoon winners, scoring the fewest goals in the league (30), while allowing the second most (66). So, with a full offseason–and a new GM–how do they go about fixing that? Answer: with lots of turnover. 

Christian Benteke left, as did about one third of their squad including the starting goalkeeper, left back, and much of their depth.

Though they still have lots of questions to answer, the District team has been assertive in player acquisition. The signing of free agent Sean Johnson and the acquisition of Sean Nealis from the Red Bulls should help shore up the defense, as should drafting center back Nikola Markovic first overall in the MLS SuperDraft. But replacing Benteke’s output won’t be easy.

To do so, Weiler seems to be looking to switch to a two-striker system, as evidenced by D.C.’s two priciest signings of the off-season: Romanian Louis Munteanu and, of course, former Union man Tai Baribo.

Munteanu joins following a strong showing across two seasons in his native country’s Liga I. His 23 goals in the 2024/25 season saw him claim the Golden Boot. D.C. reportedly put up a club record $7 million for him. It’s a big gamble on a player coming from a league that is arguably of lesser quality than MLS. 

While Baribo’s departure shouldn’t have been particularly surprising following trade rumors and his disappointing second half of 2025–joining D.C. is. Typically, the Union haven’t had a lot of transfer history between their natural rivals. But it made sense for both parties: United got a proven goalscorer in MLS to complement the high potential of Munteanu, and the Union avoided letting a valuable player walk on a free transfer. 

What better test for Baribo and D.C. than opening the season against the Union? Rival teams pitted against each other with one being the worst regular season team and the other being the best.

Injury report: Not available at time of publication

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union 

Let’s be real. The only better team for the Union to open the MLS season against would have been Sporting KC. Yes, D.C. apparently have a plan. They have made some good signings. But, their roster still has lots of holes, or at least serious concerns. 

For the record, I think they will improve this season, especially defensively. On paper, they have a solid attack. But the midfield is their weakest link – and that’s the most important positional group in soccer (except for maybe goal keeper). 

The Union have won seven of the last ten league matches against their rivals in the District, drawing twice, and losing once. That last defeat came way back in August 2021. Philly has been so dominant in this matchup that they’ve only conceded seven goals in that time, holding a combined goal difference of 34-7.

The Union probably won’t hang six goals on them this time, but it should still be one of the easier wins of the season for the Boys in Blue. 

Even with a mid-week away game in CONCACAF, Philadelphia will be more than capable of taking the win in D.C. on Opening Day. 

Head Coach Bradley Carnell rested multiple starters against Defence Force F.C. and gave several of the new signings their debut. 

The Union didn’t skip a beat, and got goal contributions from basically all the guys you’d expect. Guys who should be at the top of the team’s scoring and assisting column this season.

Again, it wasn’t the stiffest competition, but you can only play who’s in front of you. The Union did what they did best last season: take care of business against a weaker side.

In terms of what the first choice 11 actually is, we still might not see it against D.C. 

Bradley Carnell’s pre-game press conference revealed some important information. Several players are carrying injuries, including projected starters Jovan Lukić and Frankie Westfield. If they are unable to play, Jesús Bueno will remain opposite Danley Jean-Jacques at defensive midfield. Full back is more interesting with the lack of natural left backs currently on the roster. 

With Carnell’s penchant for creative personnel decisions, it’s hard to predict how he will fill that gap. 

Apparently both Ben Bender and Jeremy Rafanello are now each ahead of Olivier Mbaizo on the depth chart. Carnell cited the preseason performances as the reason for that. For whatever reason, the Cameroonian defender has not meshed well with Carnell’s style.

Gut instinct tells me that Nathan Harriel would slide over to the left, with either Rafanello or Finn Sundstrom on the right. But Carnell may opt to keep Harriel in his natural position, and stick Ben Bender on the left. He played there during preseason after all. 

Whatever happens there, it should prove interesting. 

For the rest of the starters, expect Andre Blake, Indiana Vassilev, and Bruno Damiani to re-assume their spots in the starting eleven. 

Ezekiel Alladoh impressed in his first start and will almost certainly remain up top. 

As will Milan Iloski. 

And there’s the matter of Cavan Sullivan. After an impressive appearance off the bench, it seems that 2026 may be the year he finally breaks out. Perhaps we’ll see him make another substitute appearance to help the Union kill the game off.

This will be a big season for the Union and in particular for their coach. While the Supporter’s Shield was a massive accomplishment, it’s fair to say last season ended with a whimper. Now in his sophomore campaign with the Union, all eyes will be on Carnell to see if he can build on an impressive 2025. 

• Injury report: Jovan Lukić ((DTD – Ribs), Frankie Westfield (DTD – Hamstring), Agustin Anello (DTD – ‘Muscular things’), Ben Bender (DTD ), Eddy Davis (DTD). 

Key matchup

Makhanya vs. Baribo

The Union’s top scorer from last season versus perhaps their current best defensive talent. It’s not too often that you get to watch a matchup like that between former teammates. 

Player to Watch: Ezekiel Alladoh

Alladoh sure turned some heads on Wednesday. His first-ever touch for the Union landed a shot on goal from a bicycle kick. He followed that up with a tasty header to bag a debut goal. What’s more, his movement and hold up play looked strong. Will that translate to MLS? Only time will tell, but the reigning Wooden Spoon champs would be a great place to get started.

Prediction: D.C. United 1 – 2 Philadelphia Union

While the duo of Sean’s should improve United’s defense, it won’t be enough to stop the Union’s high press. As difficult as it is to confidently predict an away win in this league, I’m sending it for opening weekend. I mean, it’s D.C. right?