The Major League Soccer (MLS) 2026 season began in the nation’s capital under the lights of Audi Field on Feb. 21, where D.C. United opened its campaign with a narrow but meaningful 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union with 18,003 fans in attendance.
“I’m glad that I scored. I’m glad that we won,” said forward Tai Baribo. “This is the most important thing, but again the result is good… We came to fight today, we won. It’s good, but sometimes we’ve come to fight and we will not win. But still we’re focusing on ourselves and continuing the process.”
The Black and Red, now 1-0-0 with three points, delivered a performance that blended defensive steel with flashes of attacking promise, setting an early tone for what they hope will be a defining year.
A breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute. Eager to make his mark in Washington, Baribo found the striking moment, notching his first goal for the club. It was a striker’s finish that stood as the difference in a tightly contested match.
“It’s something that we’ve worked on in training and it’s something that the coach wants us to do, to counter the attack,” said Baribo. “When someone is dribbling, someone needs to go behind, and then there are options. Maybe we’ll go along or give me the opportunity.”
Baribo remained active throughout his 89 minutes. He registered for three shots and implemented himself as a staple in the attack.
Midfielder Matti Pelota commanded the center of the park, completing 84% of his passes and securing seven defensive recoveries. His impact offered balance connecting the defense for attack while breaking up Union’s advances.
Goalkeeper Sean Johnson made his debut as a member of the United with a clean sheet performance, turning aside three shots across 90 minutes.
Johnson’s presence organized the back line and exposed a Philadelphia side that has historically posed problems for Washington.
“I think today was the first step for us,” said Johnson. “We just wanted to create a solid foundation, a solid defensive lead, and obviously we had chances to move forward but I think we did both. So it’s a group that’s hungry to get better. It sounds cliché, but from day one of preseason that’s been our M.O. [modus operandi].”
Late in the match, defender Nikola Markovic stepped on the field for his MLS debut as a stoppage-time substitute. This moment for Markovic marked a pivotal moment for the club as it signaled a positive outlook on D.C. United’s developing depth.
The victory continued a solid home trend against Philadelphia and ensured D.C. remained unbeaten at Audi Field to start the season. More importantly, it provided belief and hope. Three points in the standings are valuable, but confidence to keep in the momentum going into March can be transformative.
“This is what we are doing,” said General Manager René Wiler. “We are trying to build our own culture and our own identity. That’s what we started. And that was just a small step for me. It’s not like a big thing in my opinion. It’s just one step moving forward to build that culture, to build that identity and just get better every day.”
D.C. United Set to Make MLS Debut At M&T Bank Stadium in March
The club’s optimism is traveling north.
On March 7, the club will host the 2025 MLS Champions, Inter Miami CF at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. This marks the first-ever Major League Soccer match ever played at the venue. The move signals ambition beyond the District and creates an extended home for the club in Baltimore.
“This match represents a pivotal moment for our club, and every step we’ve taken has been guided by what our supporters deserve,” said Danita Johnson, D.C. United president of business operations. “Bringing this match to Baltimore is not just a venue change. It is a meaningful step to embracing Baltimore as part of our home fan base. It is also an incredible opportunity to help grow the sport in a market that has consistently shown tremendous passion for soccer. M&T Bank Stadium is no stranger to hosting world-class matches, and we’re grateful to the Baltimore Ravens for welcoming us and helping make this match possible.”
With a natural grass surface and a history of major sporting events, the stadium offers a grand stage for a premier showdown.
For D.C. United, this season’s story is only beginning. A successful home opener, a new goal-scoring threat, a veteran goalkeeper’s arrival, and a regional spotlight in Baltimore all signal a campaign defined by renewal and growth.
If the home opener was about laying the foundation, then the next test will be to see how this team can build upon their redefined growth.
“It’s every day we have this culture, the winning mentality that only through winning, we can win everyone back,” said Wiler. “Our fans, our staff, everyone will come back to Audi Field. And it’s a long journey, we know that, we accept that. We’re not saying that it will happen overnight. I want you to see that today is just the beginning from that. It’s not like the end of the road, so it’s very important to know that.”