D.C. United will take on Eastern Conference rivals Atlanta United FC on July 5 at Audi Field, with the match slated to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Black-and-Red aim to bounce back at home following a narrow 1-0 defeat against Nashville SC last weekend.
This match marks the first encounter between D.C. United and Atlanta United in the 2025 MLS season, with the teams last meeting on June 19, 2024, where Atlanta secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from midfielder Thiago Almada.
Currently, D.C. United holds a 4-10-6 record (18 points) in the Eastern Conference and is eager to leverage their home advantage to snap a winless streak.
Last weekend’s match against Nashville SC was a defensive showdown for D.C. United, where they suffered a last-minute defeat.
The Black-and-Red conceded an early penalty in the 18th minute but showed grit and nearly leveled the match in the second half.
Midfielder Matti Peltola’s shot in the 56th minute went just wide, highlighting D.C. United’s struggle for a breakthrough.
Head Coach Troy Lesesne made key substitutions in the 62nd minute, bringing in Christian Benteke, João Peglow, and Gabriel Pirani to ignite their attacking play.
Benteke, returning from a lengthy injury absence, almost equalized in the 66th minute with a powerful header that narrowly missed its mark.
Gabriel Pirani showcased his activity on offense but saw a late shot blocked by a Nashville defender in the 80th minute.
Additionally, defender David Schnegg was instrumental on the left flank, consistently pushing forward and delivering dangerous crosses, despite having two attempted shots blocked.
Despite the loss, the D.C. United defense displayed remarkable resilience.
The defensive trio of Lucas Bartlett, Garrison Tubbs, and Kye Rowles kept Nashville at bay, limiting them to only two shots on goal throughout the match.
Goalkeeper Luis Barraza made a crucial save in the 37th minute, ensuring that the match remained within reach for the Black-and-Red.
D.C. United recorded a total of seven shots with only one on target and earned four corner kicks, illustrating their capacity to create pressure while chasing the game.
With the focus now shifting towards their next home test on July 5, D.C. United is determined to convert their chances and secure a much-needed victory.
Opposing them will be Atlanta United FC, who comes into the match with a 4-10-5 record (17 points) and sits just below D.C. United in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Five Stripes have had a challenging time on the road this season, holding a poor record of 0-7-2 away from home, and are in desperate need of a turnaround during their visit to Audi Field.
Atlanta’s most recent outing was a disappointing 3-1 defeat on the road against Columbus Crew on June 25.
They have been in a tough stretch, losing their last three matches and conceding a total of nine goals, including a 4-0 loss to New York City FC on June 12.
After facing a break due to international competitions, Atlanta will be eager to regroup and regain momentum as they head to D.C.
Head Coach Ronny Deila is aiming to energize Atlanta’s offense, relying on key contributors to change their fortunes.
Forward Emmanuel Latte Lath stands out as the team’s leading goal-scorer with five goals this season, adding a physical presence to the frontline.
Additionally, the return of former star Miguel Almirón, who rejoined the club in January after five years in Europe, is expected to bolster their attacking options.
Almirón was vital in Atlanta’s 2018 championship run and has already made a significant impact in the ongoing season, enhancing creativity in the midfield.
However, Atlanta has also faced challenges defensively, conceding 37 goals across the season, the second-most in the Eastern Conference.
With a desire to solidify their defense, Atlanta hopes to halt their decline in the conference standings.
D.C. United will enter the match once again without their key right-back Aaron Herrera, who recently participated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the Guatemala National Team.
Herrera has been influential in Guatemala’s push through the tournament, which included impressive performances such as a quarter-final victory over Canada, with a dramatic penalty shootout win.
Despite losing to the United States in the semifinals, Herrera’s participation has kept him away from D.C. United, where Peltola’s return from the Finland U-21 National Team has provided additional depth in the midfield.
The upcoming match could also mark a critical moment for D.C. United’s offensive strategy, as they integrate Christian Benteke back into a more substantial role.
The veteran striker was previously the club’s top scorer and the 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner, and his return from injury could have a significant impact on the team’s attacking dynamics against Atlanta.
To secure all three points against Atlanta, D.C. United must deliver a focused and energetic performance.
This entails disrupting Atlanta’s key playmakers and preventing their attack from finding a rhythm.
Heavy pressure on Atlanta’s midfield is essential for forcing turnovers and limiting service to their forwards.
At the same time, D.C. United will aim to exploit Atlanta’s defensive frailties, capitalizing on any errors made by the visitors’ backline.
An early goal for the Black-and-Red could set the tone for success at Audi Field, helping them improve their home record this season.
Several standout performances were noted in D.C. United’s previous match against Nashville SC on June 28.
Forward Christian Benteke made his notable return with 28 minutes of play, registering one shot and winning two duels since emerging from injury.
Defender David Schnegg led his team with a game-high seven duels and completed 90 minutes, marking his effectiveness with eight passes into the final third and achieving a 100% dribble success rate.
Midfielder Brandon Servania also contributed notably, finishing with an impressive 85% passing accuracy and winning five ground duels across his 77-minute performance.
Homegrown midfielder Jackson Hopkins made an eagerly awaited return after a brief absence, taking the field against Nashville SC for the first time since May 24.
When reflecting on their last matchup against Atlanta United on June 19, 2024, D.C. United faced a tight contest that resulted in a narrow loss.
Thiago Almada’s spectacular 79th-minute goal proved decisive in what was otherwise a defensively battled match.
D.C. United had a goal ruled offside after a review earlier in the match, further highlighting the fine margins in that previous encounter.
The previous season saw both teams secure a win, with D.C. United clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory led by Benteke’s hat-trick at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in May 2024.
As they prepare for their first clash of 2025, D.C. United will look back on that successful formula as they seek to earn all three points on home turf.
Fans eager to catch the match can subscribe to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, allowing them to watch every D.C. United game live, complete with exclusive pre- and post-match coverage.
The service offers seamless streaming capabilities, making it accessible on various devices, ensuring supporters are connected to every moment of the season.
For those preferring traditional radio broadcasts, D.C. United games are broadcasted live on 1190 iHeart Sports DC and 101.1 HD2, available through the iHeartRadio App as well.
Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson, a longtime voice of D.C. United since the club’s inception in 1996, will be alongside Bruce Murray, a former United States National Team player and Hall of Fame inductee, to deliver passionate commentary for fans.
Fans tuning into the MLS Local Radio Broadcast channel can enjoy their expert analysis during the match, bringing D.C. United’s thrilling season to life.
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