A decimated D.C. United falls 1-0 at home against F.C. Charlotte F.C.

Wilfried Zaha’s 33rd-minute goal was enough to lift Charlotte FC to a 1-0 win over D.C. United on Saturday night at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.

Charlotte capitalized on D.C. United’s early misfortunes, playing with a two-man advantage for over an hour after United had both starting goalkeeper Luis Barraza and defender Aaron Herrera sent off in the first half. Despite the disadvantage, D.C. defended bravely and nearly held on, but Zaha’s powerful right-footed shot from the left side of the box found the top right corner after a well-worked set piece with Nikola Petkovic.

United's defensive resolve was admirable. Jordan Farr, making his second straight league appearance, came on in the 23rd minute and was loudly applauded by the home fans. He made several crucial stops to keep the game close, showing composure under relentless Charlotte pressure.

With the loss, D.C. United dropped their third straight match overall and their second straight at home. Their home form remains a major concern — just two wins in 17 home games this season, with a 12% win rate.

Charlotte FC, meanwhile, controlled much of the possession but failed to break down United’s compact low block beyond the Zaha goal. Despite the lack of scoring, the visitors did enough to secure all three points in a scrappy, physical match.

Three aspects of the game

D.C. United defends with heart: Despite playing with nine men for over 75 minutes, D.C. United showed tremendous organization and fight, frustrating Charlotte’s attack.

Jordan Farr steps up again: Thrust into action after Barraza’s red card, Farr made his second consecutive appearance and delivered another solid performance, earning praise from the supporters.

Home woes continue for United: With only two wins in 17 home games this season, D.C. United’s struggles at Audi Field remain a glaring issue.

Lineups

D.C. United (4-3-3): Luis Barraza, Kye Rowles, Lucas Bartlett (Lukas MacNaughton 71’), Aaron Herrera, David Schnegg (Jordan Farr 23’), Conner Antley, Matti Peltola, Jackson Hopkins, Gabriel Pirani (Caden Clark 71’), João Peglow (Jared Stroud 49’), Christian Benteke (Dominique Badji 71’).

Unused subs: Jacob Murrell, Boris Enow, Derek Dodson, Rida Zouhir

Charlotte FC (4-2-3-1): Kristijan Kahlina, Nathan Byrne, Tim Ream, Andrew Privett (Bill Tuiloma 89’), Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Djibril Diani, Eryk Williamson (Baye Coulibaly 89’), Kerwin Vargas (Liel Abada 58’), Nikola Petkovic (Archie Goodwin 74’), Wilfried Zaha, Idan Toklomati.

Unused subs: Nicholas Scardina, Jack Neeley, David Bingham, Tyger Smalls, Brandon Cambridge

Scoring summary

CLT – Wilfried Zaha (Petkovic) 33’

Misconduct summary

CLT – Byrne (YC 37’), Zaha (YC 75’), Williamson (YC 82’)DC – Barraza (RC 21’), Herrera (RC 30’), Hopkins (YC 42’), Stroud (YC 61’)

Looking Ahead

D.C. United will play their final regular season home game against Atlanta United this Saturday, October 11 at 6 p.m. at Audi Field. The Black-and-Red will look to end the season with dignity and avoid finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Having now missed the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year, D.C. United will aim to avoid matching the Chicago Fire’s record for the longest playoff drought in league history (7 seasons), next year.