D.C. United Aim to Test NYCFC’s Playoff Ambitions at Yankee Stadium

Washington, D.C. — D.C. United travels to Yankee Stadium this Saturday, August 30th, with the hopes of ending their 11-game winless streak against a tough N.Y. City FC side. Sitting in 8th place on 44 points, NYCFC remains in the thick of the playoff race and knows every match counts. Head coach Pascal Jansen framed the run-in with urgency, calling the final stretch “eight more finals” as his side pushes for a postseason berth.

“We’re trying to make the playoffs,” Jansen said ahead of the clash. “D.C. may not be in a good position, but they showed with their big result against Miami that they can be dangerous. We have to use these positive moments ourselves and keep building momentum.”

For NYCFC, Australian midfielder Aiden O’Neal highlighted both the opportunity and the personal subplot of this weekend’s match. O’Neal will line up opposite his close friend and compatriot, Kai Rowles of D.C. United, with whom he shares both a friendship and national team ties. While looking forward to the reunion, O’Neal warned of D.C.’s potential threat.

“They’ve been on a tough run, but Benteke is always dangerous,” O’Neal said, referencing United’s Belgian striker. “We can’t take them lightly, even if they haven’t won in 11 games.”

On the other side, D.C. United arrives with little left to play for in the standings, having already been eliminated from playoff contention. Still, new head coach René is using the remaining fixtures as a proving ground. In his first two weeks in charge, he’s overseen two draws, emphasizing defensive compactness and a shift in mentality.

“The team is more solid now, avoiding the mistakes that cost them earlier in the season,” René said. “Scoring has been a challenge, but we’re building from the back. At the same time, I want the players to have fun, to play with freedom. That’s how we create a good atmosphere and better performances.”

René has been honest about the bigger picture, openly using these matches to evaluate his squad ahead of the transfer window. “I can’t change the quality of the players, but I can change the mood,” he explained. “The ideal player in my system reads the game, is technically skilled, and physically strong. We want to be more compact, more creative, create chances, and not concede.”

Defender Kai Rowles echoed those sentiments, praising the team’s defensive stability under the new manager. “Becoming more compact defensively has been the priority, and you can see we’ve conceded fewer goals recently,” Rowles said. “At the same time, we want to play attacking, exciting football. Our first half against Miami was one of the best of the season.”

Rowles stressed that while the team is tightening up at the back, they are not abandoning their attacking identity. “We still want to impose ourselves offensively—pressing high, keeping possession, and showing the quality in this squad. It’s not just about sitting back.”

The Australian center-back also singled out Jackson Hopkins for praise. “Jackson has shown real maturity and professionalism, especially after coming back from injury,” Rowles said. “He’s scored in back-to-back games and even captained the side, which was fully deserved given his leadership qualities despite his age.”

Looking beyond the playoff picture, Rowles emphasized the importance of mentality. “Even though we’re eliminated, these games matter,” he explained. “It’s about building confidence, solidifying our style, and carrying momentum into next season. No one here is throwing in the towel — we want to set a positive culture moving forward.”

As for Saturday’s challenge, Rowles acknowledged the unique test of Yankee Stadium. “The smaller pitch changes things, and we’ve prepared for that in training,” he said. “I’m excited to experience such a historic venue for the first time.”

As NYCFC chase playoff security and D.C. United focus on building toward next season, Saturday’s meeting presents contrasting stakes. For Jansen’s side, it’s another must-win in the playoff push. For René and Rowles, it’s another step in reshaping the club’s identity.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Yankee Stadium.