D.C. United to Face Ethiopia in Second Edition of Ethiopia Soccer Legacy Match

Washington, D.C. – July 31, 2025

D.C. United, winless in the last nine games

across all competitions, will host the Ethiopia National Team this Saturday, August 2, at Audi Field at 5:00pm in a friendly match. This match marks the second annual Ethiopia Soccer Legacy Match, an event that has grown from a historic first edition last year into a meaningful tradition that bridges cultures on and off the pitch.

The Legacy Match, established in 2024, is the result of a visionary partnership between D.C. United and club co-owner Eyob Mamo, a native of Ethiopia and CEO of Capital Petroleum. Eyob has been the driving force behind this initiative, aiming to promote Ethiopian soccer internationally while creating cultural connection points in the D.C. area—home to one of the largest Ethiopian communities in the world.

“This partnership with the Ethiopia Football Federation is about more than soccer,” said Eyob.“We’re building a long-term bridge for cultural exchange, youth development, and community celebration. I’m humbled that this initiative will be part of the Mamo Kacha family’s legacy in the global game.”

Last year’s inaugural match featured Ethiopian Premier League powerhouses Coffee Sport Club and St. George FC at Audi Field. This year, the Ethiopian National Team—also known as the Walia Ibex—will take center stage. Led by head coach Mesay Teferi, Ethiopia enters the match in strong form, coming off a 6-1 victory over Djibouti in their most recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, with standout performances from Bereket Desta and Abubeker Nassir, both of whom netted hat tricks. The team also boasts talented midfielders Amanuel Yohannes and Kenean Markneh, who have become anchors in the national squad.

From a sporting perspective, D.C. United will use the match as an opportunity to rotate the squad and provide crucial minutes to younger players and academy prospects.

“We’re coming off a challenging July,” said Kevin Flanagan, interim Head Coach.“This match gives us the chance to assess younger players and continue preparing for the next phase of the season.”

D.C. United CEO and Co-Chairman Jason Levien highlighted the global scope of the event:

“We are honored to host the Ethiopia National Team, and we are proud that Audi Field continues to serve as a hub for the global football community.”

The match also reflects the broader ambitions of the club's leadership. Eyob reiterated his vision not only for cultural collaboration but also for building a championship-caliber team in the near future.

“We want to bring in two or three high-caliber players from leagues like the Premier League or Bundesliga to compete for championships within the next two years,” he said.“At the same time, we’re exploring more international friendlies, including matches against South American opponents.”

Looking ahead, the Ethiopia Soccer Legacy Match is expected to grow into a two-day celebration. Plans are underway for a cultural festival that could accompany future editions of the game, amplifying its community impact.

The collaboration between D.C. United and the Ethiopian Football Federation, formalized in May 2024, has become a pillar of the club’s international outreach strategy. It combines soccer development, international visibility, and community-building in a way few MLS initiatives have attempted.

As D.C. United continues to finalize the arrival of incoming head coach Rene, pending visa approval, the club remains focused on long-term strategy both on and off the field.

After five consecutive seasons without making the playoffs—and a likely sixth on the horizon—fans are cautiously optimistic. Having now heard directly from ownership about ambitious future plans, there's renewed hope that this vision can finally come to fruition. The ultimate goal remains clear: to bring D.C. United back to where it belongs—competing for trophies and restoring pride to one of MLS’s original champions.