D.C. United Wraps Up an Encouraging 2026 Preseason

D.C. United closed its 2026 preseason with plenty of positives after finishing undefeated across three matches, showing early defensive solidity and steady integration of new faces in the offensive and defensive Black-and-Red chemistry ahead of the MLS campaign.

Scoreless Opener vs. Portland Timbers

D.C. United opened play at the Coachella Valley Invitational with a 0–0 draw against the Portland Timbers. The Black-and-Red started with Johnson, Bartlett, Peltola, Kurokawa, Peglow, Baribo, Louis, Antley, Rowles, Servania, and Hopkins.

Several players made their first unofficial appearances for the club, including Johnson, Kurokawa, Baribo, and Louis. The clearest chance for the Black-and-Red came in the 60th minute when Matti Peltola delivered a perfect cross that Tai Baribo struck off the crossbar.

D.C. United rotated heavily in the second half, giving minutes to Kijima (Peglow), Clark (Servania), Farr (Johnson), Marković (Bartlett), Murrell (Louis), and Turner (Baribo).

Defender Nikola Marković, Carolina State University standout and #1 overall SuperDraft pick for D.C. ,made his first unofficial appearance as a center back at the 84th minute.

Another Clean Sheet Against Minnesota United

In their second preseason outing, D.C. United again played to a scoreless draw, this time against Minnesota United. The starting XI featured Kurokawa, Peglow, Stroud, Baribo, Nealis, Tubbs, Servania, Marković, Clark, Kijima, and Bono.

Goalkeeper Alex Bono played the full 90 minutes, marking his first appearance for the Black-and-Red since facing Charlotte FC on October 19, 2024. The best opportunity fell to Louis, who fired two shots that were both blocked by a well-organized Minnesota defense.

Closed-Door Victory to Close Preseason

D.C. United wrapped up preseason with a 3–1 victory over St. Louis City SC in a match closed to the public. Goals came from Baribo, Rowles, and Murrell. Johnson started in goal, while Baribo and Louis led the line as the two starting forwards.

Positive Signs Ahead of the Season

Overall, it was a very encouraging preseason for the Black-and-Red. D.C. United went undefeated, conceded just one goal in three matches, and showed significant defensive improvement after allowing 66 goals in 34 games last season.

Notable absences included Herrera, who was away following the birth of his child, Pirani (undisclosed), and recently acquired Silvan Hefti, who joined the club on January 29. The youngsters Oscar Avilez (MID) and Grant Leveille (GK) traveled with the team but did not see game action.

The focus now turns to the regular season, as D.C. United prepares to host the Philadelphia Union in their home opener at Audi Field on Saturday, February 21, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.