What is next for D.C. United?

"DC is a disaster"... The words Landon Donovan used to describe DC United's current situation in his podcast "Unfiltered Soccer". Tim Howard expressed that he does not understand how some sports franchises "wallow away in the bottom" and it should not be that hard to figure it out and get yourself out of it.

The Black-and-Red have had a bad spell since their 3-0 loss against Charlotte F.C. at Audi Field last season, which eliminated them from the playoff contention. The team from the nation's capital only needed a win or a draw but lost in front of their home crowd. D.C. has not made the playoffs since 2019 and has not won a playoff game since 2015. It makes you wonder what the root of the problem is for the bad performances year after year for the sixth consecutive season.

Last Sunday in San Jose, what was supposed to be a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the first-ever MLS game for the black- and-red, after being dominated 6-1. Troy Lesesne said post-match press conference: "It isn't good enough and we have to address very quickly to continue to fight and push as hard as we can to get ourselves in a better position". He also mentioned that something has to change. DC United will have an opportunity this weekend in their home field to bounce back and return to winning ways after losing three and tying one in their last four matches. The big question is if there is any added pressure regarding Troy's coaching position if D.C. does not get a win this Saturday against Cincinnati FC. DC will have a tough matchup against a strong Cincinnati team that sits in 5th place with 13 points and is coming with a two-game winning streak.

D.C. United opted for the Designated Player Path for this 2025 season. This means that they are allowed to have up to three DPs and three U-22 Initiative Players. So far D.C. has only occupied two DP Spots; Benteke and Klich and has occupied two 2 U-22 Initiative Players: Pirani and Joon Hong. It is important to note, that D.C. maintains Klich's DP spot after they traded him to Atlanta in exchange for the 23rd overall SuperDraft Pick. Then D.C. exchanged the 23rd overall pick from Toronto for 50,000 in General Allocation Money. The Black-and-red has the option to sign one more DP and U-22 initiative player who can come to bolster this team that is in a desperate situation. Additionally, they may use any TAM or GAM available to sign any homegrown platers. Based on the MLS databases DC has around $123,000 in GAM available. The primary transfer window ends on Wednesday 23rd, 2025. If DC plans on bringing any signings, they should do it before then, or they will have to wait until the second transfer window from July 24-August 21, 2025.

Is there added pressure for Troy Lesesne DC United to get a win this weekend against Cincinnati?

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• Yes, if they lose they should look for other options.
• No, give him more time.