D.C. United and Special Olympics Unified Team defeated Houston Dynamo’s Special Olympics Unified Team, 4-2, on Tuesday, July 22, to kick off an unforgettable 48 hours in Houston, Texas.
This trip marked a historic first for the club, as DC’s Unified Team traveled alongside the club’s first team for the first time ever. 11 athletes and unified partners made the trip down to H-Town for a once in a lifetime experience.
“Our trip to Houston with Special Olympics DC athletes was an experience they will truly remember forever,” said Shanell Mosley, Senior Director, Community Impact & Executive Director of D.C. United Foundation. “Our unified athletes had the opportunity not only to take on Houston’s Unified Team but also to experience a true road trip alongside D.C. United’s First Team. This trip showcased the club’s commitment to championing inclusion through sports and community beyond the DMV.”
The two-day trip kicked off with a competitive match between DC and Houston’s unified sides at the Houston Sports Park, Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash’s training facility. Led by Coach Nathan Young, DC opened the scoring a few minutes into the match to give the Black-and-Red an early lead. Despite several attempts, Houston was unable to equalize before halftime. DC’s Goalkeeper was dominant in goal, making key saves for DC’s side to maintain its 0-1 halftime edge.
Houston responded shortly after play resumed to equalize and followed it up with the go-ahead goal moments later. DC wasted no time, and was back on the scoresheet just minutes later, leveling the score for the Black-and-Red.
With just under ten minutes remaining in the match, DC added an insurance goal to put the Black-and-Red ahead followed by a fourth and final goal, sealing the 2-4 win. Athletes on both unified sides were awarded gold medals and pennants following the match.
Tuesday night’s victory was just the start of the packed trip as Thursday included an exchange event at the Dash House, participation in the player tunnel walk out, a VIP game-day experience with halftime recognition and a post-match photo and autograph session with players and coaches before traveling back to D.C. with the First Team and a point against Houston Dynamo FC on the road.
Ahead of the second half of the 2026 MLS season, Special Olympics DC hosted its annual signing day with D.C. United General Manager Erkut Sogut and Defender Sean Nealis, welcoming DC’s Unified Team. The program unites athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, providing the opportunity to compete against other MLS unified teams while celebrating inclusion through soccer.
“I was able to join them at a training session last year and just seeing the joy that it brings them to be together and to play the game is really cool,” said Jacob Murrell, D.C. United forward. “For them to get the result on top of it, that was awesome.”
DC’s Unified Team remains undefeated this season and returns to the pitch on Saturday, September 19 to host Charlotte FC’s Unified Team at Audi Field following the D.C. United match.
To learn more about D.C. United's impact in the community, please visit dcunited.com/community/.
