Match Preview: D.C. United at FC Cincinnati | Saturday, September 5, 2026

Match Preview: D.C. United at FC Cincinnati | Saturday, September 5, 2026

D.C. United travel to TQL Stadium this Saturday, September 5 for an Eastern Conference matchup against FC Cincinnati in the club's 23rd match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Black-and-Red enter the weekend at 5-7-10 with 25 points and return to a venue where they have lost just once in eight all-time visits.

D.C. United enter Saturday's contest off a 0-0 draw with Los Angeles FC at Audi Field on August 29. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson faced a single shot on target across the 90 minutes, the fewest D.C. United has allowed in a match in 2026, and recorded his fifth shutout of the season. The Black-and-Red have now drawn 10 matches this year, tied with Toronto FC for the most in MLS, and are unbeaten in 2026 when they keep a clean sheet. Head Coach René Weiler's side is 2-3-6 on the road.

FC Cincinnati enter the weekend at 8-7-7 with 31 points, sixth in the Eastern Conference, and are coming off a 4-0 loss at Nashville SC on August 29. Pat Noonan's side has taken five points from its last four matches. Midfielder Evander leads the Orange and Blue with 13 goals and 11 assists in 2026 and has taken a club-high 81 shots while delivering 82 corner kicks, and forward Kevin Denkey has added 11 goals. Forward Tom Barlow has six goals in 22 appearances despite making only seven starts. FC Cincinnati have kept two clean sheets in 22 matches and have conceded 51 goals, two more than they have scored.

Saturday's match is the first of two meetings between the clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season, with the return fixture set for October 24 at Audi Field. D.C. United hold a 6-4-4 edge in the all-time regular season series across 14 meetings and have outscored FC Cincinnati 21-16. The Black-and-Red have been especially strong in Ohio, going 4-1-3 across eight visits to Cincinnati while conceding only five goals, with the lone defeat coming in May 2023. D.C. United won 2-1 on their most recent trip on May 31, 2025.

By the Numbers:

• Forward Tai Baribo has five goals in five career appearances against FC Cincinnati and leads D.C. United with 12 goals in 2026.
• Forward Louis Munteanu has six goals and two assists in 2026 and leads D.C. United with 54 shots.
• Goalkeeper Sean Johnson has started all 22 matches in 2026 with 77 saves and five shutouts.
• Defender Keisuke Kurokawa has started all 22 matches in 2026 and leads D.C. United with 50 corner kicks.
• FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander leads the club with 13 goals and 11 assists in 2026 and is three-for-three from the penalty spot.
• FC Cincinnati are 0-5-3 in 2026 in matches in which they score one goal or fewer.

Last Match Against FC Cincinnati | May 31, 2025, at TQL Stadium

In the most recent meeting between the clubs, D.C. United won 2-1 at TQL Stadium. Gabriel Pirani opened the scoring in the second minute off a David Schnegg delivery, Kevin Denkey levelled for the hosts in the 15th, and defender Conner Antley headed in the winner four minutes later. Both D.C. United goals came from set pieces, and the Black-and-Red held on in front of 25,513 to hand FC Cincinnati their first home defeat of the 2025 season. D.C. United will look to repeat the result on Saturday.

How to Watch

D.C. United fans can catch all the action of their favorite team on Apple TV. With this, you can watch every D.C. United match live, whether it’s home or away, along with exclusive pre- and post-match coverage. Simply open the Apple TV app, navigate to MLS Season Pass, and enjoy the entire 2026 season. Whether you're at home or on the go, you'll have access to every match, ensuring you never miss a moment of D.C. United's season. Enjoy seamless streaming on your Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and more!   

Radio broadcasts will be available live on the iHeartRadio App and Freedom 104.7 FM. Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson, who has called matches for D.C. United since the club’s inception in 1996 will return to the booth alongside Bruce Murray, former United States National Team player (1985-1993, 85 caps and 21 goals) and Class of 2011 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. The pair have partnered on radio calls since 2023 to deliver high-quality and passionate radio calls for fans. Supporters watching D.C. United MLS Regular Season matches on MLS Season Pass can opt to listen to Dave Johnson and Bruce Murray calling the match on the MLS Local Radio Broadcast channel.