Match Preview: D.C. United at Houston Dynamo FC | Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Match Preview: D.C. United at Houston Dynamo FC | Wednesday, July 22, 2026

D.C. United travel to Shell Energy Stadium this Wednesday, July 22 for a matchup against Houston Dynamo FC in the club's sixteenth match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET in Houston, Texas. The Black-and-Red return from the FIFA World Cup break at 4-5-6 with 18 points, having lost just one of their last eight matches, and open the second half of the campaign looking to build early momentum in the push toward the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. During the break, the club bolstered its attack with the addition of El Salvador international forward Nathan Ordaz from LAFC and English midfilder Andre Dozzell from Portsmouth FC.

D.C. United enter Wednesday's contest off a 4-4 draw against CF Montréal at Audi Field on May 23, the club's final match before the break. The Black-and-Red led 4-2 entering stoppage time before conceding two late goals. Forward Louis Munteanu opened the scoring in the ninth minute, heading home a rebound off a Brandon Servania strike, and midfielder Jared Stroud doubled the lead in the 28th minute for his first goal in an MLS match since 2024. Forward Tai Baribo converted a penalty in the 51st minute for his eighth goal of the season, and captain Lucas Bartlett headed home off a corner in the 87th minute. Head Coach René Weiler will look to rediscover the club's best form coming out of the break, with Baribo and Munteanu both entering the second half of the season in strong scoring runs. 

Houston Dynamo FC return from the break at 7-6-1 with 22 points, sitting sixth in the Western Conference under Head Coach Ben Olsen, who spent more than two decades with D.C. United as a player and coach before taking charge in Houston. The Dynamo closed the first half of the season with a 1-1 draw at LA Galaxy on May 23 and have been especially strong at home, going 5-2-0 at Shell Energy Stadium and unbeaten there since April 4. Forward Guilherme, a Designated Player signing from Santos FC, leads the club with eight goals and five assists in 14 appearances and accounts for more than half of Houston's goal contributions this season. Midfielder Mateusz Bogusz has added 16 shots on target, and goalkeeper Jonathan Bond has posted four clean sheets across 14 appearances. 

Wednesday's match is the first meeting between the two clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. Houston Dynamo FC lead the all-time regular season series 16-7-5, with the most recent meeting a 4-1 Houston victory on June 22, 2024 at Audi Field. D.C. United will look to earn a road result at Shell Energy Stadium and begin the second half of the season on the front foot. 

By the Numbers:

• Houston Dynamo FC lead the all-time regular season series against D.C. United 16-7-5, with the most recent meeting a 4-1 Houston win on June 22, 2024 at Audi Field. 

• D.C. United have lost just one of their last eight matches, a run dating back to April 18. 

• Forward Tai Baribo leads D.C. United with eight goals in 12 appearances this season, including a hat trick on April 22 at New York Red Bulls. 

• Forward Louis Munteanu has scored five goals across his last six appearances for D.C. United. 

• Goalkeeper Sean Johnson has 53 saves and four clean sheets in 15 appearances this season. 

• Houston Dynamo forward Guilherme leads the club with eight goals and five assists in 14 appearances this season.

Last Match Against Houston Dynamo FC | June 22, 2024 at Audi Field

In the most recent meeting on June 22, 2024, Houston Dynamo FC earned a 4-1 victory at Audi Field. Forward Christian Benteke gave the Black-and-Red a 1-0 halftime lead, converting a penalty in the 38th minute after being fouled in the box. Houston forward Sebastián Ferreira answered with a second-half hat trick, leveling the match from the penalty spot in the 51st minute before scoring again in the 54th and 86th minutes, and forward Gabe Segal added a late fourth. The Black-and-Red will look to avenge that result when the two clubs meet for the first time in two years on Wednesday night. 

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.