Match Preview: D.C. United at Nashville SC | Saturday, May 9, 2026

Match Preview: D.C. United at Nashville SC | Saturday, May 9, 2026

D.C. United travel to GEODIS Park this Saturday, May 9 for an Eastern Conference matchup against Nashville SC in the club's twelfth match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 9:15 p.m. ET in Nashville, Tennessee. The Black-and-Red enter the weekend at 4-4-3 with 15 points, riding four consecutive unbeaten matches and back-to-back victories for the first time in 2026 after Sunday's dominant 2-0 road win at New York City FC.

Sunday's clean sheet result at Citi Field demonstrated a new level of defensive organization from this group. Forward Louis Munteanu has been one of the most form players in the Eastern Conference over the past two weeks, scoring three goals across his last two appearances including a two-goal performance at NYCFC. Defender Kye Rowles was outstanding against New York City FC with 17 defensive contributions and 12 clearances, and midfielder Brandon Servania provided the kind of composed, industrious performance that will be required again against the Eastern Conference's most dangerous side.

Nashville SC enter the weekend at 7-1-2 with 23 points atop the Eastern Conference under head coach B.J. Callaghan, but the Boys in Gold come into Saturday on the back of consecutive results without a win. After a 0-0 draw at Philadelphia on May 2, Nashville traveled to Monterrey for Tuesday's Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal second leg at Tigres UANL, where the Liga MX side won 1-0 to advance 2-0 on aggregate and end Nashville's tournament run. Nashville will also be monitoring the fitness of forward Sam Surridge, who leads the MLS Golden Boot race with nine goals on the season but missed Tuesday's match in Mexico with a back injury, leaving his availability for Saturday uncertain. Midfielder and 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar and offseason signing Cristian Espinoza, a two-time MLS All-Star who joined Nashville this winter from San Jose, headline an attack that has been productive when at full strength. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake posted five clean sheets across six Concacaf Champions Cup matches earlier this spring. Nashville are 4-0-0 at GEODIS Park in MLS play this season, but D.C. United arrive in Tennessee in form after consecutive victories.

Saturday's match is the first meeting between the two clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. Nashville SC lead the all-time regular season series against D.C. United, with the most recent meeting coming on June 28, 2025 when Nashville claimed a 1-0 victory at Audi Field on a Sam Surridge penalty. D.C. United will look to earn a road result against the conference leaders and continue a run of form that has seen the club pick up seven points from its last three matches.

By the Numbers:

• D.C. United forward Louis Munteanu has scored three of the last five goals, with one vs. ORL and a brace at NYC.
• The Black-and-Red are unbeaten in four straight matches and sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, earning eight points across that stretch at 2-0-2.
• D.C. United goalkeeper Sean Johnson has 37 saves and four clean sheets in 11 appearances this season.
• Nashville SC enters Saturday off a 0-0 draw at Philadelphia Union on May 2, their second scoreless result of the season.
• Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge leads the team with nine goals across seven appearances.

Last Match Against Nashville SC | June 28, 2025 at Audi Field

In the most recent meeting on June 28, 2025, Nashville SC claimed a 1-0 victory at Audi Field. Forward Sam Surridge scored the only goal of the match in the 18th minute, converting a penalty kick drawn by designated player Hany Mukhtar to give the visitors three points in Washington. Nashville were organized and disciplined throughout, limiting D.C. United's chances across 90 minutes. The Black-and-Red will look to avenge that result when the two clubs meet at GEODIS Park on Saturday 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.