Match Preview: D.C. United at New York City FC | Sunday, May 3, 2026

D.C. United travel to Citi Field this Sunday, May 3 for an Eastern Conference matchup against New York City FC in the club's eleventh match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET in New York. The Black-and-Red enter the weekend at 3-4-3 with 12 points, looking to build on Saturday's 3-2 comeback win over Orlando City SC and earn back-to-back victories for the first time in 2026.

Saturday's win at Audi Field showed the character of this group. Defender Kye Rowles headed home his first goal of the season in the 90th minute to complete a comeback from 2-1 down, while forward Louis Munteanu scored his first career MLS goal in the 84th minute to set up the late finish. Midfielder Jackson Hopkins continued his run of form with the opening goal, his second of the season. Head Coach René Weiler will look to carry that momentum onto the road on Sunday. Forward Tai Baribo, who missed Saturday's match, will be assessed ahead of Sunday's contest. With six goals in eight starts on the season, the Israeli forward's return would be a significant addition to the attack.

New York City FC enter Sunday level with D.C. United at 3-4-3 with 12 points under head coach Pascal Jansen, though the clubs have arrived at that mark via different paths. NYCFC opened the season with three wins in their first four matches, including a 5-0 home victory over Orlando City SC and a 3-1 win over Colorado, but have not won since April 4 and are 0-3-3 across their last six matches. Their most recent outing was a 0-1 defeat at CF Montréal on April 25. Midfielder Nicolás Fernández leads the club with eight goals and 33 shots through ten starts, ranking among the league's top scorers and registering a shot on goal in all ten of his appearances this season. Midfielder Maxi Moralez leads the club with six assists, tied for the league lead. Forward Agustín Ojeda has added three goals and two assists from the wing, while midfielder Hannes Wolf has contributed two goals and one assist in nine starts. Goalkeeper Matt Freese has posted a 1.6 GAA through ten starts with 34 saves on the season.

Sunday's match is the first meeting between the two clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. New York City FC lead the all-time regular season series 11-8-5, with D.C. United holding a 2-8-2 road record in the series. The most recent meeting came on August 30, 2025, when D.C. United earned a 2-1 victory at NYCFC.

By the Numbers:

D.C. United goalkeeper Sean Johnson has 33 saves and three clean sheets in 10 appearances this season.

The Black-and-Red have a 2-3-0 record against New York City FC in their last five away matches, winning 2-1 in their last meeting on Aug. 30, 2025.

D.C. United have scored seven total goals across their last two matches.

Midfielder Nicolás Fernández leads New York City FC with eight goals through ten matches in 2026, ranking among the top scorers in the Eastern Conference.

Midfielder Maximiliano Moralez leads New York City FC with six assists in 2026, tied for the league lead.

Last Match Against New York City FC | August 30, 2025 at Citi Field

In the most recent meeting on August 30, 2025, D.C. United earned a 2-1 victory at Citi Field behind two goals from midfielder Gabriel Pirani. New York City took the lead in the 19th minute through midfielder Justin Haak. Pirani leveled before halftime with a finish off the right post and then struck again in the 77th minute, outracing the NYCFC defense and flicking a clinical shot inside the back post off a Christian Benteke through ball to put D.C. United ahead for good. Goalkeeper Luis Barraza made three saves to protect the lead for the Black-and-Red.

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.

Match Preview: D.C. United at New York City FC | Sunday, May 3, 2026