Match Preview: D.C. United at Red Bull New York | Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Match Preview: D.C. United at Red Bull New York | Wednesday, April 22, 2026

D.C. United travels to Sports Illustrated Stadium on Wednesday, April 22 for an Eastern Conference matchup against Red Bull New York in the club's ninth match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Harrison, New Jersey. The Black-and-Red enter the midweek contest with a 2-4-2 record and eight points, looking to pick up a second away win of the season in what is one of MLS's longest-standing rivalries.

D.C. United have shown defensive resilience in their last two outings, holding Philadelphia Union to a 0-0 draw on Saturday and limiting opponents to one goal across their last three MLS matches. Head Coach René Weiler will look to build on that defensive structure while generating more in the attacking third, with forward Tai Baribo returning to form after two matches out with injury. Baribo registered one shot and created one chance in his return at Philadelphia, and will look to find his scoring form against a Red Bull side that has conceded goals this season.

New York enter Wednesday's match with a 3-2-2 record under first-year head coach Michael Bradley, who took over ahead of the 2026 season after the club missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2009. Red Bull have been one of the more active teams in the Eastern Conference offensively, leading the conference with 14.86 expected goals and registering 111 shots and 45 on target through seven matches. Four of their goals this season have come from set pieces, making them a threat from dead balls that D.C. United's defense will need to be alert to. The most notable danger comes from homegrown forward Julian Hall, the 18-year-old who scored a brace on opening day and has become one of the most exciting young players in MLS. Hall made history earlier this season with two assists in a single match, becoming the seventh-youngest player in MLS history to accomplish the feat. Swedish midfielder Emil Forsberg provides creativity and experience in behind the attack, while forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting gives New York a physical presence up top.

New York's most recent result was a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami CF, with forward Adri Mehmeti's 77th minute goal earning the Red Bulls a point in a competitive Eastern Conference matchup. The draw extended New York's unbeaten run to three matches.

Wednesday's contest is the first of two meetings between the clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. The Atlantic Cup rivalry between D.C. United and Red Bull New York dates back to the inaugural 1996 MLS season and remains one of the league's most storied fixtures.

By the Numbers:

• D.C. United goalkeeper Sean Johnson had 22 saves through seven league appearances entering the Philadelphia match, then added four more saves for his third clean sheet of the season on April 18.  

• D.C. United is 38-36-18 all-time against Red Bull New York in regular season play and 15-19-10 on the road in the series.  

• João Peglow scored both goals in D.C. United’s 2-1 win at Sports Illustrated Stadium on April 19, 2025.  

• New York scored four goals against FC Cincinnati on April 4, earned a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami on April 11, and then fell 4-1 at CF Montréal on April 18.  

• Julian Hall scored his fifth MLS goal of the season against FC Cincinnati and later posted two assists against Inter Miami.

Last Match Against Red Bull New York | February 21, 2026 at Audi Field

In the most recent meeting on May 24, 2025, D.C. United fell 2-0 to Red Bull New York at Audi Field. New York opened the scoring in the 42nd minute through winger Cameron Harper before forward Mohammed Sofo added a second in stoppage time to seal the result. Despite the loss, defender Lucas Bartlett won a match-high 14 duels for the Black-and-Red, while João Peglow won six ground duels and completed two tackles. Wednesday marks the first meeting between the two clubs in the 2026 regular season as D.C. United looks to earn an important road result under Head Coach René Weiler. 

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.