Match Preview: D.C. United at Philadelphia Union | Saturday, April 18, 2026 

Match Preview: D.C. United at Philadelphia Union | Saturday, April 18, 2026 

D.C. United travels to Subaru Park this Saturday, April 18 for an Eastern Conference matchup against the Philadelphia Union in the club's eighth match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Black-and-Red enter the weekend with a 2-4-1 record and seven points, looking to pick up a result on the road after a difficult stretch that has included back-to-back defeats. 

Wednesday night's Open Cup loss at Audi Field to One Knoxville SC was a tough result, with the Black-and-Red leading twice in extra time before being eliminated on penalty kicks. Head Coach René Weiler will look to use Saturday's contest as an opportunity to reset and pick up what would be the club's second away win of the season. The Black-and-Red showed defensive resolve in their 1-0 win over Philadelphia to open the season on February 21, limiting the Union to just one shot on target across 90 minutes.  They will look to carry that same defensive discipline into Saturday's rematch. 

Philadelphia enter the weekend in poor form, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 1-6-0 record and just three points. The defending Supporters' Shield holders have struggled to find consistency in 2026, conceding 12 goals across seven matches and going 0-3-0 at home at Subaru Park. Their lone win of the season came last Saturday, a 2-1 road victory against CF Montréal, with goals from defender Japhet Larsen and midfielder Jesus Bueno ending a six-match winless run. Forward Milan Iloski leads the Union attack with 23 shots this season but has converted just one on target, a sign of the finishing struggles that have plagued Philadelphia through the early portion of the campaign. 

For D.C. United, the return to MLS action comes at a good time. Forward Tai Baribo, who missed Wednesday's Open Cup match with injury, will be assessed ahead of the weekend hoping to play against his former club. The Black-and-Red will look to build on the defensive structure that Head Coach René Weiler has established while looking to create more chances in the final third.  Midfielder Gabriel Pirani, who leads all current D.C. United players with 13 career shots against Philadelphia, will look to make an impact moving forward and creating chances for the Black-and-Red to get a good result away from home. 

Saturday's match marks the second and final meeting between the two clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. D.C. United hold a 10-22-7 all-time record against Philadelphia in regular season play but enter this fixture as the in-form side in the series, having won the most recent meeting 1-0 on February 21. 

By the Numbers: 

• D.C. United defeated Philadelphia Union 1-0 in the season home opener on February 21, with forward Tai Baribo scoring the lone goal in the 23rd minute. 

• Goalkeeper Sean Johnson has made 22 saves across seven appearances, posting a 1.29 goals against average and two shutouts. 

• Philadelphia Union are 1-6-0 this season and 0-3-0 at home at Subaru Park with a –3 goal differential. 

• Forward Milan Iloski leads Philadelphia with 23 shots this season but has converted just one on target.

Last Match Against Philadelphia Union | February 21, 2026 at Audi Field 

In the most recent meeting on February 21, 2026, D.C. United opened their 2026 MLS season with a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field. Forward Tai Baribo scored the only goal of the match in the 23rd minute, assisted by midfielder João Peglow, to give the Black-and-Red a winning start to the campaign. Midfielder Matti Peltola anchored the midfield, recording 16 recoveries and winning six total duels.  Meanwhile, goalkeeper Sean Johnson was largely untroubled, facing just one shot on target across 90 minutes to record a clean sheet. D.C. United finished with seven shots to Philadelphia's 13, but the Black-and-Red were clinical when it mattered most. 

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.