Match Preview - D.C. United @ Toronto FC on Saturday, May 10, 2025

Story of the Match

D.C. United plays on the road for the sixth time in 2025 against Toronto FC this Saturday, May 10 at BMO Field, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. 

After two consecutive wins at home over the Colorado Rapids and the Charleston Battery, the Black-and-Red have some positive momentum heading on the road to try and secure their second away win of the season. In the 2-1 victory over Colorado on May 3, D.C. United struck twice in first-half stoppage time, with Christian Benteke scoring his sixth goal of the season and midfielder Hosei Kijima adding a second just three minutes later. Aaron Herrera and Brandon Servania each tallied assists, while defender Conner Antley returned to the starting lineup after recovering from an ACL injury he sustained in May 2024. Three days later, D.C. United won 2-0 against the Charleston Battery of the USL Championship in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32, with a rotated squad looking to maintain their momentum.

After a scoreless 90 minutes, forward Jacob Murrell broke the deadlock in the 98th minute, scoring the opener in extra time. Five minutes later, Jared Stroud sealed the victory, tapping in a second goal that was also set up by Randall Leal. Leal, who had been the creative force after being introduced at halftime, finished with two assists and was the driving engine behind D.C. United's attack. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Kim Joon Hong made four key saves and secured his second clean sheet of the season. The win was a well-rounded team effort that set the stage for a positive road trip as D.C. United looks to build on their unbeaten run and strengthen their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

Toronto FC has had a challenging start to their season with a 1-6-5 (win-loss-tie) record and are coming off a 2-0 loss to the New England Revolution on May 3. Currently near the lower end of the Eastern Conference standings, the Reds continue to search for consistency as they integrate new players and adjust to a shifting lineup. Federico Bernardeschi has been a bright spot with two goals and two assists in ten starts, providing a creative spark in the final third, while Lorenzo Insigne and recent addition Ola Brynhildsen offer attacking options for Toronto.

Although the team has shown encouraging passages of play in possession, they’ve faced difficulties converting those moments into goals and maintaining defensive stability. Injuries and rotation have impacted cohesion, particularly along the back line, but veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson remains a steady presence in goal. For D.C. United, limiting Bernardeschi’s influence and staying sharp in transition will be key to containing a Toronto side eager to turn promising moments into results.

By the Numbers | D.C. United vs. Colorado Rapids:

• Forward Christian Benteke scored his sixth goal of the season in the fourth minute of stoppage time in the first half, assisted by Brandon Servania. Benteke won the most duels in the match with 10 in 71 minutes played.
• Midfielder Hosei Kijima scored his second goal of the season in the seventh minute of stoppage time in the first half, assisted by Aaron Herrera. Kijima won four ground duels and had a 100% tackle success rate.
• Defender Aaron Herrera recorded his third assist for the Black-and-Red this season. Herrera had five passes into the final third and one assist in 90 minutes played.
• Defender Connor Antley made his first start for the Black-and-Red since April 13, 2024, against Orlando City SC. Antley recorded six recoveries and had an 86% passing accuracy in 61 minutes of play.

Last Match Against Toronto FC | February 22, 2025 @ Audi Field

D.C. United kicked off their 2025 MLS campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Toronto FC at Audi Field, marking an energetic season opener filled with debuts and standout moments. The Black-and-Red started on the front foot, nearly taking the lead within the first 40 seconds when Gabriel Pirani fired a shot over the crossbar following a low cross from Christian Benteke.

Shortly after, Midfielder Boris Enow opened the scoring in the eighth minute, netting his first goal for D.C. United and the first goal of the MLS season. Christian Benteke doubled the lead in the 35th minute with a powerful header from a Jacob Murrell assist, continuing his impressive streak of scoring in every home opener since joining United. Toronto pulled one back in the 27th minute under unusual circumstances when Henry Wingo’s intended cutback pass deflected awkwardly off defender Aaron Herrera, who attempted to clear but inadvertently redirected the ball into the path of Jonathan Osorio, who instinctively guided it into an open goal. Despite holding a 2-1 lead at halftime, the Black and Red conceded a second-half penalty to Federico Bernardeschi, which leveled the score.

The match also showcased a host of new international signings for D.C. United, including South Korean goalkeeper Kim Joon Hong, who made five saves in an impressive debut, Australian center back Kye Rowles, and Brazilian winger João Peglow. Midfielder Hosei Kijima, acquired in the offseason, turned in a solid 90-minute shift, winning key duels and creating chances in midfield. Although they were unable to claim all three points, D.C. United’s energetic and aggressive performance signaled a refreshed and ambitious squad heading into the 2025 season.

How to Watch

• D.C. United fans can catch all the action of their favorite team by subscribing to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. With this subscription, you can watch every D.C. United game 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 subscribe to enjoy the entire 2025 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 1190 iHeart Sports DC, 101.1 HD2, and the iHeartRadio App. Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson, who has called games 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 games on MLS Season Pass can opt to listen to Dave Johnson and Bruce Murray calling the game on the MLS Local Radio Broadcast channel.