Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Atlanta United | Saturday, September 12, 2026
D.C. United return to Audi Field this Saturday, September 12 for an Eastern Conference matchup against Atlanta United in the club's 24th match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C., and Saturday marks Military Appreciation Day at Audi Field. The Black-and-Red enter the weekend at 6-7-10 with 28 points, 11th in the Eastern Conference, and carry a game in hand on much of the field following the postponement of their September 5 fixture at FC Cincinnati.
D.C. United enter Saturday's contest off a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew at Audi Field on Wednesday. Forward Tai Baribo scored twice inside the opening 38 minutes for his 13th and 14th goals of the season, with forward Louis Munteanu assisting both and midfielder Kimito Nono adding a second assist on the winner. The Black-and-Red committed a season-low eight fouls in the victory. Head Coach René Weiler's side is 4-4-4 at Audi Field in 2026 and 5-1-2 when leading at halftime.
Atlanta United enter the weekend at 6-14-4 with 22 points, 14th in the Eastern Conference, and are winless in three after a 3-2 home defeat to Orlando City SC on Wednesday in which both of the Five Stripes' goals came off Orlando own goals. Midfielder Alexey Miranchuk leads Tata Martino's side with five goals and seven assists in 2026, and captain Miguel Almirón has four goals and six assists while delivering a club-high 48 corner kicks. Atlanta United are 2-7-3 on the road this season and have conceded 43 goals across 24 matches, recording a single clean sheet.
Saturday's match is the second and final meeting between the clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. The sides played to a scoreless draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 21, with goalkeeper Sean Johnson making two saves to preserve the clean sheet. Atlanta United hold a 10-7-4 edge in the all-time regular season series across 21 meetings, though D.C. United are 4-4-2 against the Five Stripes in Washington. Forward Tai Baribo has two goals in four career appearances against Atlanta United.
By the Numbers:
- Forward Tai Baribo leads D.C. United with 14 goals in 2026, has scored four game-winners and is three-for-three from the penalty spot.
- Forward Louis Munteanu has six goals and four assists in 2026 and leads D.C. United with 55 shots.
- Goalkeeper Sean Johnson has started all 23 matches in 2026 with 80 saves and five shutouts.
- Midfielder Alexey Miranchuk leads Atlanta United with five goals and seven assists in 2026.
- Atlanta United are 2-10-3 in 2026 when conceding the opening goal and are 2-7-3 when on the road this season.
Last Match Against Atlanta United | March 21, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
In the most recent meeting between the clubs, D.C. United and Atlanta United played to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson faced two shots on target and made two saves to preserve the clean sheet as the Black-and-Red claimed a point on the road in front of 35,418. The result was one of five clean sheets D.C. United have kept in 2026, a group of matches in which the club is unbeaten at 2-0-3. D.C. United will look to take all three points in the return fixture on Saturday.
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.
Two Matches. One Unbeatable Bundle.
Catch D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC on September 19, then keep the soccer going with Mexico vs. Colombia on September 26 at M&T Bank Stadium. Get tickets to both matches for just $85 and make it a September to remember.
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