Match Preview: D.C. United vs. CF Montréal | Saturday, May 23, 2026
D.C. United return to Audi Field this Saturday, May 23 for an Eastern Conference matchup against CF Montréal in the club's fifteenth match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C. The Black-and-Red enter the weekend at 4-5-5 with 17 points in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, looking to close out the pre-World Cup stretch of the season with a home victory before MLS pauses for the FIFA World Cup.
D.C. United enter Saturday's contest having gone unbeaten in five consecutive matches before dropping a 3-1 result to Chicago Fire FC on May 13. The Black-and-Red responded with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against St. Louis CITY SC last Saturday at Audi Field, earning a late point when midfielder João Peglow struck from outside the box in the 90th minute following a corner to level the score after midfielder Christopher Durkin had put the visitors ahead in the 50th minute. Head Coach René Weiler will look to rediscover the club's best form on Saturday and send the Black-and-Red into the World Cup break on a positive note. Forward Tai Baribo has shown his sharpness since returning to the lineup and will look to add to his goal tally against a Montréal side that has been vulnerable defensively throughout the campaign.
CF Montréal arrive in Washington at 4-1-8 with 13 points, six of those losses coming on the road. The club's most recent result was a 0-2 home defeat to Chicago Fire FC. Montréal made a coaching change on April 12 when head coach Marco Donadel was dismissed, with Philippe Eullaffroy stepping in as interim head coach. Eullaffroy has steadied the ship since taking over, posting a 3-1-2 record across his first six matches in charge. The key figure for Montréal this season has been forward Prince Owusu, who leads the club with six goals and five assists and has been one of the more productive attackers in the Eastern Conference. Owusu has not found the scoresheet since Montréal's match against Atlanta United on May 2, though his movement and combination play remain a threat. Montréal have conceded 2.1 goals per match this season and have allowed seven set piece goals, areas of vulnerability that D.C. United will look to exploit.
Saturday's match is the first meeting between the two clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. The all-time regular season series between D.C. United and CF Montréal is even at 10-10-11. D.C. United will look to take advantage of home field and earn three points ahead of the summer break, with the club's next match not scheduled until July 22 against Houston Dynamo.
By the Numbers:
- The all-time regular season series between D.C. United and CF Montréal is even at 10-10-11.
- Midfielder Jackson Hopkins scored his first career MLS goal in the most recent meeting between the two clubs, a 1-1 draw at Stade Saputo on August 16, 2025.
- CF Montréal forward Prince Owusu leads the club with six goals and five assists in 2026.
- CF Montréal have conceded seven set piece goals in 2026 and allow 2.1 goals per match, among the higher totals in the Eastern Conference.
- D.C. United have scored in each of their last four home matches at Audi Field in 2026.
- Interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy has posted a 3-1-2 record since taking charge of CF Montréal on April 12, steadying a club that had dropped to 1-0-6 under former head coach Marco Donadel.
Last Match Against CF Montréal | August 16, 2025 at Stade Saputo
In the most recent meeting on August 16, 2025, D.C. United and CF Montréal played to a 1-1 draw at Stade Saputo. Midfielder Jackson Hopkins scored his first career MLS goal in the 28th minute, finishing with a right-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom left corner to put the Black-and-Red ahead. Montréal equalized in the 41st minute through a close-range finish from defender Luca Petrasso, assisted by forward Prince Owusu, to earn a share of the points. D.C. United will look to go one better and claim all three points when the two clubs meet at Audi Field 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.
July 11: D.C. United vs. Ethiopia
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