Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire FC | Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire FC | Wednesday, May 13, 2026

D.C. United return to Audi Field this Wednesday, May 13 for an Eastern Conference matchup against Chicago Fire FC in the club's thirteenth 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 midweek contest at 4-4-4 with 16 points following Saturday's hard-fought 2-2 draw at Nashville SC, looking to collect three points at home against a familiar opponent for the second time this season.

Saturday's result at GEODIS Park against the Eastern Conference leaders showed the character of this group, with D.C. United twice finding answers against one of the toughest home environments in MLS. Head Coach René Weiler will look to channel that resilience into a strong home performance on Wednesday. Forward Tai Baribo, who has been managed through a thigh concern in recent weeks, will be assessed ahead of kickoff and his return to the starting XI would provide a significant boost to an attack that has been producing goals at a steady rate. Forward Louis Munteanu has been one of the standout performers of the past three weeks, scoring four goals across four appearances and bringing a physical, relentless presence to every contest. The Black-and-Red have scored in nine of their last ten matches and will look to make Audi Field a difficult environment for a Chicago side coming off a disappointing weekend result.

Chicago Fire FC arrive in Washington under head coach Gregg Berhalter in his second season in charge, sitting at 5-4-2 with 17 points in the Eastern Conference after a 3-1 home defeat to the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. Despite that setback, the Men in Red remain one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the East, built around the form of designated player forward Hugo Cuypers, who has been arguably the most consistent individual scorer in MLS this season. Cuypers has extended his club-record scoring streak to eight consecutive matches, and leads the team with 10 goals through 11 appearances, ranking among the top two in the MLS Golden Boot race. Chicago's 11 goals conceded are the second-fewest in the Eastern Conference while their 19 goals scored is fourth-most in the East through ten matches, making them a well-balanced side across both phases of the game. Winger Jonathan Bamba provides width and directness from the flanks, while midfielder Philip Zinckernagel adds creative quality in the final third. Homegrown goalkeeper Chris Brady has been dependable throughout the campaign and will look to frustrate a D.C. United attack that has found its rhythm in recent weeks.

Wednesday's match is the second meeting between the two clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. D.C. United claimed a 2-1 victory in the first meeting on March 14 at Soldier Field, with defender Matti Peltola and forward Tai Baribo scoring the goals. The all-time regular season series between the two clubs is closely contested, with Chicago holding a narrow edge in the historical record. D.C. United will be eager to put on a strong performance in front of their home supporters and earn a result against the Men in Red for the second time this season.

By the Numbers:

• D.C. United defeated Chicago Fire FC 2-1 at Soldier Field on March 14, 2026, with midfilder Matti Peltola scoring in the 84th minute and forward Tai Baribo netting the game-winner in second-half stoppage time to claim all three points in the first meeting of the season.

• D.C. United lead the all-time regular-season series against Chicago Fire FC 28-24-22, including a 19-11-7 home record across 37 matches.

• Forward Hugo Cuypers has scored in each of his eight appearances for Chicago Fire FC this season and leads the team with 11 goals through 2026.

• Forward Louis Munteanu has scored in each of his last three appearances for D.C. United, tallying four goals across that span including a goal in the draw at Nashville SC May 9th.

• Chicago Fire FC have conceded 14 goals across 11 matches in 2026, with goalkeeper Chris Brady recording five clean sheets and a 1.27 GAA.

• Goalkeeper Sean Johnson has made 42 saves through 12 matches in 2026 and has recorded four clean sheets on the season.

Last Match Against Chicago Fire FC | March 14, 2026 at Soldier Field

In the most recent meeting on March 14, 2026, D.C. United earned a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at Soldier Field in Chicago in a match that featured 18 minutes of total stoppage time. Chicago Fire FC took the lead in the 81st minute when forward Hugo Cuypers converted a penalty to put the hosts in front, but the Black-and-Red responded immediately. Defender Matti Peltola equalized just three minutes later in the 84th minute to level the score, before forward Tai Baribo stepped up to convert a penalty in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 victory for D.C. United. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson and captain Lucas Bartlett were anchors of a disciplined defensive performance throughout, keeping Chicago at bay until late and providing the foundation for the comeback. The Black-and-Red will look to claim another result against the Chicago when the two clubs meet again on Wednesday at Audi Field.

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.