Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew | Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 

D.C. United return to Audi Field this Wednesday, September 9 for an Eastern Conference matchup against the Columbus Crew in the club's 23rd 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 week at 5-7-10 with 25 points after Saturday's scheduled match at FC Cincinnati was postponed due to pitch conditions and player safety concerns created by inclement weather in the Cincinnati area.

With the trip to TQL Stadium called off, D.C. United have not played since a 0-0 draw with Los Angeles FC at Audi Field on August 29. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson faced a single shot on target that night, the fewest D.C. United have allowed in a match in 2026, and recorded his fifth shutout of the season. The Black-and-Red are 2-0-3 in 2026 when they keep a clean sheet. Head Coach René Weiler's side is 3-4-4 at Audi Field.

The Columbus Crew enter the week at 6-12-5 with 23 points, 13th in the Eastern Conference, and are coming off a 3-0 home win over the Colorado Rapids on September 5 that ended a five-match winless run. Designated Player Santiago Rodríguez headed in the opener in the 22nd minute on his Crew debut, forward Gonzalo Tapia added his first MLS goal in the 81st and set up midfielder Taha Habroune in stoppage time. Laurent Courtois's side has been reshaped since the summer window, with leading scorer Diego Rossi departing for Monterrey and Designated Player Brais Méndez arriving from Real Sociedad. Forward Josef Martínez, who has 11 career goals against D.C. United, has yet to score in five appearances for the Crew this season. Columbus have scored 34 goals and conceded 39 across 23 matches.

Wednesday's match is the first of two meetings between the clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season, with the return fixture set for October 31 in Columbus. D.C. United and the Columbus Crew are both charter members of Major League Soccer and have met 82 times in regular season play since 1996, with the Crew holding a 36-32-14 edge. Washington has been the friendlier venue for the Black-and-Red, who are 23-13-6 at home in the series and have outscored the Crew 74-57 in D.C. Jaime Moreno leads all scorers in the series with 15 goals, and Marco Etcheverry holds the series assist record with 11.

By the Numbers:

• Forward Tai Baribo leads D.C. United with 12 goals in 2026 and is three-for-three from the penalty spot.
• Forward Louis Munteanu has six goals and two assists in 2026 and leads D.C. United with 54 shots.
• Goalkeeper Sean Johnson has started all 22 matches in 2026 with 77 saves and five shutouts, and has made 30 career appearances against the Columbus Crew.
• D.C. United have drawn 10 of their 22 matches in 2026, the second-most in MLS.
• The Columbus Crew are 1-7-3 on the road in 2026, with their only away win coming at Atlanta United on April 4.
• The Columbus Crew are 1-7-2 in 2026 when conceding the opening goal.

Last Match Against Columbus Crew | July 19, 2025, at Lower.com Field 

In the most recent meeting between the clubs, D.C. United fell 2-1 to the Columbus Crew in Columbus. Forward Christian Benteke pulled a goal back early in the second half for his seventh of the season, but the Black-and-Red could not find an equalizer and finished the match a man down after a late red card. D.C. United will look for a different outcome in front of their home supporters on Wednesday.

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.