Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Nashville SC | Saturday, August 1, 2026
D.C. United return to Audi Field this Saturday, August 1, for an Eastern Conference matchup against Nashville SC in the club's 18th 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 5-5-7 with 22 points, having taken at least a point in nine of their last ten matches, and host the Supporters' Shield leaders looking for back-to-back home wins.
D.C. United enter Saturday's contest off a 2-1 win over Toronto FC at Audi Field on July 25, the club's first home match back from the FIFA World Cup break. The Black-and-Red pushed for the opener throughout the first half and found it in the 41st minute, when defender Keisuke Kurokawa's in-swinging corner was headed goalward by defender Kye Rowles and turned into his own net by Toronto's Kobe Franklin. Toronto midfielder Theo Corbeanu equalized in the 76th minute off a rebound, and the match looked headed for a draw until midfielder Andre Dozzell, acquired during the break, was fouled in the box deep into stoppage time. Forward Tai Baribo converted from the spot in the 100th minute for his 10th goal of the season and his third in three consecutive matches. Head Coach René Weiler will look for a second straight home win at Audi Field, where the Black-and-Red are 3-3-2 in 2026.
Nashville SC arrive in Washington at 12-2-3 with 39 points, first in the Eastern Conference and atop the Supporters' Shield standings. B.J. Callaghan's side are coming off a 1-0 loss at Orlando City SC on July 25, only their second defeat of the season and their second on the road, after 1-0 home wins over Atlanta United on July 17 and CF Montréal on July 22. Forward Sam Surridge leads the club with 10 goals in 11 appearances, midfielder Hany Mukhtar has added six goals and five assists [CONFIRM], and goalkeeper Brian Schwake has eight clean sheets in 17 appearances. Nashville have not scored more than once in a match since May 23 against New York City FC.
Saturday marks the second of two regular season meetings between the clubs in 2026 and the 12th all-time, with D.C. United holding an all-time series record of 2-5-4. The Black-and-Red are 1-3-2 all-time on the road against Nashville SC and drew 2-2 at GEODIS Park on May 9, a match they led by two goals at the break. D.C. United will look to turn last weekend's momentum into three points against the conference leaders in front of their home supporters.
By the Numbers:
- D.C. United have lost just one of their last ten matches, claiming at least a point in nine of them.
- Forward Tai Baribo leads D.C. United with 10 goals this season and has scored in three consecutive matches.
- Forward Louis Munteanu opened the scoring in the 2-2 draw at Nashville SC on May 9, one of his five goals in 13 appearances in 2026.
- The Black-and-Red have scored nine goals from set pieces this season, second-most in MLS. [CONFIRM]
- Nashville SC have not scored more than one goal in a match since May 23 against New York City FC.
- Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge leads the club with 10 goals in 11 appearances this season.
Last Match Against Nashville SC | May 9, 2026, at GEODIS Park
In the most recent meeting between the clubs, D.C. United built a two-goal lead inside the opening 30 minutes at GEODIS Park before settling for a 2-2 draw. Forward Louis Munteanu headed home in the 25th minute for his fourth goal of the season and his third in as many matches, and captain Lucas Bartlett doubled the advantage in the 30th minute, finishing a cross from defender Keisuke Kurokawa for his first goal of the campaign. The Black-and-Red played the closing stages a man down after defender Silvan Hefti was shown a second yellow card in the 75th minute, and Nashville SC drew level with goals in the 76th and 89th minutes. D.C. United will look to claim all three points when they host the Eastern Conference leaders 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.
Ticket + Scarf + Post-Match Q&A!
Join us for Salvadoran Heritage Night and take home an exclusive commemorative scarf before hearing from Nathan Ordaz during a special post-match Q&A.
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Enroll your youth players in D.C. United's RDS Summer Camps and join us for a summer full of soccer and fun!
