D.C. United host the Ethiopia National Football Team in a friendly match on Saturday, August 2 at Audi Field with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. This friendly match is the second annual edition of the Ethiopia Soccer Legacy Match after D.C. United hosted Ethiopian Premier League sides Coffee Sport Club and St. George FC at Audi Field last year, continuing the flourishing relationship between the Ethiopia Football Federation and D.C. United.
The Black-and-Red go into the friendly match with a 4-14-7 record in MLS sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference. Coming off a 4-2 loss at Audi Field against Austin FC, D.C. United will look to take this friendly as an opportunity to fine tune their defensive structure and showcase their ability to score, coming off five consecutive matches with a goal scored. Thus far, the Black-and-Red have scored 22 league goals this season with 15 coming from open play, five from set pieces and two from the penalty spot.
In the previous match against Austin FC, both forward Christian Benteke and midfielder João Peglow were able to find themselves on the score sheet. Benteke scored his eighth goal of the season while Peglow scored his third MLS goal of the season. Although this was the first match the Black-and-Red have scored more than one goal since the Open Cup match against Nashville SC, it wasn’t enough to get the three points at Audi Field. Austin FC came away with the win after having four different goal scorers. Midfielder Gabriel Pirani added to his goal contributions, assisting Peglow’s goal, putting him at eight MLS goal contributions so far this season with four goals and four assists.
The Ethiopia national football team, known as the Walia Ibex has been actively competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In their most recent 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Ethiopia beat Djibouti 6-1 on March 24, 2025, at Ben M'Hamed El Abdi Stadium in Morocco. Bereket Desta and Abubeker Nassir each scored a hat trick in the match. The Ethiopia national football team has a storied history in Africa, highlighted by their 1962 Africa Cup of Nations victory. Head Coach Mesay Teferi will look to take this friendly match as continued preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and as an opportunity to showcase his team’s talent in the nation's capital. Their next World Cup qualifier will be against Egypt on Sept. 1.
Interim Head Coach Kevin Flanagan will look to lean on his usual players while incorporating the entire squad and some top youth prospects into the match to get some playing time before the arrival of Head Coach Rene Weiler. The Black-and-Red must apply heavy pressure on Ethiopia’s backline to force turnovers up in the final third and limit space for their midfielders.
By the Numbers | D.C. United vs. Austin FC | July 26, 2025
- Forward João Peglow scored his third goal of the season in the 48th minute, assisted by Gabriel Pirani. Peglow completed three dribbles and had three total shots in 87 minutes played.
- Forward Christian Benteke scored his eighth goal of the season in the seventh minute of added time off a penalty kick. Benteke recorded three shots on target and won three aerial duels in 90 minutes played.
- Midfielder Gabriel Pirani created five chances and recorded one assist in 90 minutes played. That marks Piran's fourth goal contribution in the last five matches (three goals and one assist).
- Defender David Schnegg recorded a 100% tackle success rate and four recoveries in 87 minutes played. Schnegg also had six passes into the final third.
- Midfielder Randall Leal made his first start for the Black-and-Red since June 14 against Real Salt Lake. Leal won six ground duels and completed 100% of his dribbles in 66 minutes played
