D.C. United fell 4-0 to FC Dallas on Saturday night at Audi Field, dropping to 2-3-1 on the season. The Black-and-Red generated second-half chances and forced saves from FC Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Head Coach René Weiler made one change to the starting XI from last week's 0-0 draw at Atlanta United FC, with defender Sean Nealis entering the lineup in place of Kye Rowles, who was called up to Australia’s national team for their international friendlies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. D.C. United lined up in a 4-4-2 with Tai Baribo and Jackson Hopkins leading the line, while midfielders João Peglow and Gabriel Pirani commanded the flanks. Matti Peltola and Brandon Servania anchored the central midfield in front of a back four of Silvan Hefti, Lucas Bartlett, Sean Nealis and Keisuke Kurokawa.
Dallas struck first in the 16th minute when forward Logan Farrington collected a long ball from midfielder Ramiro over the top of the D.C. United defense, took a touch inside the penalty area and slotted a right-footed shot near post past goalkeeper Sean Johnson to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The Black-and-Red responded with pressure of their own, as captain Lucas Bartlett got on the end of a set piece in the 41st minute with a clean header inside the penalty area that forced Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi into a diving save. D.C. United continued to push for an equalizer, but right before halftime Ramiro earned a free kick just outside the penalty area. Midfielder Patrickson Delgado stepped up and struck a curling effort that beat the D.C. United wall and Johnson to double the Dallas advantage in the first minute of first-half stoppage time.
Weiler made a double substitution in the 60th minute, introducing forward Louis Munteanu for Jackson Hopkins and defender Aaron Herrera for Sean Nealis, who made his first start for the Black-and-Red this season. The changes generated a response, as the Black-and-Red created their best chances of the second half shortly after. In the 68th minute, Peglow forced Collodi into a save off a free kick before the Dallas goalkeeper came up with another stop moments later on a follow-up effort. Weiler made two more changes in the 81st minute, bringing on midfielder Jared Stroud for Gabriel Pirani and midfielder Caden Clark for Brandon Servania, while forward Jacob Murrell replaced Tai Baribo in the 68th minute as Weiler looked to spark a comeback.
Dallas extended their lead in the 78th minute when substitute midfielder Joaquín Valiente delivered a cross into the penalty area where defender Osaze Urhoghide headed home to make it 3-0. Forward Petar Musa capped the scoring in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, finishing to bring his season tally to seven goals, tied for the MLS lead.
Sean Johnson recorded three saves on the night for the Black-and-Red. Matti Peltola completed 90 minutes in midfield for the sixth consecutive match this season. Dallas goalkeeper Collodi finished with three saves and a clean sheet for the visitors.
D.C. United are now 2-3-1 with seven points in the Eastern Conference and hold a 10-8-5 record against FC Dallas at home in regular season matchups. The Black-and-Red will look to bounce back on the road next Saturday when they visit the New England Revolution. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 pm.
D.C. United Lineup: Sean Johnson, Silvan Hefti, Lucas Bartlett, Sean Nealis (Aaron Herrera 60'), Keisuke Kurokawa, Gabriel Pirani (Jared Stroud 81'), Matti Peltola, Brandon Servania (Caden Clark 81'), João Peglow, Jackson Hopkins (Louis Munteanu 60'), Tai Baribo (Jacob Murrell 68')
Unused Substitutes: Alex Bono, Conner Antley, Nikola Markovic, Gavin Turner
Head Coach: René Weiler
FC Dallas Lineup: Michael Collodi, Bernard Kamungo, Sebastien Ibeagha, Osaze Urhoghide, Nolan Norris (Joaquín Valiente 71'), Shaq Moore, Ramiro (Sam Sarver 85'), Kaick (Ran Binyamin 85'), Patrickson Delgado (Chris Cappis 66'), Petar Musa, Logan Farrington (Santiago Moreno 85')
Unused Substitutes: Jonathan Sirois, Lalas Abubakar, Deedson, Nicholas Simmonds
Head Coach: Eric Quill
