Following a 0-0 draw on the road against Nashville SC in league play on Saturday, May 17, D.C. United resume their 2025 U.S. Open Cup campaign in a Round of 16 fixture against Charlotte FC on Wednesday, May 21 at Audi Field. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
The Black-and-Red has put together their best stretch of defensive performances this season in recent weeks with goalkeeper Luis Barraza recording two clean sheets in the league while Kim Joon Hong earned a shutout in the Round of 32 match against the Charleston Battery on May 6. With forward Christian Benteke out injured with an ankle injury, Head Coach Troy Lesesne will continue to look for the answer going forward after the team has been kept off the scoresheet in their previous three matches. Veteran MLS forward Dominique Badji is also unavailable, and the Open Cup fixture will be another opportunity for 21-year-old forward Jacob Murrell to lead the front line for the Black-and-Red. This game will have added weight after D.C. United lost 3-0 to Charlotte FC on Decision Day in 2024. The loss combined with a victory for Atlanta United meant that D.C. United missed out on qualifying for the playoffs which will add an extra bite to the match this Wednesday.
Charlotte FC enters the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 amid a challenging stretch. Under head coach Dean Smith, they've suffered five consecutive MLS defeats: 4-1 to Chicago Fire on May 17, 3-1 to Orlando City on May 14, and 2-1 to Nashville SC on May 10. In their most recent Open Cup match on May 6, Charlotte overcame North Carolina FC 4-1 in extra time, scoring all four goals after regulation. Veteran defender Tim Ream has emphasized the team's commitment to the tournament, viewing it as a prime opportunity to secure the club's first major trophy.
Last Match against Charlotte FC | Oct. 19, 2024
On October 19, 2024, D.C. United faced Charlotte FC at Audi Field in a crucial Decision Day match, needing at least a draw to secure their first playoff berth since 2019. Despite a dominant first half, the Black-and-Red failed to capitalize on early opportunities. Charlotte FC broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a goal from Pep Biel, followed by strikes from Patrick Agyemang in the 75th minute and Liel Abada in stoppage time, culminating in a 3-0 defeat for D.C. United. This loss, combined with Atlanta United's victory, resulted in D.C. United missing the playoffs on goal differential, ending the 2024 season.
How to Watch
- The game will be streamed live on Paramount+
