D.C. United returns to Audi Field to take on Sporting Kansas City. Both teams are looking to snag some early-season wins after less than perfect starts. D.C. United wants to turn their solid performances into a win, while Sporting Kansas City is desperate to bounce back after a rocky few weeks. 

This match will set the tone for the Black-and-Red in the weeks ahead, so it’s definitely one you won’t want to miss!

After two intense 2-2 draws (say that three times fast) with Toronto and Chicago, the Black-and-Red are ready to bag their first win of 2025. 

D.C. United has scored early in both matches this season but is hasn’t been able to hold onto the lead. In the home opener, the Black-and-Red played a nail-biting game that ended in a 2-2 draw with Toronto FC. Christian Benteke netted his first goal of 2025, continuing his streak from last season that ended in a 2024 MLS Golden Boot win. 

Last Saturday, D.C. pulled off another 2-2 draw on the road against Chicago Fire FC. Benteke scored in the 4’, and Jacob Murrell pulled off an epic bicycle at the death to secure a point on the road. If you haven’t watched this goal, do yourself a favor and head to the replay now.

For its part, Sporting Kansas City has had a less than stellar start to 2025 and will be looking to turn things around when it visits the capital. Last week, Sporting dropped all three points to 10-man San Jose, losing 2-1. 

For a bit of fun, tonight we’ll be watching the sibling rivalry between D.C. United center back Lucas Bartlett and his 19-year-old brother, Sporting KC midfielder Jacob Bartlett. Both brothers have been starting for their teams, but this game brings a whole new level of excitement with family bragging rights up for grabs.

For head coach Troy Lesesne, this season is about results on and off the field. He said, “We spend a lot of time trying to connect first internally here with one another and get to understand what makes everyone tick from their own personal side of things, tying it into the team and our game model. And then also understanding the responsibility that we have for our community and our fan base and all the players and staff members that have come before us. Those things, I think, all create the type of energy that we want to have towards ultimately getting D.C. United back to the place that it deserves to be.”

Hear everything Troy Lesesne had to say at the pre-game press conference here.

Let us know your thoughts about tonight’s match in the comments below and be sure to join us live here during the game to chat with your fellow supporters.

Key Player: Jacob Murrell

Jacob Murrell earns our key player spot this week for his performance in D.C.’s last two matches. Murrell came in clutch when the Black-and-Red needed him most, delivering a needed assist against Toronto and then a stunner of a goal at the death to tie with Chicago.

Watch Out For: Daniel Salloi

Anyone regularly watching SKC knows Salloi is always a threat. D.C. United’s defense will need to keep him in check, as he can quickly turn the game around in Sporting’s favor.

Challenges: D.C. United need to start bagging home wins. With Sporting’s record so far this season, it should be quick work for the Black-and-Red.

Previously: All-time, D.C. United and Sporting Kansas City are 22-13-22 (W-D-L). The Black-and Red haven’t faced Sporting in the past three seasons, but looking back, this is how D.C. has fared:

• SKC 3-0 DCU – 9/13/2022
• DCU 1-0 SKC – 5/12/2019
• SKC 1-0 DCU – 3/31/2018
• DCU 0-0 SKC – 3/4/2017
• SKC 0-1 DCU – 5/27/2016

D.C. United Availability:

Out: Conner Antey (knee), Jackson Hopkins (ankle), Hakim Karamoko (abdomen), Randall Leal (thigh)

Questionable: None

Sporting Kansas City Availability:

Out: Andrew Brody (quad)

Questionable: Tim Leibold (knee), Jansen Miller (back), Khiry Shelton (hamstring)

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC

Kickoff time: 7:30 pm ET

Referee: Rosendo Mendoza

Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV