While recent weeks have been tough for D.C. United, they are riding high after a resilient collective performance earned the Black-and-Red three points last week against their rival, New York Red Bulls. Today, they face another challenging opponent, the Philadelphia Union.

Philadelphia joins the match tonight after a 3-0 victory over Atlanta United last week. The Union will aim for all three points in front of their home supporters at Subaru Park. Widely regarded as a team to beat in the East, Philadelphia is poised to present a significant challenge to the Black-and-Red tonight. With experienced goalkeeper Andre Blake between the sticks, Jakob Glesnes running the backline, and standout strikers Tai Baribo and Mikael Uhre, the Union is downright lethal.

The Black-and-Red will look for a repeat performance to snag another road win this week. Improved defensive coordination and strong transitional play were instrumental in D.C.’s victory over the Red Bulls. They will prove critical if the Black-and-Red hope to in against the Union. 

Philadelphia excels on the counter and will challenge D.C. United if they don’t remain sharp. Head coach Troy Lesesne emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defense to facilitate effective transitions, saying, “Before you can get into transition, you have to defend really well.” 

Players like Dominique Badji, who stepped up for D.C. against the Red Bulls, will be crucial in maintaining possession and alleviating pressure from a formidable Union side. Lesesne praised Badji’s most recent performance, saying, “The dirty work Badji did… the way he relieves pressure for us is really a special quality.” 

João Peglow may be missing in action this week. After his breakout performance last week, delivering a game-winning brace, he’s listed as out due to injury, despite no issues being mentioned earlier this week. 

On the questionable list is stalwart striker Christian Benteke, who was removed from last week’s match in the 29th minute due to injury. Lesesne was optimistic about Benteke’s recovery, but wasn’t rushing to return him to the pitch. He won’t play this evening. Lesesne said, “we’re never going to rush a guy who’s not 100% yet.”

Hear everything head coach Troy Lesesne had to say in 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: Dominique Badji

Badji’s efforts last week were instrumental in D.C. United’s win against the Red Bulls. His grit and ability to support the Black-and-Red in retaining possession are literal game changers. 

Watch Out For: Tai Baribo

Baribo has made an impact for the Union so far this season, scoring seven goals in eight matches. He will give D.C. United’s backline a run for their money and then some.

Challenges: The Black-and-Red need to pull out another gritty win to keep up their momentum and edge toward playoff contention in the East.

Previously: When D.C. United last met the Philadelphia Union last September; they suffered a 4-0 defeat. The Black-and-Red will look to flip the script and deny Philadelphia a home win.

Philadelphia Union Availability:

Out: Ian Glavinovich (knee)

Suspended: Jovan Lukic

Questionable: None

D.C. United Availability:

Out: João Peglow (thigh)

Questionable: Christian Benteke (quad), Jackson Hopkins (ankle)

Location: Subaru Park, Chester, PA

Kickoff time: 4:30 pm ET

Referee: Rubiel Vazquez

Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV