D.C. United is on the road in Utah, looking for redemption after a devastating 7-1 loss to the Chicago Fire at Audi Field. When speaking about the loss, head coach Troy Lesesne said, “We look it straight in the eyes… It’s the second time it’s happened this year where it’s just completely unacceptable.”

Despite the setback, the Black-and-Red remain focused on bouncing back against Real Salt Lake, a side that has gone winless in its last seven matches and will be missing key contributors due to international duty.

Lesesne’s squad will welcome back much-needed reinforcements, including Kye Rowles, Boris Enow, and Kristian Fletcher. Still, D.C. will remain without Aaron Herrera and Matti Peltola, who are both on international duty, while several players continue working back from injury, including star striker Christian Benteke.

It’s been nearly two years since these two sides last met, with Real Salt Lake taking a 2-1 win at Audi Field in June 2023 after D.C. United was reduced to 10 men in the first half. This time, the Black-and-Red arrive at America First Field aiming to flip the script and put in a performance that reflects their organized, fast-starting display that earned them a 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati just weeks ago.

“We’ve created momentum… but not sustained it,” Lesesne said. “We need to start the match in a good fashion, not concede chances, and take the initiative.”

Hear everything head coach Troy Lesesne had to say in the pre-game press conference here.

With Salt Lake reeling and D.C. determined to reset, Saturday’s late-night clash offers both sides a chance to reestablish form in the second half of the MLS season.

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: Jared Stroud

Stroud remains a creative spark for D.C. United. In the Chicago match, Stroud led the team with three chances created and won five ground duels. With absences in midfield, his work rate, leadership, and delivery in the final third could be key to unlocking a Salt Lake defense that has conceded in three straight home matches.

Watch Out For: Diogo Gonçalves

With Diego Luna away on Gold Cup duty, the Portuguese midfielder will be tasked with leading the RSL attack. Gonçalves has one goal and two assists this season and is second on the team in both assists and shots on target. Expect him to be central to RSL’s build-up and dangerous around the box, especially against a D.C. backline still working to regain its shape and confidence.

Challenges: D.C. United is still coping with the fallout of its heaviest loss of the season. While key players like Rowles and Enow return, the absence of Herrera and Peltola limits both defensive coverage and midfield control. The altitude at America First Field presents an additional challenge, although Lesesne noted that the team would limit time on-site pre-match to reduce the impact of acclimatization.

Previously: In their last meeting on June 17, 2023, Real Salt Lake defeated D.C. United 2-1 at Audi Field. D.C. went down a man in the 26th minute and struggled to generate chances, managing just two shots on target. Real Salt Lake capitalized with goals from Pablo Ruiz and Danny Musovski. Christopher Durkin responded with a goal for D.C., but the short-handed Black-and-Red couldn’t complete the comeback.

Real Salt Lake Availability:

Out: Matthew Bell (hamstring), Javain Brown (knee), Emeka Eneli (foot), Diego Luna (international duty), Zac MacMath (shoulder), Dominik Marczuk (international duty), Braian Ojeda (not due to injury)

Questionable: None

D.C. United Availability:

Out: Christian Benteke (ankle), Aaron Herrera (international duty), Jackson Hopkins (hip), Kim Joon Hong (hip), Lukas MacNaughton (thigh), João Peglow (thigh), Matti Peltola (international duty)

Questionable: None

Location: America First Field, Sandy, UT

Kickoff time: 9:30 pm ET

Referee: Jon Freemon

Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV