DC United heads north of the border tonight as they take on Toronto FC at BMO Field. DC United enters the match needing three points and a lot of help as their playoff hopes are on thin ice.

Entering the match tonight, the Black-and-Red is in serious danger of extending their playoff drought to eight seasons, the longest active streak in Major League Soccer. If any of the following scenarios occur tonight, DC United will officially be eliminated from the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs:

-DC United lose OR
-DC United draw AND New York Red Bulls draw against New England Revolution OR
-DC United draw AND Columbus Crew win against FC Dallas OR
-New York Red Bulls win at New England Revolution

That makes the team feel like the odds are against them, so all they can really do is play the game that’s in front of them, which is a Toronto squad that is also fighting to snatch the final playoff spot from the Red Bulls.

“I speak often about opportunities, and it’s always an opportunity, first of all, for the players,” head coach René Weiler said to media on Saturday night. “It’s always an opportunity to show the qualities and not only for our club, for themselves, also for other clubs. And that is the main goal we have, and we prepare [for] the next 3 games.”

DC United will have to generate goals and come out with a sense of urgency, because Toronto will do the same to fight for their playoff lives. The two teams last met on July 25th, when a wild match ended with a 2-1 victory after Tai Baribo knocked in a penalty in the 10th minute of second half stoppage time. They will have to find the goalscoring from others as well, with Jackson Hopkins likely out after picking up an injury and Weiler suggesting that Designated Player Louis Munteanu will not be fit enough to return from an injury he suffered last month on international duty in time for the final three matches.

Will DC United show some fight? Or will the playoff hopes fade north of the border? We’ll find out tonight.

DC United @ Toronto FC

Location: BMO Field, Toronto

Kickoff time: 7:30pm ET

Available streaming: Apple TV