Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Atlanta United FC June 19, 2024

Story of the Match

D.C. United will host Atlanta United FC on Wednesday, June 19 in a crucial match for both teams' playoff aspirations.

D.C. are winless in their last six matches and have dropped down the Eastern Conference standings after only earning two points from their previous six games. After being kept scoreless against Charlotte FC last week, the typically reliant Christian Benteke is looking to get his name back on the score sheet. His last goals came from a brace on May 29 when the Black-and-Red visited CF Montréal.

Despite the slump, Troy Lesesne’s squad is still well within rejoining the playoff spots with Nashville SC and the Philadelphia Union only a point ahead in the standings.

The visiting side tomorrow night, Atlanta United FC, haven't fared much better this season, currently hovering near the bottom of the conference on seven points. The Five Stripes will also be playing without their standout midfielder, Bartosz Slisz, who has been tasked with manning the midfield for Poland in the ongoing UEFA European Championship in Germany. However, Atlanta has a slight edge in goal differential compared to other teams at the bottom showing signs they could escape the bottom of the table.

This is a critical match for both teams that urgently need a win to give a lifeline to their playoff hopes. D.C. United will look to capitalize on Atlanta's missing players and their home crowd advantage while Atlanta will be hungry to steal points on the road and avoid getting further buried in the standings.

By the Numbers

• The Black-and-Red have scored 10 of their 25 goals against Atlanta United in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

• Last match against Atlanta United, forward Christian Benteke scored a hat-trick helping D.C. United to a 3-2 away win.

• Both D.C. United and Atlanta United are averaging 1.4 goals per match this season.

• Defender Lucas Bartlett leads the team in clearances this season with 43 and is 2nd in aerial duels with 92.

Historical Matchups

Since joining the league in 2017, Atlanta United has rarely played to a draw with the Black-and-Red. In 17 all-time matches, D.C. United has a record of 7-1-9 (W-D-L).