Match Preview - D.C. United vs Austin FC on Saturday, July 26 

Match Preview - D.C. United vs Austin FC on Saturday, July 26

D.C. United is back at Audi Field this Saturday, July 26, to take on Austin FC following a four-match road stretch. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Saturday also marks Legacy Night, a celebration of the club’s rich championship-winning history. The team will wear the Archive Kit at home for the first time, and legends Jaime Moreno, Marco Etcheverry, Luciano Emilio, John Harkes, and Steven Birnbaum will be honored pre-match and at halftime.

The Black-and-Red (4-13-7, 19 pts) are looking to snap a winless run after a hard-fought 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew last weekend. That match marked their third straight one-goal defeat and capped a road swing that included trips to Nashville, LA, Charlotte, and Columbus.

Christian Benteke returned to the starting lineup and made an immediate impact, scoring his seventh goal of the season just three minutes into the second half. Derek Dodson recorded the assist in his second consecutive start, helping stretch the field along the right flank. Despite a solid defensive showing, highlighted by Lucas Bartlett’s five recoveries and four interceptions, a late goal from Columbus’ Lassi Lappalainen sealed the result.

Interim Head Coach Kevin Flanagan rolled out a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Kye Rowles shielding the backline and David Schnegg, Bartlett, Rowles, and Aaron Herrera anchoring the defense. However, United will be without Herrera this Saturday after he received a red card in the final minutes of the Columbus match. The 2024 MLS All-Star will serve a one-match suspension.

The last meeting between these two sides came on October 4, 2023, when United fell 3-0 in Austin. This time, D.C. will look to crack a defense that has allowed 24 goals in 22 matches in 2025 and secure its first-ever win against the Verde and Black.

Austin FC (8-6-3, 30 pts) sits eighth in the Western Conference and is unbeaten in its last three games. They're coming off a 2-1 road win at LA Galaxy and have conceded just six goals over their last five matches. With leading goal scorer Brandon Vazquez out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in their match against San Jose, Austin will rely on Osman Bukari and Owen Wolff, each with one goal and four assists this year.

United will again count on Benteke and Gabriel Pirani, who have combined for 11 of the club’s 20 goals, to spark the attack. A strong start and continued defensive discipline will be key to claiming three points on a night that honors D.C. United’s storied legacy and looks ahead to its future.

By the Numbers | D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC | July 16, 2025

• Forward Christian Benteke scored his seventh goal of the season in the 48th minute, assisted by Derek Dodson. Benteke had three total shots and won 100% of his aerial duels in 62 minutes played.

• Defender Derek Dodson made his second consecutive start for the Black-and-Red, his fourth MLS start of the season. Dodson recorded three recoveries and two blocks in 85 minutes played.

• Midfielder Brandon Servania won seven ground duels and had a 100% tackle success rate, winning six total in 90 minutes played.

• Defender David Schnegg recorded three clearances and had six passes into the final third; Schnegg completed 90 minutes.

Last Match Against the Austin FC | October 4, 2023 @ Q2 Stadium

In the previous meeting on October 4, 2025, D.C. United fell 3-0 to Austin FC after early goals from Will Bruin and Sebastián Driussi shifted the momentum within the first 21 minutes. The Black-and-Red pushed for a response, generating several quality chances from Christian Benteke and Derrick Williams, and finishing with 19 shots, including eight on target. However, Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver turned in a strong performance with eight saves. In the 66th minute, Matt Hedges sealed the result with a header off a corner, securing all three points for the home side.

How to Watch

D.C. United fans can catch all the action of their favorite team by subscribing to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. With this subscription, you can watch every D.C. United game live, whether it’s home or away, along with exclusive pre- and post-match coverage. Simply open the Apple TV app, navigate to MLS Season Pass, and subscribe to enjoy the entire 2025 season. Whether you're at home or on the go, you'll have access to every match, ensuring you never miss a moment of D.C. United's season. Enjoy seamless streaming on your Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and more!

Radio broadcasts will be available live on 1190 iHeart Sports DC, 101.1 HD2, and the iHeartRadio App. Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson, who has called games for D.C. United since the club’s inception in 1996 will return to the booth alongside Bruce Murray, former United States National Team player (1985-1993, 85 caps and 21 goals) and Class of 2011 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. The pair have partnered on radio calls since 2023 to deliver high-quality and passionate radio calls for fans. Supporters watching D.C. United MLS Regular Season games on MLS Season Pass can opt to listen to Dave Johnson and Bruce Murray calling the game on the MLS Local Radio Broadcast channel.