Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC | Saturday, September 19, 2026
D.C. United return to Audi Field this Saturday, September 19 for an Eastern Conference matchup against Charlotte FC in the club's 25th match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C. The Black-and-Red enter the weekend at 6-7-11 with 29 points and hold a match in hand on much of the conference, with the rescheduled trip to FC Cincinnati now set for October 21.
D.C. United enter Saturday's contest off a 0-0 draw with Atlanta United at Audi Field on September 12. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson kept his sixth clean sheet of the season, and the Black-and-Red are unbeaten at 2-0-4 in matches in which they do not concede. Head Coach René Weiler's side is unbeaten in three and 4-4-5 at home in 2026, and D.C. United have drawn 11 matches this season, tied with Toronto FC for the most in MLS.
Charlotte FC enter the weekend at 11-7-7 with 40 points, fourth in the Eastern Conference, and are coming off a 3-3 draw at FC Cincinnati on September 12 in which they surrendered a lead twice. Midfielder Pep Biel leads Dean Smith's side with 12 goals and 10 assists in 2026 and has delivered a club-high 51 corner kicks, while forward Idan Toklomati has added nine goals and forward Liel Abada has five goals and five assists. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina has started all 25 matches with 104 saves, five shutouts and a 1.44 goals-against average. Charlotte FC are 4-5-3 on the road this season.
Saturday's match is the second and final meeting between the clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. Charlotte FC took the first meeting 3-1 at Bank of America Stadium on August 22. Charlotte FC lead the all-time regular season series 6-2-1 across nine meetings, though D.C. United are 2-2-0 against the Crown in Washington and have won both of those home meetings by 3-0 scorelines, in February 2022 and April 2023. Kahlina has kept five clean sheets in eight career appearances against D.C. United.
By the Numbers:
- Forward Tai Baribo leads D.C. United with 14 goals in 2026, has scored four game-winners and is three-for-three from the penalty spot.
- Forward Louis Munteanu has six goals and four assists in 2026 and leads D.C. United with 55 shots.
- Goalkeeper Sean Johnson has started all 24 matches in 2026 with 83 saves and six shutouts, and made his 455th career MLS appearance on September 12.
- Defender Keisuke Kurokawa has started all 24 matches in 2026 and leads D.C. United with 54 corner kicks.
- Charlotte FC are 2-6-3 in 2026 when conceding the opening goal.
- Charlotte FC are 0-4-1 in 2026 when trailing at halftime.
- Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel leads the club with 12 goals and 10 assists in 2026.
Last Match Against Charlotte FC | August 22, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium
In the most recent meeting between the clubs, D.C. United fell 3-1 at Charlotte FC. Forward Louis Munteanu put the Black-and-Red in front in the 55th minute, but the hosts answered with three goals in a 13-minute stretch through David Schnegg, Will Cleary and Pep Biel. D.C. United generated 17 shots and a season-high nine corner kicks in the defeat. The Black-and-Red will look to level the season series at Audi Field on Saturday.
How to Watch
D.C. United fans can catch all the action of their favorite team on Apple TV. With this, you can watch every D.C. United match 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 enjoy the entire 2026 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 the iHeartRadio App and Freedom 104.7 FM. Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson, who has called matches 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 matches on MLS Season Pass can opt to listen to Dave Johnson and Bruce Murray calling the match on the MLS Local Radio Broadcast channel.
Two Matches. One Unbeatable Bundle.
Catch D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC on September 19, then keep the soccer going with Mexico vs. Colombia on September 26 at M&T Bank Stadium. Get tickets to both matches for just $85 and make it a September to remember.
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