Match Preview: D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati | Saturday, October 24, 2026

Match Preview: D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati | Saturday, October 24, 2026

D.C. United return to Audi Field this Saturday, October 24 to host FC Cincinnati in the club's 31st 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 7-11-12 with 33 points, 13th in the Eastern Conference. Saturday's match is the second meeting between the clubs in four days and closes out the season series.

D.C. United enter Saturday's contest off a 2-1 loss at FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, October 21. Midfielder Kimito Nono leveled the match in the 38th minute from a forward Joao Peglow assist for his third goal in his first MLS season, and the Black-and-Red held 51.4 percent possession and took nine corner kicks to Cincinnati's six. Defender Lucas Bartlett made his 100th career MLS start and recorded six clearances, and goalkeeper Alex Bono made four saves in his first start of the season. Head Coach René Weiler's side is 5-5-5 at Audi Field in 2026.

FC Cincinnati enter the weekend at 10-11-9 with 39 points, having moved up the Eastern Conference table with Wednesday's win. Forward Kevin Denkey leads Head Coach Pat Noonan's side with 17 goals and five assists, and midfielder Evander has 13 goals and a club-high 14 assists. Goalkeeper Roman Celentano has two clean sheets in 25 appearances this season. FC Cincinnati have won twice in 15 road matches in 2026, going 2-7-6 away from TQL Stadium, and have conceded 71 goals across 30 matches.

Saturday's match is the second and final meeting between the clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. D.C. United lead the all-time regular season series 6-5-4 across 15 meetings and have outscored FC Cincinnati 22-18. The Black-and-Red are 2-3-1 against the Orange and Blue at home.

By the Numbers:

• Forward Tai Baribo leads D.C. United with 16 goals in 2026 and is five-for-five from the penalty spot.
• Midfielder Kimito Nono has three goals and two assists in 12 appearances in his first MLS season, scoring three times in his last five matches.
• Forward Joao Peglow leads D.C. United with six assists in 2026 and has delivered 46 corner kicks.
• Defender Lucas Bartlett made his 100th career MLS start on Wednesday and has four goals in 2026.
• FC Cincinnati have won twice in 15 road matches in 2026, going 2-7-6 in that stretch.
• FC Cincinnati have conceded 71 goals in 30 matches in 2026.

Last Match Against FC Cincinnati | October 21, 2026, at TQL Stadium

In the most recent meeting between the clubs, D.C. United fell 2-1 in Cincinnati on Wednesday night. Midfielder Kimito Nono drew the Black-and-Red level in the 38th minute, finishing a forward Joao Peglow pass for his third goal in his first MLS season, after midfielder David Doudera had opened the scoring in the 14th. Defender Teenage Hadebe restored the hosts' lead in the 55th from a midfielder Evander assist. D.C. United finished with the better of the possession and more corner kicks but could not find a second goal, with goalkeeper Alex Bono making four saves in his first start of the season.

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.