Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Nashville SC July 13, 2024

Story of the Match

D.C. United are back at Audi Field this weekend for a matchup against Nashville SC on July 13 in a crucial MLS Eastern Conference matchup.

D.C. United (4-8-11) are in dire need of points, sitting near the bottom of the table. The defense has been leaky, conceding the second-most goals in the league (47) thanks especially to red cards, suspensions, and injuries leading to a depleted squad to choose from. Nashville SC (6-8-8) are also looking to climb the standings. They boast a slightly better record than D.C. and their goal differential is closer to even at –6.

In the six all-time meetings between the two sides D.C. United has never come out on top, playing to four losses and two draws. This means the squad will need to pull out some extra motivation and creativity to pull off an upset in front of the home crowd. With limited games remaining this season, D.C. will look to steal some points and salvage a season that is slipping away from the rebuilding Black-and-Red.

For Nashville SC, star-man Hany Mukhtar has been Nashville's leading goal-creator this season with five goals and seven assists. However, Mukhtar has had help this season in the form of newcomer Sam Surridge who is enjoying his first full season in MLS with eight goals in 18 games played.

D.C. United have primarily relied on the goal scoring prowess of Christian Benteke as their main source of attacking output so far this season, but other goal scorers have stepped up with Jared Stroud, Martin Rodriguez, and Gabriel Pirani all finding the back of the net in recent games.

If the Black-and-Red are going to turn the season around, however, defense will be the name of the game. After starting the season strong, the D.C. backline hasn’t kept a clean sheet since the end of March. Heading into the weekend, the defenders will need to communicate, act decisively, and quickly to stay organized and limit mistakes that a potent Nashville attack could take advantage of.

By the Numbers

• Defender Pedro Santos is averaging a team high 2.3 successful tackles per 90 minutes and is third on the team in successful crosses with 15.

• D.C. United have scored a total of 30 goals this season; Nashville SC have scored a total of 25 goals this season.

• Forward Christian Benteke leads the team with 29 shots on target this season with two assists.

• The Black-and-Red are ranked 5th in the league with 131 corners this season; Nashville SC are ranked 21st with 98 corners this season.

Historical Match Ups

The first time D.C. United and Nashville SC ever met in MLS was on September 24, 2020 in a match that finished 1-0 in favor of Nashville.

Check out Martin Rodriguez's first MLS goal: