Story of the Match
D.C. United kick off the 2024 MLS campaign with a home match at Audi Field against the New England Revolution.
For the Black-and-Red this year, there’s a mix of new and old. Returning is the club’s top goal scorer, Christian Benteke (15 goals), and midfield creator Mateusz Klich (9 assists).
Young talent has also risen into an important role in the roster. DMV-native, Ted Ku-DiPietro returns after scoring five goals and recording three assists in 1,153 minutes played during the 2023 season.
Creative attacking midfielder and U22 talent, Gabriel Pirani is also back but for a full season this time around. The Brazilian was signed on a permanent contract after his loan in 2023 expired. His quick feet, finesse, and attacking prowess were bright spots after his arrival at the club in July.
The club also signed Finnish international Matti Peltola, a highly regarded talent who has made appearances in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Europa League, and Europa Conference League., and can play along the backline or in the midfield.
Of course, there’s also a new direction at the helm of D.C. United. After appointing Ally Mackay as Chief Soccer Officer, the Scottish-native named Troy Lesesne as the team’s new head coach. Mackay aided fellow MLS club Nashville SC in their successful expansion launch. Meanwhile, Lesesne amassed experience coaching at multiple levels of the United States Soccer Period, including the NCAA, USL and most recently with the New York Red Bulls in MLS.
That said, Troy Lesesne is due to serve a one-game touchline suspension for a red card received in 2023. He will rejoin D.C. United on the sideline on March 2, an away match against the Portland Timbers. Assistant Coach Zach Prince will take the helm against the New England Revolution this Saturday at Audi Field.
While 40 points weren’t enough to reach the playoffs in 2023, the club has a new slate to try and achieve the benchmark ahead in 2024.
Offensive Threats
Christian Benteke – 14 goals, 4 assists
Carles Gil – 11 goals, 15 assists
*2023 MLS Stats
Previous Matchups
D.C. United need a win to hold an advantage in the all-time MLS record between the two sides that currently sits at 39-16-38. D.C. United wins, draws, and New England Revolution wins, respectively.
Inside DCU | Matchday One
Looking back at 2023's Season Opener
To open the season, almost a year-to-date, D.C. United inspired an incredible comeback win against Toronto FC which was highlighted by an extra-time winner from Ted Ku-DiPietro:
