Match Preview - D.C. United vs. NYRB on Saturday, May 24, 2025

Story of the Match

D.C. United returns to Audi Field on Saturday, May 24, to face long-time rivals the New York Red Bulls, with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. ET.

The Black-and-Red (3-6-5) is coming off a dramatic penalty shootout win against Charlotte FC in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 21. The game ended 2-2 in regulation after defender Garrison Tubbs equalized late in the 86^th minute of the matchup. D.C. United went into extra time and were down 3-2 after Charlotte scored in the 95th minute. Homegrown midfielder Jackson Hopkins provided the heroics with an equalizer in the 104th minute to send the game to penalties. Goalkeeper Jordan Farr was substituted into the match in the 119^th minute as a penalty kick specialist. He proved that title to be correct after saving four out of five of Charlotte’s penalties to lead D.C. United to the Quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time since 2013; when the team last lifted the Open Cup.

With Christian Benteke still out through injury, the Black-and-Red will need to rely elsewhere for goals this Saturday. In the last matchup against New York Red Bulls on April 19, João Peglow was the gamechanger for the Black-and-Red and his brace earned the club its first away win of 2025. Goalkeeper Luis Barraza has been a force in league play and has recorded 30 saves and two shutouts in seven games this season. Defender Garrison Tubbs has been dominant in the backline since his first appearance on May 3 and the defenders will have their work cut out for them to deal with the volatile Red Bulls attack.

The New York Red Bulls (5-6-3) head into the match after a midweek win against FC Dallas in the Round of 16 of the Open Cup. Their game also ended 2-2 in regulation and at the conclusion of extra time, they won the match in penalties. In their previous MLS fixture, they lost 2-0 to New York City FC on May 17. D.C. United will need to monitor Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Emil Forsberg who have scored seven and five goals in league play, respectively. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Carlos Coronel has been solid between the posts, registering five clean sheets and 51 saves in 13 appearances this season.

By the Numbers | D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC | Round of 16 – U.S. Open Cup

• Defender David Schnegg scored his first goal of the season in the 17th minute, assisted by Aaron Herrera. Schnegg created the most chances in the match with four and recorded eight recoveries in 120 minutes played.
• Defender Garrison Tubbs scored his first career goal for the Black-and-Red in the 86th minute, assisted by Randall Leal. Tubbs recorded five recoveries and won 100% of his tackles in 120 minutes played.
• Forward Kristian Fletcher made his debut for the Black-and-Red this season coming on as a 70th minute substitute. Fletcher had two successful dribbles and won two ground duels in 56 minutes played.
• Midfielder Jackson Hopkins scored his first career goal for D.C. United in the 104th minute. Hopkins had a 90% passing accuracy and won four total ground duels in 58 minutes played.
• Goalkeeper Jordan Farr made his D.C. United debut coming in for the penalty shootout. Farr recorded three saves from four shots in the penalty shootout.

Last Match Against New York Red Bulls | April 19, 2025 @ Sports Illustrated Stadium

The last meeting between these rivals came on April 19, when D.C. United traveled to New Jersey to face the New York Red Bulls. Despite losing 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke to injury in the 29th minute, the Black-and-Red secured their first road victory of the 2025 season thanks to a brilliant brace from João Peglow. The 23-year-old delivered two sensational goals to lift D.C. over their longtime rivals. Although the Red Bulls mounted a push in the second half—cutting the lead to 2-1 through a 57th-minute strike from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting—D.C. held firm under late pressure to preserve the win.

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.