In a hard-fought contest on Saturday night, D.C. United came up just short in a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. Despite conceding early, the Black-and-Red remained dangerous throughout the match, displaying determination and attacking intent from start to finish.
Marco Reus opened the scoring for the hosts in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a loose ball at the top of the box and firing home to give LA an early lead. D.C. United responded positively, continuing to push forward and create chances in possession.
Interim Head Coach Kevin Flanagan, making his D.C. United coaching debut, fielded a refreshed starting XI that included Jackson Hopkins, earning his second league start of the season, and Dominique Badji, who earned his fifth league start of the season. The Black-and-Red threatened early and kept their shape defensively, allowing only
The Galaxy doubled their lead in the 53rd minute through Diego Fagúndez, who reacted to a deflected effort from Joseph Paintsil, slotting in the rebound. The Black-and-Red refused to shy away despite the two-goal deficit
Brandon Servania nearly answered moments later, striking the crossbar in the 62nd minute. Then in the 77th minute, Gabriel Pirani finished confidently from inside the area after a perfectly timed assist from João Peglow. The goal, Pirani’s third of the season, cut the deficit in half and reignited D.C. United’s push for a result.
Defender David Schnegg played a pivotal two-way role, registering three key chances created and winning six duels over the full 90 minutes. The Austrian fullback also helped win three corners and remained a threat going forward on the left side. João Peglow was instrumental in the final third, creating three chances, including the assist on Pirani’s goal, and applying steady pressure on the Galaxy backline.
Goalkeeper Luis Barraza made multiple key stops, including a vital save in the 75th minute that kept the Black-and-Red within striking distance. The defensive unit limited LA Galaxy to just three big chances, which the Black-and-Red hope for a possible comeback.
D.C. United finished the night with 11 total shots (three on target), earned five corners, and displayed resilience in the attack by maintaining offensive pressure despite conceding early.
The Black-and-Red now sit at 2-6-2 on the road in the 2025 MLS campaign and hold a 16-21-11 all-time regular season record against LA Galaxy.
Up next, D.C. United will look to rebound on a short rest as they travel to face Charlotte FC on Wednesday, July 16, at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
D.C. United Lineup: Luis Barraza, Aaron Herrera, Kye Rowles, Lucas Bartlett, David Schnegg, João Peglow, Boris Enow (Matti Peltola 82'), Jackson Hopkins (Brandon Servania 57'), Hosei Kijima (Randall Leal 57'), Gabriel Pirani, Dominique Badji (Christian Benteke 57')
Unused Substitutes: Kim Joon-Hong, Randall Leal, Derek Dodson, Jared Stroud, Connor Antley
Head Coach: Kevin Flanagan
Los Angeles Galaxy Lineup: Novak Micovic, Miki Yamane (Mauricio Cuevas 78'(, Julian Aude (John Nelson 78'), Maya Yoshida, Emiro Garces, Edwin Cerrillo, Diego Fagúndez (Isaiah Parente 89'), Gabriel Pec, Marco Reus (Christian Ramirez 84'), Joseph Reus, Joseph Paintsil, Matheus Nascimento (Lucas Sanabria 78')
Unused Substitutes: John McCarthy, Zanka, Tucker Lepley, Elijah Wynder
Head Coach: Greg. Vanney
