Season Opener Highlights
In an exciting season opener on Saturday night, D.C. United secured a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union, thanks to a decisive goal from Tai Baribo, who found the net against his old squad. Baribo, who was the top scorer for the Union last season with 16 goals, was traded to D.C. United during the offseason in exchange for a cash deal.
Key Moments of the Match
Baribo made his mark early in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a counter-attack. After receiving a clever through ball from João Peglow, Baribo struck with a precise first-touch shot that eluded Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.
The encounter took a turn in the second half when Philadelphia’s rookie forward, Ezekiel Alladoh, was issued a straight red card in the 59th minute, significantly handicapping the Union for the remainder of the match.
New Faces and Veteran Presence
D.C. United also saw a new face in their ranks with Louis Munteanu making his MLS debut. The 23-year-old Romanian international entered the game in the 70th minute, stepping in for Gabriel Pirani. Munteanu was signed for a club-record transfer fee exceeding $7 million in January, bringing additional expectations to the squad.
On the defensive end, goalkeeper Sean Johnson showcased his experience, making three crucial saves during his first match for D.C. United. The 36-year-old veteran brought with him a wealth of experience, having made 431 career MLS starts over a 16-year tenure with teams including Chicago, New York City FC, and Toronto FC.
Historical Context
Historically, the Union have had the upper hand over D.C. United, holding a record of 28 wins, 10 losses, and 7 draws, including a strong performance last season where they swept the series, winning 3-0 at home and 6-0 away in 2025.
