Match Preview: D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC Oct. 19, 2024

Story of the Match

It all comes down to this. On Saturday, D.C. United has the chance to make the 2024 MLS Audi Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2019.

The only thing standing in the way of clinching a playoff spot is Charlotte FC. Currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a 13-9-11 record (W-D-L), the team in North Carolina is enjoying success under first year head coach, Dean Smith. The former Brentford, Aston Villa and Norwich City manager was announced to be taking over the touchline for Charlotte over the winter, and the squad hasn’t looked back since.

Consistency and defensive solidity have been the name of the game in 2024 for Charlotte, as the team has posted one of the best defensive records in not just the Eastern Conference but all of MLS. In 33 matches played, Charlotte has only allowed 37 goals, meaning D.C. United has their work cut out for them.

With one game to play, Black-and-Red striker Christian Benteke leads the MLS Golden Boot race with a four-goal cushion. He’ll be looking to add to his tally not just to secure his place in MLS history, but in D.C. United history by propelling the Black-and-Red into the playoffs with one of his patented goals at Audi Field.

There are multiple scenarios that see D.C. United clinch a playoff berth, but here’s the simplest one: Win, and you’re in.

After that, things get more complicated. But here’s the full breakdown:

D.C. United clinches Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs berth with:

• D.C. United WIN/DRAW vs. Charlotte FC OR
• CF Montréal LOSS vs. New York City FC AND Philadelphia Union LOSS/DRAW vs. FC Cincinnati AND D.C. United ADVANTAGE in tiebreakers over CF Montréal OR
• CF Montréal LOSS vs. New York City FC AND Atlanta United LOSS/DRAW at Orlando City SC AND D.C. United ADVANTAGE in tiebreakers over CF Montréal OR
• Philadelphia Union LOSS/DRAW vs. FC Cincinnati AND Atlanta United LOSS/DRAW at Orlando City SC

By the Numbers

• D.C. United's all-time regular season record against Charlotte FC is 2-2-1 with six goals scored and four goals against.
• Forward Christian Benteke continues his aerial dominance with 431 aerial duels this season. Benteke also has leads the league in headed shots with 46.
• The Black-and-Red have scored 52 goals this season. 31 from open play, 15 from set pieces, five from the penalty spot, and one from a free kick.
• Midfielder Mateusz Klich leads the team with 13 assists and 69 successful crosses this season. Klich ranks 4th in MLS in successful crosses
• D.C. United is ranked 3rd in MLS averaging 11 successful tackles per match with a 62.8% tackle success rate. Charlotte FC is ranked 29th in MLS averaging 7.4 successful tackles per match with a 57.7% tackle success rate.