Story of the Match
D.C. United returns home to Audi Field on Saturday, March 29, 2025, to face off against Columbus with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase at dcunited.com/tickets.
After a tough 4-1 loss at Orlando City SC on March 22, the Black-and-Red aims to bounce back in front of the home fans on Saturday. Currently sitting on seven points from their first five matches, D.C. United will look to secure all three points to build some positive momentum for the season ahead.
Despite conceding four goals against Orlando, the team remains resolute in its identity under Head Coach Troy Lesesne and will look to get back to the form that saw them go unbeaten through the first four games. Columbus Crew SC, led by 2024 MLS Coach of the Year Wilfried Nancy, will pose significant challenges for the D.C. United backline even after losing Cucho Hernández to Real Betis in La Liga in the offseason. Black-and-Red forward Christian Benteke will be determined to get back on the scoresheet after not scoring against CF Montréal or Orlando City SC. The 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner scored in in all three of D.C. United’s opening games and will look to increase that tally on Saturday night. One of the positives from the game against Orlando was defender Lukas MacNaughton making his full debut for the Black-and-Red. MacNaughton showed positive glimpses throughout the match and was rewarded for his perseverance in second-half stoppage time when he nodded in D.C. United’s lone goal in the match against Orlando.
Kye Rowles and Matti Peltola returned from international duty and will be available for selection this weekend. Rowles and the Australian National Team defeated Indonesia 5-1 on March 20 and China 2-0 on March 25 in World Cup Qualifiers. Meanwhile, Peltola and Finland earned a 1-0 win against Malta on March 21 and a 2-2 draw against Lithuania on March 24 in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The Finnish team will next face the Netherlands on June 7, 2025, while the Australian National Team will take on Japan on June 5, 2025.
For Columbus Crew, this match presents an opportunity to build on their recent 0-0 draw against New York City FC on March 22. Entering the match with a 2-1-3 (win-loss-tie) record, the 2023 MLS Cup Champions will be eager to get back to winning ways. Both teams feature key attacking players, with D.C. United’s Christian Benteke finding the back of the net three times in five appearances this season while Columbus’ Diego Rossi has scored twice in 2025. Additionally, Columbus’ Homegrown forward Jonathan Russell-Rowe, has also scored two goals this season and will pose a challenge to D.C. United’s backline with his pace and attacking ability. The clash in the midfield will also be key, with D.C. United’s Gabriel Pirani, João Peglow, and Jared Stroud looking to disrupt Columbus’s possession and provide support to Benteke up top.
By the Numbers:
- Defender Lukas MacNaughton scored his first goal for the Black-and-Red on Saturday, March 22 against Orlando City SC in the 91st minute, assisted by Christian Benteke. MacNaughton recorded five clearances and four recoveries in his first start for D.C. United.
- Forward Christian Benteke recorded his first assist of the season on Saturday, March 22 against Orlando City SC. Benteke won eight of his nine aerial duels and created two chances in 90 minutes played.
- Midfielder Gabriel Pirani had a 93% passing accuracy and made 13 passes into the final third; Pirani completed 90 minutes.
- Defender Derek Dodson made his second appearance for the Black-and-Red this season coming on as a 79th-minute substitute. Dodson won four ground duels and had two recoveries in 11 minutes played.
Last Match Against Columbus Crew | Sept 28, 2024 @ Audi Field
The last meeting between D.C. United and Columbus Crew took place on September 28, 2024, at Audi Field, where the teams battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw. D.C. United’s Christian Benteke was the standout performer, scoring both goals for the Black-and-Red in the 30th and 81st minutes, with Ted Ku-DiPietro and Gabriel Pirani providing the assists. Columbus responded with goals from Cucho Hernández and Jacen Russell-Rowe, with Hernández also assisting on Russell-Rowe’s goal. Despite Benteke’s brace, D.C. United couldn’t hold off Columbus’s offensive pressure, and the match ended in a draw. As they meet again this weekend, D.C. United will try to capitalize on the absence of Columbus’s former star striker, Cucho Hernández, who is now playing for Real Betis Balompié in Spain and turn the tables to get a positive result at home.
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.
