Match Preview - D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati on Saturday April 12, 2025 @ Audi Field

Story of the Match

D.C. United returns home to Audi Field on Saturday, April 12, 2025, to face off against FC Cincinnati with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase at dcunited.com/tickets.

D.C. United will look to bounce back after a difficult loss against the San Jose Earthquakes on April 6, who scored three goals inside the first 20 minutes, ultimately securing a 6-1 victory. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Christian Benteke found the net in the 47th minute, scoring his fifth goal of 2025. The Black-and-Red struggled to find their rhythm on both ends of the pitch, and a high-powered San Jose attack capitalized on every opportunity.

In an effort to spark improved results, Head Coach Troy Lesesne made two changes to the starting XI with Derek Dodson making his first start of the 2025 season and Dominique Badji starting up front alongside Benteke. The match also marked the first appearance for Randall Leal since February 22 against Toronto FC. D.C. United is currently sitting on nine points from their first nine matches and will look to secure all three points to build some positive momentum.

For FC Cincinnati, this match presents an opportunity to build on their recent 1-0 win against the New England Revolution on April 5. Entering the match with a 5-3-3 (win-loss-tie) record, the Orange and Blue will look to extend their winning record and maintain their strong start to the season. Both teams feature dangerous attacking threats, with D.C. United’s Christian Benteke continuing to lead the line, while Cincinnati newcomer Evander has scored four goals in six appearances since his blockbuster move from the Portland Timbers in the offseason. Additionally, Cincinnati’s Homegrown goalkeeper Roman Celentano has been in impressive form this season recording 22 saves and three shutouts in his first seven appearances this year.

By the Numbers:

• Forward Christian Benteke scored his fifth goal of the season on Sunday, April 6 against San Jose Earthquakes in the 47th minute, assisted by Derek Dodson. Benteke won 11 total duels and recorded six shots on target.
• Defender Derek Dodson started his first match for D.C. United on Sunday, April 6 against San Jose Earthquakes. Dodson recorded one assist and had three clearances in 57 minutes played.
• Midfielder Randall Leal made his first Black-and-Red appearance since February 22 against Toronto FC coming on as a 73rd minute substitute. Leal recorded three total shots and had two recoveries in 17 minutes played.
• Midfielder João Peglow had a 100% tackle accuracy recording five total tackles and had two shots in 64 minutes played.

Last Match Against FC Cincinnati | July 3, 2024 @ Audi Field

The last encounter between D.C. United and FC Cincinnati saw the team fall 2-3 at Audi Field on July 3, 2024. After Kevin Kelsy opened the scoring in the 10th minute, D.C. responded in the 24th minute with Martín Rodríguez’s first goal for the club, assisted by Ted Ku-DiPietro. However, Cincinnati then regained the lead after a brace from Pavel Bucha in the 39^th and 63^rd minute. D.C. United fought hard, with Gabriel Pirani pulling one back in the 69th minute, but despite a strong push, D.C. couldn’t convert their chances. As they prepare to face Cincinnati again, D.C. United will look to build on their home-field advantage and refine their attack to turn the tables to get a positive result this Saturday.

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.