Match Preview: D.C. United vs. FC Dallas August 24, 2024

Story of the Match

MLS action is back at Audi Field this weekend as D.C. United and FC Dallas will lock horns in a pivotal MLS regular season match on Saturday, August 24th. Both teams are eager to secure a playoff berth, and this encounter could significantly impact postseason chances for each side.

The 2024 season has been a bit of a rollercoaster for D.C. United but have won four of their last five matches, including both MLS and Leagues Cup. Key players, Christian Benteke and Alex Bono, have been pivotal stalwarts at either end of the pitch during the squad’s summer resurgence. Defender Lucas Bartlett will also be facing his former club, who selected him 6th overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. Bartlett currently ranks third in Major League Soccer for aerial duels, having won 132, and will aim to maintain his strong defensive performance this Saturday.

FC Dallas, on the other hand, has been a consistent middle of the pack team throughout the season. The Texas team scores just about as much as they concede with a –1 goal differential on the season. Petar Musa and Jesús Ferreira are the standout goal scorers for Dallas, contributing 23 goals and assists.

The head-to-head record between these two teams is evenly matched, with the Black-and-Red having won 17 matches and FC Dallas having won 22 matches. This weekend's battle promises to be a high stakes encounter as MLS returns to league action. Both teams will be motivated to secure a positive result and strengthen their playoff positioning.

With a packed house in D.C., home field advantage could play a role in D.C. United's favor. Tickets can be purchased here.

By the Numbers

• D.C. United is looking for their 18th all-time regular season win against FC Dallas. (17-22-8 record in regular season matchups with 79 GF and 83 GA)
• Midfielder Mateusz Klich leads D.C. United with 54 chances created this season; averaging 2.4 chances created per match.
• The Black-and-Red are ranked 3rd in MLS with 11.3 successful tackles per match this season; FC Dallas are ranked 19th with 9.6 per match.
• Defender Lucas Bartlett leads the D.C. United with 49 clearances and is ranked 3rd in MLS in aerial duels with 132.
• D.C. United is averaging 1.4 goals per match with 35 total goals scored; FC Dallas averaging 1.5 goals per match with 38 total goals scored.