Match Preview: D.C. United at Orlando City SC | Saturday, October 17, 2026

Match Preview: D.C. United at Orlando City SC | Saturday, October 17, 2026

D.C. United travel to Inter&Co Stadium this Saturday, October 17 for an Eastern Conference matchup against Orlando City SC in the club's 29th match of the 2026 MLS season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Orlando, Florida. The Black-and-Red enter the weekend at 7-9-12 with 33 points and still hold a match in hand, with the rescheduled trip to FC Cincinnati set for October 21.

D.C. United enter Saturday's contest off a 2-1 win over Red Bull New York at Audi Field on October 14. Forward Tai Baribo opened the scoring in the fifth minute for his 15th goal of the season, and defender Silvan Hefti added the winner in first-half stoppage time for his first career MLS game-winning goal. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson and the back line held the lead through the final 20 minutes after Red Bull New York pulled one back in the 71st. Head Coach René Weiler's side is 2-4-7 on the road in 2026.

Orlando City SC enter the weekend at 11-13-5 with 38 points, seventh in the Eastern Conference, and are coming off a 3-3 draw at Toronto FC on October 14. Forward Martin Ojeda leads Interim Head Coach Martín Perelman's side with 14 goals and is five-for-five from the penalty spot, forward Antoine Griezmann has 10 goals in 13 appearances, and midfielder Ivan Angulo leads the club with 12 assists. Orlando City are 8-4-2 at home this season but have conceded 69 goals across 29 matches, and they are 3-11-2 when allowing the opening goal.

Saturday's match is the second and final meeting between the clubs in the 2026 MLS regular season. D.C. United lead the all-time regular season series 10-9-3 across 22 meetings and won the first meeting 3-2 at Audi Field on April 25. The Black-and-Red are 4-6-1 in 11 previous trips to Orlando.

By the Numbers:

• Forward Tai Baribo leads D.C. United with 15 goals in 2026, has scored four game-winners and is four-for-four from the penalty spot.
• Defender Silvan Hefti scored the winner against Red Bull New York on October 14 and has two goals and four assists in his first MLS season.
• Defender Keisuke Kurokawa has started all 28 matches in 2026 with six assists and a D.C. United-high 67 corner kicks.
• Goalkeeper Sean Johnson has 21 career MLS appearances against Orlando City SC with a 1.43 goals-against average.
• Orlando City SC have conceded 69 goals in 29 matches in 2026.
• Orlando City SC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau has a 2.32 goals-against average in 28 starts in 2026

Last Match Against Orlando City SC | April 25, 2026, at Audi Field

In the most recent meeting between the clubs, D.C. United scored twice in the final six minutes to claim a 3-2 comeback win at Audi Field. Midfielder Jackson Hopkins opened the scoring in the 10th minute from outside the box off a defender Keisuke Kurokawa assist. Trailing 2-1 after Orlando City scored through forward Justin Ellis in the 56th and forward Tyrese Spicer in the 67th, forward Louis Munteanu leveled the match in the 84th with his first career MLS goal, set up by defender Nikola Markovic moments after both came off the bench. Defender Kye Rowles then headed in forward Jacob Murrell's corner in the 90th to win it. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson kept the Black-and-Red level with two saves on Ellis inside the final 20 minutes.

How to Watch

D.C. United fans can catch all the action of their favorite team on Apple TV. With this, you can watch every D.C. United match 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 enjoy the entire 2026 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 the iHeartRadio App and Freedom 104.7 FM. Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson, who has called matches 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 matches on MLS Season Pass can opt to listen to Dave Johnson and Bruce Murray calling the match on the MLS Local Radio Broadcast channel.