PRESEASON RECAP: D.C. United 1 vs. 1 New York Red Bulls
D.C. United had its first taste of preseason action when it played the New York Red Bulls in an exhibition match on Saturday, January 25 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
With both sets of players building up fitness levels ahead of the start of the season, D.C. United had two separate starting elevens to headline each half of the match with trialists and D.C. United Academy players featuring throughout.
With so many new faces on the team, the friendlies serve as a perfect opportunity for the players to test themselves and begin to build the on-field chemistry that will be so pivotal to the success of the team in 2025.
First Half Starting XI:
Kim Joon Hong, Lucas Bartlett, Garrison Tubbs, Academy Player 1, Derek Dodson, Boris Enow, Hosei Kijima, Joao Peglow, Gabriel Pirani, Academy Player 2, Christian Benteke
The first half saw the introduction of offseason signings Kim Joon Hong, Derek Dodson, Hosei Kijima, and João Peglow.
The deadlock between the teams was erased in the 21st minute when a ball over the top from Red Bulls beat the Black-and-Red backline and New York slotted in the opening goal.
South Korean National Team Goalkeeper Kim Joon Hong had a strong first half, showing his range of passing and taking command of his box on multiple occasions. Midfielder Hosei Kijima, who was acquired from St. Louis in the offseason, showed his ability as an engine in the midfield and his ability to break up the attack in the middle of the park.
There were bright spots throughout the first half from the Black-and-Red. Gabriel Pirani created multiple chances on goal and looks to build on his impressive end to the 2024 MLS season. Peglow showed his attacking ability and created problems for the Red Bull backline.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke, was a handful in the first half and was a key part of the attacking buildup throughout.
After going into halftime 1-0 down, D.C. United made 11 substitutions to begin the second half.
Second Half XI:
Jordan Farr, David Schnegg, Academy Player 3, Lukas MacNaughton, Trialist 1, Trialist 2, Trialist 3, Randall Leal, Jacob Murrell, Jared Stroud, Dom Badji
The second half saw more introductions of new players for the Black-and-Red. Goalkeeper Jordan Farr, defender Lukas MacNaughton, and midfielder Randall Leal all featured for the first time.
It was another half sprinkled with bright spots as the team finds their groove in preseason. Jacob Murrell and Dom Badji partnered up front with the pair providing hold up play throughout the half. Defender David Schnegg made his first appearance since an injury kept him out at the conclusion of the 2024 season. Schnegg provided the engine down the left flank and showed glimpses of what fans can look forward to seeing this year.
The Black-and-Red's efforts were rewarded in the 77th minute after a great bit of buildup play. Randall Leal slotted Schnegg in behind and he had the composure to find the feet of Jared Stroud who drilled in the equalizer.
D.C. United departed Florida following the match to return to Washington, DC for a week of training before heading back down to the Sunshine state to resume preseason camp in West Palm Beach on Jan. 31. The next friendly is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1 against USL Championship side the Charleston Battery.
