D.C. United edge Fire on Tai Baribo PK in stoppage time

Baribo's late penalty kick lifts D.C. to victory over Chicago

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:35pm

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Tai Baribo scored on a penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give visiting D.C. United a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night. Matti Peltola also scored for D.C., which rallied from a late 1-0 deficit to snap a two-game losing streak. Hugo Cuypers scored on a penalty kick for Chicago in the 81st minute.

Why it matters

This was an important win for D.C. United, who are looking to bounce back after a tough start to the season. The late comeback victory over a conference rival could provide a much-needed boost as they try to climb the standings.

The details

D.C. United's Tai Baribo scored the game-winning goal on a penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Chicago's Jonathan Dean was called for a handball in the box. Matti Peltola had earlier scored the equalizer for D.C. in the 84th minute. Chicago's Hugo Cuypers had given the Fire a 1-0 lead on a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Baribo's game-winning penalty kick came in the 95th minute of the match.
  • Cuypers' penalty kick for Chicago came in the 81st minute.
  • Peltola's equalizing goal for D.C. came in the 84th minute.

The players

Tai Baribo

Forward for D.C. United who scored the game-winning penalty kick in stoppage time.

Matti Peltola

Midfielder for D.C. United who scored the equalizing goal in the 84th minute.

Hugo Cuypers

Forward for the Chicago Fire who scored on a penalty kick to give his team a late 1-0 lead.

Jonathan Dean

Chicago Fire player who was called for a handball in the box, leading to the game-winning penalty kick for D.C. United.

Sean Johnson

Goalkeeper for D.C. United who made one save in the match.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us. We showed a lot of fight to come back and get the three points.”

— Tai Baribo, Forward, D.C. United

“Tough way to lose, but we'll bounce back. We had our chances and just couldn't finish them.”

— Hugo Cuypers, Forward, Chicago Fire

What’s next

D.C. United will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the New England Revolution next weekend, while the Chicago Fire will try to regroup ahead of their match against Atlanta United.

The takeaway

This thrilling comeback win for D.C. United showcases the team's resilience and ability to grind out results, even when facing a late deficit. The late penalty kick drama will surely be a talking point as these two historic franchises continue their rivalry.