Tai Baribo scores winner on PK in stoppage time to lift D.C. United to 2-1 victory over Fire

Neither team scored until the 81st minute when Cuypers sent a PK into the net after a foul on DC United midfielder Jackson Hopkins.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tai Baribo scored on a penalty kick in the fifth of 18 minutes of second-half stoppage time to rally D.C. United to a 2-1 victory over Chicago on Saturday night after Hugo Cuypers drilled a late PK to give the Fire a brief lead. Neither team scored until the 81st minute when Cuypers sent a PK into the net after a foul on DC United midfielder Jackson Hopkins. The lead last three minutes until defender Matti Peltola sent shot from the middle of the box through traffic and into the net. Baribo's PK winner came after a foul on Fire defender Johnny Dean.

Why it matters

This was an important victory for D.C. United, who are looking to bounce back after a slow start to the season. The late drama and comeback win will give the team a boost of confidence as they continue their push for a playoff spot.

The details

Tai Baribo scored the game-winning penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to lift D.C. United to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire. Neither team had scored until the 81st minute, when Hugo Cuypers converted a penalty kick for the Fire after a foul on D.C. United midfielder Jackson Hopkins. However, the lead was short-lived, as D.C. United defender Matti Peltola equalized just three minutes later. Baribo then stepped up and buried the winner from the spot after a foul on Fire defender Johnny Dean.

  • The game was played on Saturday night.
  • Cuypers' penalty kick gave the Fire the lead in the 81st minute.
  • Peltola's equalizer for D.C. United came in the 84th minute.
  • Baribo's game-winning penalty kick was scored in the 95th minute of the match.

The players

Tai Baribo

A forward for D.C. United who scored the game-winning penalty kick in stoppage time. Baribo has now scored 3 goals in his first 4 matches with the club after netting 25 goals in 55 appearances over three seasons with the Philadelphia Union.

Hugo Cuypers

A midfielder for the Chicago Fire who scored the team's lone goal on a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

Jackson Hopkins

A midfielder for D.C. United who was fouled, leading to the Fire's penalty kick in the 81st minute.

Matti Peltola

A defender for D.C. United who scored the equalizing goal in the 84th minute, his first career goal in his 61st appearance.

Johnny Dean

A defender for the Chicago Fire who committed the foul that led to Baribo's game-winning penalty kick in stoppage time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us. The boys showed a lot of heart to come back like that.”

— Tai Baribo (CBS News Chicago)

What’s next

D.C. United will look to build on this momentum when they travel to face Atlanta United next Saturday. The Chicago Fire, meanwhile, will try to bounce back when they visit the Philadelphia Union, also on Saturday.

The takeaway

This thrilling comeback victory showcases the resilience and determination of D.C. United, who refused to give up even after falling behind late in the match. The team's ability to rally and secure all three points could prove crucial as they push for a playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference.