D.C. United shocks 2025 MLS-best Philadelphia Union in season opener

Tai Baribo's first-half goal lifts D.C. United to surprise 1-0 win over the defending Supporters' Shield champions

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In a matchup of the teams with the best and worst records in MLS last season, D.C. United pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory over the defending Supporters' Shield champion Philadelphia Union in the season opener. Tai Baribo, who was the Union's top scorer in 2025, scored the game's lone goal in the 23rd minute to give D.C. United the win. Veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson made three saves in his D.C. debut as the Black-and-Red ended their nine-match winless streak against the Union.

Why it matters

This result is a major upset to start the new MLS season, with the league's worst team from 2025 defeating the Supporters' Shield winners. It shows D.C. United has made significant improvements under new coach Rene Weiler, while the Union may have some early-season adjustments to make after their midweek CONCACAF Champions Cup match.

The details

Baribo's goal came on a counterattack after a D.C. United turnover, with Gabriel Pirani finding Baribo for the finish. Baribo nearly scored again in the first half but hit the post. The Union struggled to generate many quality chances, outshooting D.C. 13-7 but putting only three shots on target. Philadelphia's Ezekiel Alladoh was sent off in the 59th minute after a red card.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • D.C. United's last match against Philadelphia was a 6-0 loss on September 27, 2025.

The players

Tai Baribo

A former Philadelphia Union player who scored the game-winning goal for D.C. United in his debut with the club.

Sean Johnson

The veteran goalkeeper made his debut for D.C. United and recorded three saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Rene Weiler

The D.C. United head coach who took over the team last summer when it was struggling and led them to the surprise opening-day victory.

Andre Blake

The Philadelphia Union goalkeeper who was unable to stop Baribo's game-winning goal.

Ezekiel Alladoh

The Philadelphia Union player who was sent off in the 59th minute after receiving a red card.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been a step slow coming off our midweek match, but credit to D.C. United, they played a great game and deserved the win.”

— Jim Curtin, Philadelphia Union Head Coach (Philadelphia Inquirer)

What’s next

The Philadelphia Union will look to bounce back next week when they host the New York Red Bulls, while D.C. United will try to build on this upset victory when they travel to face the Columbus Crew.

The takeaway

This result is a major statement by D.C. United, showing they are a much-improved team under new leadership and capable of pulling off big upsets against the league's elite. It also raises questions about whether the Union may have some early-season adjustments to make after their midweek Champions Cup match.