Austin FC Favored to Edge DC United in Tight MLS Clash

Austin FC hosts DC United at Q2 Stadium on March 1, 2026 in a key early-season MLS matchup.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Austin FC is set to host DC United at Q2 Stadium on Sunday for the second round of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Austin enters the match aiming to improve on a disappointing finish to last year, which included a loss in the US Open Cup final at home and a swift exit in the first round of the playoffs. DC United had a difficult previous season, registering only five league wins and recording one of their worst points totals in the last decade, but opened this MLS season with a close 1-0 home victory against Philadelphia Union.

Why it matters

This match represents an early-season clash between two teams with different recent trajectories. Austin FC will look to build on their playoff appearance last season, while DC United hopes to rebound from a dismal 2025 campaign. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the season for both clubs.

The details

Austin FC started their new campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Minnesota United last weekend. Brendan Hines-Ike and Myrto Uzuni scored to give Austin a 2-1 lead late in the game but the team conceded an equalizer in the 90th minute due to defensive lapses. Meanwhile, DC United had a difficult previous season, registering only five league wins and recording one of their worst points totals in the last decade. They opened this MLS season with a close 1-0 home victory against Philadelphia Union, highlighted by Tai Baribo scoring the decisive goal early in his debut for DC.

  • Austin FC and DC United have faced each other only three times in Major League Soccer history.
  • The two clubs will meet on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Q2 Stadium.

The players

Brendan Hines-Ike

A midfielder for Austin FC who scored a goal in the team's 2-2 draw against Minnesota United in the opening match of the 2026 MLS season.

Myrto Uzuni

A forward for Austin FC who also scored a goal in the team's 2-2 draw against Minnesota United in the opening match of the 2026 MLS season.

Tai Baribo

A forward who scored the decisive goal in DC United's 1-0 victory over Philadelphia Union in the opening match of the 2026 MLS season, his club debut.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The prediction for the encounter is a narrow Austin FC 1-0 victory, reflecting a cautious but hopeful outlook for the home side to maintain their unbeaten record against DC.

The takeaway

This match represents an early-season clash between two teams with different recent trajectories. Austin FC will look to build on their playoff appearance last season, while DC United hopes to rebound from a dismal 2025 campaign. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the season for both clubs.