Union look to build on momentum against D.C. United

Philadelphia Union returns home to Subaru Park after a crucial road win in Montreal.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:00pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the energy and movement of a soccer match, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.The Union and D.C. United renew their Eastern Conference rivalry in a crucial early-season matchup.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Union is back at home on Saturday, April 18th to take on Eastern Conference rivals D.C. United. After snapping a six-game winless streak with a 2-1 victory over Montreal last weekend, the Union will look to build on that momentum against a D.C. United team that has struggled to start the season.

Why it matters

This is an important Eastern Conference matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions early in the 2026 MLS season. The Union will aim to capitalize on their recent success and climb up the standings, while D.C. United will try to get back on track after being eliminated from the Open Cup in the Round of 32.

The details

The Union opened the season with a 1-0 loss to D.C. United in February, but have since found their footing with a crucial road win in Montreal. Japhet Sery Larsen and Jesus Bueno scored second-half goals to erase a 1-0 deficit and give the Union their first victory of the year. D.C. United, meanwhile, has won just two of their first seven matches and sits ninth in the Eastern Conference with seven points.

  • The Union host D.C. United on Saturday, April 18th at 7:30pm.
  • The teams previously met on Matchday 1, with D.C. United winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from former Union striker Tai Baribo.
  • D.C. United was recently eliminated from the Open Cup in the Round of 32 after losing to One Knoxville SC in a penalty shootout.

The players

Japhet Sery Larsen

A midfielder for the Philadelphia Union who scored a key goal in the team's 2-1 win over Montreal last weekend.

Jesus Bueno

A forward for the Philadelphia Union who also scored in the team's comeback victory over Montreal.

Tai Baribo

A striker for D.C. United who scored the lone goal in their 1-0 win over the Union on Matchday 1.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to be back home and build on the momentum from our win in Montreal. D.C. United is a tough opponent, but we're confident we can get the job done in front of our fans.”

— Jim Curtin, Philadelphia Union Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of Saturday's match will take a big step towards securing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

This game represents an important early-season clash between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Union will look to capitalize on their recent success and climb up the standings, while D.C. United will try to get their season back on track after a disappointing start.