WASHINGTON – Tai Baribo made an immediate impact in his debut for D.C. United, scoring the only goal of the match to hand the Philadelphia Union their first season-opening loss since 2020. The 1-0 victory at Audi Field marked a fresh start for D.C. United after a dismal 2025 season, which saw them finish at the bottom of the standings with the Wooden Spoon.
In a game that saw both teams struggling with injuries, Baribo’s decisive 23rd-minute finish helped D.C. secure an early-season victory. After a difficult 2025 season, D.C. United’s offseason acquisition of Baribo, for a reported $4 million, seemed to pay off almost immediately. The Israeli striker, who was sold by the Union to their Eastern Conference rivals, opened the scoring with a calm strike inside the left side of the penalty area following a quick counter-attack and a well-timed assist from João Peglow.
For the Union, the match was a challenging one. Missing key players, such as Jovan Lukic, who sat out for a second consecutive match due to injury, and Frankie Westfield, who was a late scratch, the defending Supporters’ Shield winners struggled to find their rhythm. Their vulnerability was further compounded by a first-half injury to Finn Sundstrom, who was forced to leave the game at halftime after rolling his ankle.
The Union’s situation worsened in the second half when Ezekiel Alladoh, their record-breaking offseason acquisition, was sent off with a straight red card for dissent in the 59th minute. Despite being a man down, the Union created a few chances late in the match. They finished the game with 1.2 xG, marginally behind D.C. United’s 1.3 xG, but they struggled to break down D.C.’s defense. Their 13 shots were mostly off target, with only three shots on goal, none of which posed serious danger to veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who made his D.C. United debut.
While Baribo came close to doubling his tally with a shot that hit the post and a potential second goal that was ruled out for offside, the Union failed to capitalize on their chances. Cavan Sullivan had two set pieces that found dangerous spots, and Alejandro Bedoya almost set up Agustin Anello in the box, but it wasn’t enough to break down D.C. United’s defense.
Baribo’s goal was the only one of the match, but it was almost not enough. The Union did have a handful of close calls, but D.C. United held on for the win. The victory marked a significant rebound for D.C. United, who finished last in the league last season with just 26 points.
Following the loss, the Union will return home for the second leg of their Champions Cup match against Defence Force FC, before hosting New York City FC for their home opener on Sunday. Despite the setback, the Union will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches, but their performance in Washington was a reminder of how much work remains for them to defend their Supporters’ Shield title.
