D.C. United defeated Red Bull New York 2-1 on Wednesday, October 14, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., as Tai Baribo scored his 15th MLS goal of the 2026 season and the club held on after playing a man down.
D.C. United scored both of its goals in the first half. Baribo converted a fifth-minute penalty, and Silvan Hefti headed home in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Keisuke Kurokawa delivered a corner and Baribo nodded the ball on.
D.C. United Builds a Two-Goal Lead
Baribo won the penalty after Red Bull New York midfielder Adri Mehmeti brought him down. The goal also marked Baribo’s first MLS assist of the 2026 season, as he set up Hefti’s second goal of the year.
D.C. United entered halftime with a 2-0 advantage despite holding 32.3% of possession. The home side finished with four shots, three shots on target and three corners, while Red Bull New York recorded 24 shots, seven shots on target and 11 corners.
Red Bull New York Pulls Within One
D.C. United faced additional pressure after Lucas Bartlett received a second yellow card in the 68th minute. Red Bull New York substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored in the 71st minute, with Emil Forsberg providing the assist.
Sean Johnson made six saves off 10 shots on target to protect the lead. D.C. United held firm after Bartlett’s dismissal and secured the 2-1 victory at Audi Field.
Oscar Avilez Makes MLS Debut
Oscar Avilez made his MLS debut for D.C. United at Audi Field and played 56 minutes. He recorded eight touches in the opposition box, the most by any player in the match.
The victory improved D.C. United’s record to 7-9-12 with 33 points in the 2026 MLS regular season. The club also moved to 5-5-5 at Audi Field and now holds a 39-36-19 all-time regular-season record against Red Bull New York, including a 24-17-8 mark at home.
Next Match
D.C. United will play Orlando City on Saturday, October 17, at Inter.co Stadium. Rene Weiler coached D.C. United, while Michael Bradley coached Red Bull New York.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
D.C. United took advantage of its first-half chances to build a two-goal lead before Red Bull New York controlled possession and generated pressure after halftime. Baribo contributed directly to both D.C. United goals, while Johnson’s six saves proved important after Bartlett’s second yellow card.
The 2-1 result reflected a match in which Red Bull New York held a significant edge in possession, shots and corners. D.C. United’s ability to defend the advantage while playing a man down secured all three points at Audi Field.
Source: Original report
