D.C. United Men’s Soccer fell 2-1 to FC Cincinnati in the 2026 MLS regular season at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Oct. 21, 2026. Teenage Hadebe scored in the 55th minute to give FC Cincinnati the winning margin after David Douděra opened the scoring and Kimito Nono equalized for D.C. United.
FC Cincinnati Takes the Lead Twice
FC Cincinnati took a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute when David Douděra scored from the center of the box. D.C. United responded in the 38th minute as Kimito Nono converted a pass from João Peglow to tie the match before halftime.
Hadebe restored FC Cincinnati’s lead in the 55th minute, with Evander Da Silva Ferreira providing the assist. D.C. United pursued an equalizer throughout the second half but was unable to score again.
D.C. United Players Reach Milestones
Lucas Bartlett returned to the starting lineup and made his 100th MLS start. The defender also recorded six clearances in 90 minutes.
Alex Bono made his first start for D.C. United this season and finished with four saves. Nono scored his third goal for the club and created three chances, while Peglow recorded his sixth assist of the season and completed 52 passes, tied for the most in the match.
Match Statistics and Next Meeting
D.C. United finished with 12 shots, four shots on goal, nine corners and 51.4% possession. FC Cincinnati recorded 15 shots, six shots on goal, six corners and 48.6% possession.
The result left D.C. United 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 7-11-12 record and 33 points. D.C. United is 2-5-8 on the road in the 2026 MLS season, 6-4-5 against FC Cincinnati in all-time regular-season matchups and 4-1-4 against FC Cincinnati on the road in regular-season play.
D.C. United is scheduled to host FC Cincinnati on Saturday, Oct. 24, to close the series.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
D.C. United answered Douděra’s opening goal through Nono but could not respond after Hadebe put FC Cincinnati ahead in the second half. D.C. United held a 51.4% possession share and recorded nine corners, but FC Cincinnati finished with the match’s only additional goal.
The teams are scheduled to meet again at D.C. United’s home venue on Oct. 24.
Source: Original report
