D.C. United soccer lost 2-1 to Charlotte FC on Saturday night at Audi Field despite a 31-10 advantage in total shots. Lucas Bartlett scored D.C. United’s lone goal in the 47th minute, but the result dropped the club to 6-8-11 in the 2026 MLS season with 29 points and 12th place in the Eastern Conference.
D.C. United put 11 shots on target, while Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made 10 saves. Sean Johnson finished with five saves for D.C. United.
Charlotte FC Takes the Lead Before Halftime
D.C. United created the early pressure, but Charlotte FC opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Ashley Westwood found the top-right corner from outside the box to give Charlotte FC a 1-0 lead.
D.C. United continued to test Kahlina before halftime. Tai Baribo headed just wide off a Kimito Nono cross, Kye Rowles forced a save, and Louis Munteanu was denied after Joao Peglow played him behind the defense.
Lucas Bartlett Equalizes for D.C. United
Bartlett leveled the match two minutes into the second half. Keisuke Kurokawa delivered a cross from a set piece, and Bartlett headed home from close range in the 47th minute.
D.C. United maintained its attacking pressure after the equalizer. Baribo struck the crossbar in the 51st minute, Bartlett forced another save with a header in the 53rd minute, and Andre Dozzell tested Kahlina from distance in the 60th minute.
Allan Saint-Maximin Scores Charlotte FCs Winner
Charlotte FC restored its advantage in the 71st minute. Westwood picked out Allan Saint-Maximin, who finished from a difficult angle on the left into the bottom-right corner.
D.C. United continued to push for another equalizer. Munteanu hit the crossbar from outside the box in the 75th minute, Matti Peltola drew a diving save from Kahlina five minutes later, and Kahlina stopped Munteanu again in the 85th minute.
Bartlett appeared to score a second goal in the 87th minute off another Kurokawa delivery, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Johnson moved forward for a corner in the sixth minute of stoppage time and headed just wide of the left post.
D.C. United Leaders and Next Match
Munteanu led D.C. United with nine shots and created three chances. Kurokawa also created three chances and assisted on Bartletts equalizer, while Bartlett added eight defensive contributions.
The loss followed D.C. Uniteds 3-1 defeat to Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on Aug. 22, 2026. D.C. United is scheduled to play Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place on Saturday, Sept. 26, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
D.C. United generated enough attacking opportunities to make the match competitive, but Kahlinas 10-save performance kept Charlotte FC in front. D.C. Uniteds 31-10 shot advantage did not translate into a second goal, and Bartletts late effort was ruled out for offside.
The result leaves D.C. United 12th in the Eastern Conference with 29 points. The club next visits Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place on Sept. 26.
Source: Original report
