On Saturday, March 8, 2025, D.C. United will face off against Sporting Kansas City at Audi Field, marking the first road match for Sporting Kansas City against D.C. United in more than five years.
The match is set to kick off at 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT) and will be available to stream live on Apple TV+, becoming part of the Major League Soccer (MLS) offering. Both teams desperately seek to secure their first victories of the season, making this match all the more important.
D.C. United began the season with two draws, scoring two goals against both Toronto and Chicago Fire FC. They currently sit with 0 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws, leaving them ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. With four goals scored but also four conceded, they aim to break through with a win to jumpstart what has been challenging early on.
Christian Benteke has been the standout player for D.C. United, leading the team with two goals over the first two matches. The forward, who secured the 2024 MLS Golden Boot by scoring 23 goals, continues his scoring streak as D.C. seeks more offensive consistency this year. Benteke ranks second in the league for shots taken, underscoring his continued attacking threat.
On the other hand, Sporting Kansas City enters the match still searching for their first points of the season. After losing both their opening games—one away against Austin and another at home against San Jose—their current record stands at 0 wins, 2 losses with no points, and they find themselves at 13th place in the Western Conference. Historically, Sporting Kansas City last won at D.C. since 2012 and will aim to shake off the rust encountered during previous seasons where they struggled mightily.
Dejan Joveljic has been the silver lining for the Sporting team this season, netting one goal so far. His performance needs bolstering if the team hopes to turn things around after facing two losses.
Statistically, both teams are grappling with subpar performances early this season. D.C. United ranks 15th overall for goals scored and sits dead last at 28th for pass completion percentage, indicating their hesitance and inefficiency on the ball. Sporting, meanwhile, ranks 22nd for goal differential, having been outscored 6-3 over the first two matches. These numbers paint the picture of two teams vying to find their identity as early results significantly impact morale.
The match carries personal stakes, with Sporting midfielder Jacob Bartlett set to face off against his older brother, Lucas Bartlett, who plays defense for D.C. United. These brotherly bragging rights add another layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Fans attending the match can look forward to exciting pre-game festivities, with gates opening at 6:00 PM. The D.C. United mobile app is available for easing entry and providing extensive information about the event. Attendees can enjoy various activities, including a McDonald's Photo Booth, Harris Teeter Soccer Bowling, and Fruitist Blueberry Sampling, making for entertainment both on and off the field.
With temperatures expected to be hot, especially considering the current factors of humidity and sun exposure, fans are allowed to bring one sealed bottle of water per person (up to 20 oz) during heat advisories to stay hydrated.
Following this match, D.C. United will host Montreal and travel to Orlando City SC. Sporting Kansas City, after facing D.C., will look to rebound against Minnesota United FC at home.
The head-to-head history between these two clubs also adds historical weight to the fixture. Past encounters indicate the rivalry’s competitive nature, with both teams currently tied at 22 wins apiece and 13 draws documented since their first meeting over two decades ago.
Sporting Kansas City’s visits to Audi Field have been less than fruitful over the past years. They last won during the opening week of the 2012 season, and since then, they've struggled significantly on the road, especially against this fixture's historical backdrop.
While on-field performance and tactics will predominantly dictate the match's outcome, fan engagement and atmosphere at Audi Field will certainly play integral roles. A win could see either side gaining confidence to build on as the season progresses, making this encounter one to watch.
With the season still young and both teams aiming to rectify earlier performances, Saturday’s clash at Audi Field promises to be fiercely contested. Will D.C. United finally secure their first victory of the season at home? Or will Sporting Kansas City find the spark they desperately need?