After helping both Atlanta United and FC Dallas end their league loss streaks, DC United will be hoping that FC Cincinnati will continue to feel generous and help to end their own.
DC UNITED
Thus far in 2025 DC United has struggled to rise to the level in MLS. With 15 points through 16 games, there has been a fair amount of questions asked about the competency of the team and leadership. Often thought to be at a talent deficiency in their match ups, the team has struggled to find a consistent mode of attack, often relying on the physical dominance of Forward Christian Benteke to be the answer to all of their problems. However, Betenke injured his ankle in a May 14 match against NYCFC, and the DC United attack has not scored a single goal in MLS play since.
Normally, Benteke’s presence would have been replaced by ex-FCC striker Dom Badji, but he picked up a quad injury and has missed the last month as well. This has led coach Troy Lesesne to look for alternatives, and while there have been few, some small glimmers of hope seem to be appearing.
In their Wednesday game against New England, DC found a 90’+1 equalizer thanks to a quick counter attack from winger Gabriel Pirani. While it may be a flash in the pan moment, it is emblematic of their current philosophy: defend deep, and allow their wingers to create attacking moments. This has been something FC Cincinnati was susceptible to in their games this week (FC Dallas’ second goal is a prime example) and with the improved form of Homegrown Kristian Fletcher and Joao Peglow on the other wing, DC will hope to steal something Saturday.
FC CINCINNATI
This game is a moment for FC Cincinnati to show what kind of team they are. With disappointing results to two teams struggling to find results, they will be aiming to end the week with a win.
In their previous game against DC United, Dado Valenzuela scored the winner off of a DC turnover, and he will no doubt be looking to continue his scoring hot streak. With goals against both Atlanta and Dallas, he has become the third point in an attacking trident. And it seems Valenzuela has caught Pat Noonan’s eye as he commented after the FC Dallas match: “Tonight was a night where we anticipated rotating 3 or 4 guys, and he was one of them, because his performance in Atlanta warranted a start.” So against a likely lower block from DC, Valenzuela may be given the keys to the offense and the trust to unlock a defense.
In the back line, there was a series of rotations at center back with Alvas Powell and Gilberto Flores starting against Dallas, while Matt Miazga rested and Teenage Hedebe rotated in the game late. Noonan wasn’t happy with the players’ understanding of where they needed to be in their defensive rest position (the space a defender should occupy while the offense is attacking) saying, “…it’s getting exposed.” With a team looking to counterattack, expect this to be a key focus in the team directions.
MATCH INFO
WHEN: May 31, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
WHERE: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
HOW TO WATCH: MLS Season Pass on AppleTV+
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