In the fading light of another MLS campaign, D.C. United welcomes Charlotte FC to Audi Field this Saturday for what feels like a bittersweet send-off. Kickoff at 2:30 p.m. marks the Black-and-Red's last home game of 2025, a Fan Appreciation Day that's more obligation than celebration given their middling season. Charlotte, meanwhile, arrives hungry for points after stumbling in recent outings—a 2-0 loss to New York City FC and a frustrating draw that exposed defensive lapses.
History tilts toward the visitors here. Charlotte holds a 4-2-1 edge in the series, including a convincing 2-1 victory over D.C. back on July 16 at Bank of America Stadium. That night, Pep Biel orchestrated the win with his league-leading assists—now at 10 for the year—while Idan Toklomati notched the decider. Indeed, the Crown have been stingy at home against United, posting a 2-0-1 record with three clean sheets. But on the road? That's where vulnerabilities creep in, especially against a D.C. side desperate to salvage pride.
Moreover, D.C. United's form has been erratic, hovering mid-table with just enough wins to avoid the basement but not enough flair to inspire. Christian Benteke remains their talisman, his physicality a constant threat, yet the midfield lacks the cohesion that Charlotte's Dean Smith demands. However, United's home record isn't dismal— they've clawed points from tougher foes. Charlotte, for their part, boasts a potent attack, scoring in 14 straight matches across competitions, but recent concessions suggest cracks under pressure.
The stakes? Playoff implications dangle loosely for both. D.C. eyes a spoiler's role to end on a high note at Audi Field, while Charlotte chases redemption to bolster their postseason push. Lineup tweaks could swing it—expect Biel to pull strings for the visitors, Benteke to bully up top for the hosts. It's a matchup where grit might trump glamour.
Yet as the whistle nears, one wonders if this clash will redefine their rivalry or merely fade into the autumn chill.