In a match that carried the weight of a season's closing chapter, Charlotte FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over D.C. United at Audi Field on Saturday evening. The game, kicking off under clear skies and a packed crowd of over 18,000, marked D.C.'s final home outing of the 2025 MLS campaign. Charlotte, chasing redemption after recent stumbles, struck first through midfielder Pep Biel in the 23rd minute, his precise finish from a corner exploiting a momentary lapse in D.C.'s backline.
Indeed, the visitors controlled much of the first half, with Idan Toklomati nearly doubling the lead on a counter that saw him weave through three defenders. D.C. United, however, mounted a spirited response after the break. Christian Benteke leveled things in the 58th minute, his towering header from a set piece breathing new life into the hosts. The stadium erupted, fans sensing a potential turnaround in what has been a frustrating year for the Black-and-Red.
But Charlotte's resolve held firm. Moreover, they regained the advantage just five minutes later when forward Patrick Agyemang pounced on a rebound, slotting home what proved to be the winner. D.C. pressed late, including a disallowed goal in stoppage time due to offside, but Kristijan Kahlina's sharp saves in net preserved the points. This result extends Charlotte's edge in the all-time series to 5-2-1, underscoring their growing dominance over the capital side—wins like the 2-1 triumph back in July and a shutout 3-0 last October speak to that pattern.
Key Stats: Charlotte held 52% possession, outshot D.C. 14-11, and committed fewer fouls (9 vs. 13), reflecting Dean Smith's disciplined approach. For D.C., it was another home disappointment, extending their winless streak in recent finales.
However, the broader picture reveals deeper issues for both clubs as playoffs loom. Charlotte climbs to seventh in the East, while D.C. finishes outside the top nine. What does this mean for offseason rebuilds?