March 7, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; DC United forward Ty Barivo (9) moves the ball back to midfield after scoring a second-half goal against Inter Miami CF at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Image As a storied MLS franchise trying to regain its former glory, DC United could take inspiration from the Chicago Fire.
Last year, Chicago advanced to the playoffs after a seven-year drought. This season, DC hopes to accomplish the same feat and end MLS’s six-year absence from the postseason.
When DC (1-2-0, 3 points) plays Chicago (1-1-1, 4 points) on Saturday night, the visitors will see who they want to be.
The similarities between the teams are striking. Both won the MLS Cup in their first seasons. Won with DC United in 1996 and Fire in 1998. And fittingly, their head-to-head results are stalemates, with each team recording 25 wins and 21 draws.
Both teams have shown tremendous improvement defensively this season.
The Fire, who gave up more goals (60) than any team in the playoffs last season, recorded their second straight clean sheet. Meanwhile, DC United, which gave up more goals (66) than any other team in the league last year, has given up three goals this season.
“It’s a good number, but we only had two goals while only one player had two,” DC coach Rene Weiler said of Ty Barivo. “We need to be more decisive and take advantage of opportunities.”
D.C. United lost 2-1 to Inter Miami last Saturday in a game played before 72,026 games at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Playing away from home drew Weiler’s ire.
“I’m not really happy because there are so many away games,” Weiler said. “We only play two of our first nine games at Audi Field.”
Chicago was held to a scoreless draw with the Columbus Crew last Saturday, and goalkeeper Matt Brady was selected to the league’s matchday team after making four saves.
“I thought our defense played very well against Columbus,” Chicago coach Gregg Berhalter said.
The bad news for Chicago against Columbus was that they had their best performance as they made just eight shots and had three on frame.
Hugo Kuipers, who scored twice this season and led the Fire with 19 goals last year, missed the Columbus game and attended Thursday’s practice, but his status in D.C. is uncertain.
Dylan Borso, a 19-year-old making his MLS debut, hit a team-high three shot. Philip Zinkernagel, who recorded 15 goals and 17 assists last year, was not shaken by any attempt.
The Fire recorded a 7-1 win over DC in their most recent matchup on June 7, 2025 in the nation’s capital.
–Field level media
