D.C. United struggling to stay in playoff hunt as LAFC visit

Field Level Media|published: Fri 28th August, 18:52 2026

Jul 25, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; D.C. United defender Lucas Bartlett (3) and Toronto FC forward Derrick Etienne Jr. (11) battle for the ball during the first half at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

D.C. United have spent much of the season clinging to one of the last few rungs on the playoff ladder in the Eastern Conference in hopes of ending their league-high six-year postseason drought.

But after two straight losses in which they have been outscored 6-1, another potential disappointment is looming for D.C. United (5-7-9, 24 points).

When they take on Los Angeles FC (10-7-5, 35 points) Saturday in Washington, D.C. United will try to regain their previous form when they lost just once over a span of 12 MLS matches.

D.C. is coming off a disheartening 3-1 loss at Charlotte FC in which it surrendered a second-half lead by giving up three goals -- including two on set pieces -- in a span of 13 minutes.

"We're not closing out games. We gotta be clinical. We have to finish chances," defender Lucas Bartlett said. "And then as a back line, as a whole team defending on set pieces, we have to be really good."

Complicating matters for D.C. is an injury to top scorer Tai Baribo (12 goals), who sat out the Charlotte match and is "questionable" for Saturday, according to coach Rene Weiler.

"Two bad games. It's tough because we played a really good 60 minutes in Charlotte," Weiler said, adding that the team is seeking help with the transfer window still open.

Scoring on Saturday won't be easy. Los Angeles has surrendered no more than one goal in eight straight MLS matches and 11 straight in all competitions.

Despite their stingy defense, LAFC are winless in their last four league matches, scoring just two goals over that span.

Injuries have played a role, robbing Los Angeles of its depth. On Thursday, coach Marc Dos Santos rattled off a list of seven players who are unlikely to play on Saturday, though only one, midfielder Timmy Tillman, is a full-time starter.

And now comes a tough stretch of the schedule as LAFC play five of their next six matches on the road.

"Having to win some big games on the road is important when you think about playoffs," Dos Santos said. "You need to sometimes go away and get a big win."

Los Angeles will look to top threats Denis Bouanga (11 goals, six assists) and Son Heung-Min (four goals, nine assists). Son struggled in a 1-1 draw Saturday against Portland as he put just one of nine shots on frame.

--Field Level Media

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