D.C. United have temporarily shifted to M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, rather than their home ground of Audi Field.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sporting Kansas City<\/a> and the Columbus Crew<\/a> also switched venues to welcome Lionel Messi<\/a> & Friends in past seasons, drawing historic attendances in the process.\u00a0<\/p>\n The early returns have been mixed on the Black-and-Red’s rebuild under head coach Ren\u00e9 Weiler and Dr. Erik Sorgut, their managing director of soccer operations.<\/p>\n D.C.’s new-look squad beat the Philadelphia Union<\/a> in their season opener before falling 1-0<\/a> at Austin FC<\/a> last weekend.<\/p>\n Tai Baribo: The Israeli striker, who was acquired over the winter from Philly for up to $4.6 million, scored the 1-0 game-winner<\/a> against his former club on Matchday 1. Will Munteanu crack the starting XI? D.C.’s marquee offseason signing has come off the bench in their first two matches of 2026.<\/p>\n The MLS Cup champions are back. The same goes for Messi.\u00a0<\/p>\n After a 3-0 loss<\/a> at LAFC<\/a> on MLS is Back weekend, Messi led Miami to a 4-2 Florida Derby win<\/a> at Orlando City<\/a> last weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n Messi struck twice as the Herons stormed back from a two-goal deficit to earn their first win of 2026, and their first-ever victory at their in-state rivals.\u00a0<\/p>\n Telasco Segovia<\/a> (1g\/2a) also impressed at Inter&Co Stadium, as did substitute Mateo Silvetti<\/a>, whose long-distance golazo ignited Miami’s thrilling comeback.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nLouis Munteanu: D.C.’s new club-record signing is awaiting his first start after arriving from CFR Cluj in his native Romania for a reported $10 million transfer fee.
\nJo\u00e3o Peglow: The Brazilian attacker\u00a0is looking for a breakout year after posting 3g\/4a in his debut 2025 season.
\nSean Johnson: A veteran of more than 400 MLS games, the former USMNT<\/a> goalkeeper joined D.C. after spending the last three seasons with Toronto FC<\/a>.
\nKye Rowles: The Australian international center back is looking to represent the Socceroos at this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n