Another Baribo Goal, Another Draw

Tai Baribo celebrates after scoring in his fifth consecutive game to equalize for DC

CF Montreal 1-1 DC United, August 15, 2026

Tai Baribo scored in the 66th minute to equalize for DC United, and Sean Johnson had a great game in goal (six saves, none of them trivial) as DC notched its fifth draw in their last six games, tying Montreal on the road, 1-1.

Rene Weiler missed the game with an illness, leaving the management to his assistants. Both starting center backs were out (Bartlett suspended for yellow card accumulation, Rowles with a thigh injury). Peltola started at right center back (and had a very solid game). Nealis started at left center back.

Kimito Nono, just acquired from Japan's Kashima Antlers recently, started in midfield.

DC's lineup:

Johnson in goal

Kurokawa, Nealis, Peltola, Hefti in defense

Hopkins, Servania, Dozzell, Kimito Nono in midfield

Baribo, Munteanu at forward

Stroud for Hopkins (62nd), Kijima for Nono (81st), Ordaz for Munteanu (88th) ,Markovic for Servania(8 8th).

The first half was scoreless. Montreal had more chances, but Johnson made several good saves.

Early in the second half, Kurokawa was shoved by Montreal's Prince Owusu on a cross in front of the goal. While falling backwards, he raised both his hands and hit the ball with them. It could easily have been a foul on Owusu, but since that wasn't called, it was a penalty, and in the 50th minute Owusu buried his attempt in the upper right corner. 1-0 Montreal.

DC drew even in the 66th minute when Hefti passed to Nono near the right end line. Nono hit a first-time cross that Baribo deflected in at the near post. 1-1.

Montreal dominated the last 20 minutes. Johnson made a great save in the 79th minute, and Montreal's Hennadii missed a great chance in the 81st minute. Montreal hit the post in the 94th minute, and fluffed a great chance at the very end of the game from a few yards out, but DC hung on for the draw.

Montreal had 67% possession, 7 shots on goal, and 20 shots total (compared to 2 and 7 respectively for DC). Montreal also had 5 corners compared to DC's 3. A fighting draw. This seems to be par for the course these days, as DC is unbeaten in their last six games, but 5 of them have been draws. However, they maintained their place at 9th in the Eastern Conference, 3 points clear of Orlando City in 10th.

This season has been sort of "hurry up and wait", with long gaps between play and then two games a week. After the Leagues Cup lull, DC plays again at home to New England at Audi Field, this Wednesday (August 19) at 730pm. Three days later (August 22) it's away to Charlotte at 730pm.