DC United Falls to Griezmann's Orlando City 4-1

Antoine Griezmann celebrates one of his two goals against DC United

Orlando City FC 4-1 DC United, October 17, 2026

DC United put up a solid fight against Antoine Griezmann’s Orlando City side, but two

key defensive mistakes and a lack of clinical finishing ultimately kept DC from securing a result.

DC started the match with quick back-to-back chances that could have easily put them up 1-0.

Then came mistake number one (sigh): Brandon Servania made an extremely costly error with a poor pass that led to a beautiful Griezmann finish in the 15th minute. From that point on, the momentum had officially shifted. Ojeda then scored a fantastic backheel finish in the 22nd minute that will undoubtedly be a Goal of the Season contender, and perhaps even a Puskás Award (for most beautiful goal of the year) nominee.

Right before halftime, following a silly foul by Orlando midfielder Cartagena (who was swiftly subbed off afterward), Baribo buried a penalty to pull DC back into the game at 2-1, his 16th goal of the season.

Right after the break, DC thought they had magically made it 2-2 through a sublime Baribo finish, but a correct VAR call, it must be said, ruled it out.

Just when things seemed to be shifting in DC’s favor, decisive mistake number two occurred. Under no real pressure, Kye Rowles handed the ball directly to former FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, who gladly capitalized to score.

It seems that time and again, DC United continues to shoot itself in the foot.

An incredible save in the 59th minute temporarily kept the score at 3-1, but it was clear to everyone that the match was slipping away. Orlando officially sealed it in stoppage time when Marco Pašalić came off the bench to make it 4-1 in the 95th minute. DC had its opportunities in this match, but finishing with conviction has been a struggle all season, something that needs to change starting immediately.

Despite the loss in a crucial match for DC’s playoff hopes, several rival teams hovering around the playoff line also lost or dropped points, leaving DC still just three points out of a postseason spot.

DC’s next match is away in Cincinnati on Wednesday October 21at 7:00 pm, followed by a home rematch against them Saturday October 24 at 7:30 pm.