Late Penalty to Beat Toronto!

DC United 2 - 1 Toronto FC, July 25, 2026

DC snapped a 5 game winless streak with a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC last night (July 25) at Audi Field. It was a beautiful night for soccer, low 80s and low humidity in July.

DC's lineup:

Johnson in goal

Kurokawa, Rowles, Bartlett, Hefti in defense

Peglow, Servania, Dozzell, Hopkins in midfield

Munteanu, Baribo at forward

Subs: Peltola for Hopkins (65rd), Stroud for Servania (65th), Kijima for Servania (80th), Nealis for Rowles (80th), Ordaz for Munteanu (85th)

Both teams had some good chances in the first half. Johnson made a great hand save off of a deflected shot in the 35th minute. DC drew first blood on a Rowles header in the 41st minute, and it was 1-0 DC at the half.

Toronto increased their offensive pressure in the second half, with Theo Corbeanu having continued success beating the defense on the left side. Johnson made multiple saves, but in the 76th minute Corbeanu put in a rebound that Johnson got his hands to but couldn't keep out of the net, tying the score at 1-1.

Both teams had chances after this, and Toronto looked more dangerous, but in the 6th minute of stoppage time Ordaz was tripped in the penalty area, and after VAR review a penalty was awarded. It looked soft at the stadium, but the replay was conclusive; it was a legitimate penalty. Baribo converted, and DC saw out the last minute or two to claim the win.

Toronto had 55% of the possession. DC had more shots (17 to 13), shots on goal (8 to 7) and corners (8 to 5). I thought Johnson made more difficult saves than Toronto's goalie, Luka Gavran. We are fortunate to have him. Nice to get a win again, especially at home.

The MLS All-Star game is this coming Wednesday, July 29, at 8pm in Charlotte, NC. DC plays again at home next Saturday (August 1) at 730pm against Nashville SC, who are leading the Supporters Shield race in the league right now.