Red and Black Collapse in Charlotte

Charlotte FC 3-1 DC United, August 22, 2026

Tai Baribo was a shock exclusion from the starting eleven as United lined up in a 4-4-2, with Jackson Hopkins and Louis Munteanu (both on long goalless runs) starting up top. The reason for his exclusion, whether due to injury or just a break, seems to have been left out of the media coverage, along with Ordaz still not starting for DC. The fact that Tai Baribo didn’t even come off the bench when DC clearly needed a cutting edge is a massive shock. Five goals in six games and 12 goals overall should be a good enough indicator that he ought to play every game for DC.

The first half showed a lack of creativity from both sides, with former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin doing dangerous runs down the wing, and Charlotte keeping possession without creating much with it. New DC United signing Kimito Nono had a good chance but failed to convert. However, DC generally had this game under control, which makes the final result all the more disappointing.

The second half started well for DC, featuring far greater intensity and faster ball movement. This was complemented by Munteanu breaking his scoring drought with a fine finish into the bottom right corner in the 55th minute.

This is when things devastatingly started to go downhill for DC United. Charlotte raised their level with two quick goals from Schnegg and Cleary in the 64th and 66th minutes, followed by a third from Biel in the 77th to put the cherry on top.

To rub salt into the wound, I had to watch Saint-Maximin showboating with his random juggling skills, while a child shouted across the stadium PA system after every goal.

This was a disappointing performance from United, not so much the result as the way they lost. Their fight deteriorated, and the lack of leadership to handle the momentum shift after Charlotte’s equalizer in an away atmosphere was disappointing, to say the least. DC has now conceded six goals in two games during back-to-back losses.

DC United now sits outside the playoff zone, but only on goal difference, so there is definitely still time to turn this around.

The next match for DC will be a tough encounter at home against Los Angeles FC on Saturday, August 29 at 730pm. A result against Son Heung-min’s side would be significant in getting back on a good run of results to reclaim a playoff spot.

I still have faith in DC United with hope that Baribo and/or Ordaz can start the next game!!