Weiler challenges D.C. to take more front-footed approach

Rene Weiler has urged D.C. United to take a more front-footed approach as they aim to try and get back to winning ways in MLS against Charlotte FC.

D.C. were beaten 3-0 by the New England Revolution last time out, which ended their run of six games without defeat.

However, only one of the results in that streak was a victory (D5), with D.C. also conceding first in each of their last three outings.

They still occupy a playoff place, sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference, but Weiler acknowledged they need to avoid going behind if they want to stay in a strong position.

"We wish to score the first goal ourselves, but what we can do is try to be more efficient to do that," he said.

"But it happens, and maybe it will turn into one, two, three, four, five next games, but it's always the aim to score the first goal, and it doesn't turn out at the moment."

Charlotte are three places above D.C. in the East and are five points better off than their opponents this weekend.

The Crown come into this match on the back of a disappointing 3-3 draw against Toronto FC, though, having let a two-goal lead slip against 10 men.

While Dean Smith conceded it was a result that felt like a loss, he found plenty of positives in Charlotte's performance on Wednesday.

"Lots of positives to take away," he said. "We were the better team [against Toronto], created opportunities, caused them problems.

"We kept the ball really well and caused more problems, but we've just got to make sure we keep our focus in moments and not concede the goals we did."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charlotte FC – Rodolfo Aloko

At 19 years and 236 days old, Rodolfo Aloko became the second teenager to score an MLS goal for Charlotte when he netted his team's opener at Toronto.

The other teen to score for Charlotte was Adam Armour (19y 167d) when he scored the first goal in team history in March 2022.

D.C. United – Sean Johnson

Sean Johnson made four saves against New England, as he is up to 74 saves over his 20 MLS matches in 2026.

The 3.7 saves made per match would be Johnson's highest average in any of his 17 MLS regular seasons.

MATCH PREDICTION: CHARLOTTE FC WIN

Charlotte have won four straight regular-season meetings with D.C., completing the league double in both 2024 and 2025. The only team Charlotte has defeated five straight times in regular-season play is the Chicago Fire (2022–24).

The Crown scored three goals in the draw with Toronto FC after beating Columbus Crew 3-1 on Sunday. It is the third time in team history that Charlotte have scored three or more goals in consecutive MLS matches.

D.C. had scored in 11 consecutive matches prior to the 3-0 home loss to New England. They have not won any of their last 15 MLS matches that immediately followed being held scoreless (D8 L7), with their last such win coming in May 2025 (2-1 win over the Colorado Rapids).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Charlotte FC – 52.5%

Draw – 23.1%

D.C. United – 24.4%