D.C. United Face Charlotte FC with Playoff Spot in Reach

The math for D.C. United is simple heading into their regular-season finale at home against Charlotte FC: Win or draw, and they secure their first MLS Cup playoff berth since 2019. A victory also could secure home-field advantage in an Eastern Conference wild-card match, unless CF Montreal wins their final game and makes up significant deficits in goal differential or goals scored.

D.C. United’s star striker Christian Benteke is also on the verge of securing the MLS Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer, with 23 goals this season. He leads by four goals over Cucho Hernandez and Denis Bouanga entering the final day.

With such high stakes, first-year manager Troy Lesesne embraced the emotion of the occasion, inviting club legends like John Harkes, Jaime Moreno, and others to speak with the team. D.C. United has not reached a major final since 2013, but the club was once an MLS dynasty, winning four MLS Cup titles between 1996 and 2004.

“Our guys need to understand what responsibility they carry this weekend and how supported they are,” Lesesne said. “That was something that I think gave an emotional feeling to what this weekend can be, and not only this weekend but maybe what the postseason can be if we’re able to take care of business.”

Charlotte FC’s Position

Charlotte FC, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference (13-11-9, 48 points), has less to play for in terms of seeding. They could finish anywhere from fifth to seventh, but they’ve already secured a playoff spot. By avoiding eighth place, Charlotte will dodge Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in the first round. Additionally, they would not face Miami until a potential Eastern Conference semifinal, unless they leapfrog New York City FC for the fifth spot.

Charlotte has the best defensive record in the Eastern Conference, having conceded only 37 goals this season. Their goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina, leads the conference with 11 clean sheets, and he’ll be aiming for a 12th to bolster his case for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

“I think you have to do the best for your club, how you see fit,” Charlotte manager Dean Smith said. “Our ambition is to go as far as we can in the playoffs, and hopefully lift the MLS Cup. We’ve given ourselves that opportunity now by qualifying for the playoffs. So whatever we do is going to be with that goal of getting as far as we can.”

What’s at Stake for D.C. United

For D.C. United, a return to the playoffs would be a significant achievement. The club has had a difficult few years but is now on the brink of a breakthrough. Securing a positive result on Saturday could also provide them with a mental and emotional boost heading into the postseason, potentially with a home-field advantage in the wild-card match.

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With Benteke’s scoring prowess and the team rallying around their rich club history, D.C. United will be aiming to give their fans a night to remember as they push for a return to the MLS Cup playoffs.

What’s at Stake for Charlotte FC

While Charlotte FC may not have as much on the line as D.C. United, they will want to maintain their strong defensive form heading into the postseason. With Kahlina in goal and a solid backline, Charlotte will look to enter the playoffs on a positive note, aiming for a deep run and possibly lifting the MLS Cup.

This final matchday provides both teams with a chance to build momentum for the postseason, and for D.C. United, it’s an opportunity to reestablish themselves as contenders in MLS.