Dc United vs Sporting Kansas City Picks and Predictions March 8th 2025

Sporting KC, DC United Chase First Win of ’25

One shared goal brings Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United together on Saturday night—securing their first win of the 2025 MLS season.

Sporting KC Facing a Grueling Early Schedule

Sporting KC (0-2-0, 0 points) has been the busier of the two teams, having already played four competitive matches across all competitions.

After a 1-0 season-opening loss at Austin FC, Sporting KC faced Inter Miami in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, suffering a 4-1 aggregate defeat. They returned home last weekend, only to fall 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes.

Despite the early struggles, SKC’s attack is showing promise with newcomers Dejan Joveljic and Manu Garcia beginning to mesh with wingers Daniel Salloi and Erik Thommy.

Joveljic, a Serbian striker acquired in a rare $4 million swap with the LA Galaxy, converted a penalty kick for his first goal with the club against San Jose. Garcia arrived from Greek side Aris Thessaloniki and is working to adjust to MLS play.

Head coach Peter Vermes, the longest-tenured coach in MLS, knows the early grind is tough but remains optimistic about his team’s progress.

“When we had to make our changes, I think we lost a little bit of rhythm,” Vermes said after the home loss to San Jose. “I wouldn’t say we didn’t have another gear. I just think that it was hard to break them down and we’re just early in the season.”

DC United Relying on Late-Game Magic

D.C. United (0-0-2, 2 points) has drawn both of its opening matches, with late-game heroics salvaging a point each time.

Last week, 20-year-old Jacob Murrell delivered a stunning bicycle-kick goal in the final seconds to secure a 2-2 tie against the Chicago Fire.

The dramatic finish helped mask a costly mistake, as Christian Benteke—a proven goal scorer—missed a penalty kick in the 91st minute. Despite the misfire, Benteke has two goals this season and is coming off a 23-goal campaign in 2024, when he won the MLS Golden Boot.

While the attacking talent is evident, DC United’s biggest concern remains its defense.

In both of their draws—against Toronto FC and Chicago—United gave up crucial goals off set pieces and penalties, making defensive discipline a clear point of emphasis.

“I don’t think we make the opponent earn the goals,” head coach Troy Lesesne said. “That is something that I don’t want to be a narrative.”

Head-to-Head History

D.C. United holds a 23-22-12 advantage over Sporting KC in their all-time series, a rivalry between two original MLS franchises. The most famous meeting came in 2004, when DC defeated SKC 3-2 to win the MLS Cup.

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What’s at Stake?

For Sporting KC, this match is about turning positive offensive play into results and earning their first points of the season.

For DC United, the focus is on shoring up its defense and ensuring that costly mistakes don’t overshadow their attacking firepower.

With both teams hungry for a breakthrough, expect an intense battle in the nation’s capital as they chase their first win of 2025.