Game Details

📅

Date

Saturday, April 18, 2026

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Kickoff

7:30 PM ET

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Venue

Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania

📺

TV/Stream

Apple TV

Betting Odds

💰 Live Markets

Moneyline

Check sportsbook

Spread

TBD

Over/Under

TBD

Betting lines for this match were not yet available from verified sources at the time of publication. We recommend checking your preferred sportsbook (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM) for the latest moneyline, spread, and over/under lines closer to kickoff.

Preview: Two Struggling Eastern Conference Sides Meet at Subaru Park

Saturday night at Subaru Park in Chester sets the stage for an Eastern Conference clash that few would have circled at the start of the 2026 MLS season. Philadelphia Union — historically one of the conference's most consistent sides — sit in 14th place out of 15 Eastern Conference teams with just three points from seven matches. Their visitors, DC United, are no world-beaters either at ninth in the East with seven points, but they've already beaten the Union once this season and arrive with a chip on their shoulder.

For Union faithful, 2026 has been a miserable campaign so far. A 1-0-6 record and just six goals scored in seven games signals a squad in deep trouble. The only bright spot came on April 11, when Philadelphia edged CF Montréal 2-1 to snap a dreadful run of six straight defeats. That result offered a glimmer of hope heading into a home game the Union desperately need to win.

DC United are far from convincing themselves, having been hammered 4-0 by FC Dallas just two weeks ago. Yet they enter this fixture with the psychological advantage of having beaten Philadelphia 1-0 on February 21 in what was the first meeting between these sides this year. With both clubs starved for points and playoff hopes already dimming, Saturday's derby has the makings of an anxious, scrappy affair — and exactly the kind of contest that could go either way.

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Philadelphia Union Analysis

2026 MLS Record: 1W–0D–6L | 3 points | 14th in Eastern Conference
Goals Scored: 6 | Goals Conceded: 12 | Goal Difference: -6
Last 5 MLS Results: W, L, L, L, L

The 2026 campaign has been a brutal reality check for a Philadelphia Union organization that reached the MLS Cup Playoffs in six consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2024. Head coach Jim Curtin's side has shipped 12 goals in seven matches, an average of 1.71 conceded per game, and their attacking output has been woefully inadequate.

The biggest concern on the attacking end is the disconnect between volume and efficiency. Forward Bruno Damiani (23, Uruguay) has attempted a team-high 15 shots in seven appearances without a single goal to show for it — an alarming conversion rate, or lack thereof. Teammate and fellow striker Milan Iloski (26, USA) leads the squad with 22 total shot attempts and has managed just one goal and one assist in 2026, suggesting the entire attacking unit is struggling to translate pressure into results.

The midfield has produced some modest contributions. Indiana Vassilev (25, USA) has been one of the more dangerous attacking midfielders with eight shots and one goal in seven outings, while Danley Jean Jacques (25, Haiti) also has a goal to his name. Veteran captain Alejandro Bedoya (38, USA) has chipped in with two assists and continues to lead by example at 38, though his legs are increasingly being managed with four starts in five appearances. Teenage prodigy Cavan Sullivan (just 16 years old) has made five appearances — four as a substitute — and offers a rare moment of excitement for a frustrated fanbase.

In goal, Andre Blake (35, Jamaica) has done everything he can to keep the Union competitive. The Jamaican international has recorded 19 saves in seven league matches, often the only reason the scoreline hasn't been more damning. Behind him, the backline has struggled for consistency. Defender Japhet Sery (26, Denmark) has picked up three yellow cards in six appearances, and his aggression could be a liability against DC United's direct attacking threat.

The one positive to cling to heading into Saturday is the home advantage at Subaru Park and the psychological release of that 2-1 win over CF Montréal last week. Whether that result marks the beginning of a genuine turnaround, or a brief reprieve in an otherwise forgettable season, remains to be seen.

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DC United Analysis

2026 MLS Record: 2W–1D–4L | 7 points | 9th in Eastern Conference
Goals Scored: 4 | Goals Conceded: 9 | Goal Difference: -5
Last 5 MLS Results: L, L, D, W, L

DC United's 2026 season has been uneven at best, but compared to Philadelphia Union, they at least look like they have a foundation to build on. The Black-and-Red sit seventh points clear of their Saturday opponents and already have one win over the Union to their credit this year.

The squad's biggest asset is Tai Baribo (28, Israel), who is responsible for three of DC United's four goals in 2026 — a remarkable 75% share of the team's offensive output. The Israeli striker has 12 shots in six appearances and provides virtually the only genuine threat DC United has in the final third. If you're looking for DC United's most dangerous player on Saturday, the answer is unequivocally Baribo. The Union's backline will need to keep a close eye on him throughout.

The supporting cast has been underwhelming. Forward João Peglow (24, Brazil) has nine shots in seven games but is still looking for his first goal of the 2026 season. Midfielder Jackson Hopkins (21, USA) has eight shots, though efficiency has been equally elusive. The lack of a second consistent goal threat is DC United's most glaring weakness heading into this fixture.

Defensively, DC United have been marginally better than Philadelphia Union but still conceded nine goals in seven matches. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson (36, USA) has been excellent in patches, racking up 23 saves in seven appearances — a high number that underscores some defensive vulnerabilities. The back four includes Silvan Hefti (28, Switzerland), Lucas Bartlett (28, USA), and Australian international Kye Rowles (27, Australia), who have formed a reasonably solid unit but were torched 4-0 by FC Dallas on April 4.

The alarming recent results — a 4-0 loss to Dallas followed by a 1-0 defeat at New England Revolution on April 11 — means DC United have lost back-to-back MLS matches and haven't scored in 180 minutes of league football. Head coach Troy Lesesne needs a response from his players, and a trip to rock-bottom Philadelphia offers exactly the kind of fixture where confidence can be rebuilt.

Head-to-Head History & Betting Trends

The historical matchup between Philadelphia Union and DC United strongly favors the home side across recent seasons — though 2026 has already reversed that trend once.

Last 5 H2H Meetings:

Date	Result	Competition
Feb 21, 2026	DC United 1–0 Philadelphia Union	MLS
Sep 27, 2025	Philadelphia Union 6–0 DC United	MLS
Apr 26, 2025	Philadelphia Union 3–0 DC United	MLS
Sep 22, 2024	Philadelphia Union 4–0 DC United	MLS
May 4, 2024	DC United 2–2 Philadelphia Union	MLS

The numbers tell a fascinating story. Prior to 2026, Philadelphia Union dismantled DC United three consecutive times — including that extraordinary 6-0 scoreline in September 2025. However, the dynamic has clearly shifted. DC United claimed a 1-0 win in February 2026, and with the Union in their worst form in recent memory, the historical dominance of the home side may not carry as much weight as it typically would.

Key Betting Trends to Watch:

DC United have scored just 4 goals in 7 MLS games in 2026 and are scoreless in their last two league outings — a concerning run for backers of the visitors.
Philadelphia Union have conceded in all seven of their MLS matches this season, making the "Both Teams to Score" market worth monitoring.
Only 1 of the last 5 H2H meetings ended with both teams scoring — the May 2024 draw. The other four featured at least one clean sheet, suggesting under markets have merit.
Both sides have struggled with offensive output: Philadelphia (6 goals in 7 games) and DC United (4 goals in 7 games) are among the lowest-scoring teams in the Eastern Conference.
With Philadelphia finally winning a game last week, home matches after a first win have historically seen improved Union performances.

Prediction & Best Bets

🎯 Best Bet

Our Pick

This is a match between two deeply flawed teams, and handicapping it requires more than just comparing records. The key question is: can Philadelphia Union build on last week's victory, or will DC United's psychological edge from the February win carry into Saturday? On balance, DC United have been slightly more functional than the Union this season, but they are arriving on a two-game losing streak and have not scored in 180 minutes of MLS football. Philadelphia, playing at Subaru Park with a recently revived crowd following the CF Montréal win, have every incentive to press forward.

FAQ

Where is the Philadelphia Union vs DC United match being played?

The match is being played at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania — the home stadium of the Philadelphia Union. The 18,500-capacity ground opened in 2010 and sits along the Delaware River waterfront.

What time does Philadelphia Union vs DC United kick off?

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The match will be broadcast live on Apple TV as part of MLS Season Pass.

What is the head-to-head record between Philadelphia Union and DC United?

In the last five meetings, Philadelphia Union hold a 3-1-1 record over DC United — winning three times (including a 6-0 and two other emphatic victories), drawing once, and losing once. DC United's most recent win came on February 21, 2026, when they beat Philadelphia 1-0.

Who are the key players to watch in this match?

For Philadelphia Union, keep an eye on **Milan Iloski** (the team's most active shooter with 22 shots) and **Tai Baribo** for DC United (3 goals in 6 appearances and the clear focal point of DC's attack). Veteran goalkeeper **Andre Blake** for the Union and **Sean Johnson** for DC United are both likely to be decisive between the sticks.

What are Philadelphia Union's and DC United's current standings in MLS?

As of April 17, 2026, Philadelphia Union sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference with 3 points from 7 matches (1W–0D–6L). DC United are 9th in the East with 7 points from 7 matches (2W–1D–4L). ---