MLS Match Preview: D. C. United (4-9-6) vs. Nashville SC (10-4-5)

Match Significance

This D.C. United vs Nashville SC MLS 2025 matchup is a pivotal Eastern Conference showdown. Nashville SC are surging toward the top of the table, while D.C. United are desperate to reverse a poor run of form and climb out of the bottom tier. With playoff implications looming, both sides will be eager to claim all three points.

D.C. United – Team Overview

Current Standing: 12th in Eastern Conference

Record: 4W-6D-9L (18 points)

Last 5 Matches: L-L-W-D-L

Manager: Troy Lesesne

Key Absences: Christian Benteke (injury), Lukas MacNaughton, Jackson Hopkins

Strengths

Aggressive pressing style

Home-field advantage at Audi Field

Gabriel Pirani’s creativity in the final third

Concerns

Defensive fragility (7-1 loss to Chicago Fire)

Inconsistent midfield control

Lack of goals without Benteke

Path to Victory

D.C. United must stay compact defensively, press high to disrupt Nashville’s buildup, and rely on Pirani and Badji to create chances in transition.

Nashville SC – Team Overview

Current Standing: 3rd in Eastern Conference

Record: 10W-5D-4L (35 points)

Last 5 Matches: W-W-D-D-W

Manager: B.J. Callaghan

Key Absences: Taylor Washington, Tyler Boyd, Maximus Ekk

Strengths

Unbeaten in last 10 MLS matches

Sam Surridge (12 goals) and Hany Mukhtar (8 goals) forming a lethal duo

Solid defensive structure and midfield balance

Concerns

Road fatigue from recent travel

Missing Boyd’s width and creativity

Occasional lapses in defending set pieces

Path to Victory

Nashville must control midfield tempo, exploit D.C.’s defensive gaps, and allow Mukhtar and Surridge to combine in the final third.

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

All-Time MLS Meetings: 6

D.C. United Wins: 2

Nashville SC Wins: 2

Draws: 2

Last Meeting: 0-0 draw (May 2025)

Recent Trend: D.C. United have won 2 of the last 3 meetings

This is shaping up to be a tightly contested rivalry, with both clubs trading results in recent seasons.

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Expect D.C. United to press early and try to unsettle Nashville’s rhythm, while the visitors will look to absorb pressure and strike through Mukhtar’s creativity and Surridge’s finishing. The absence of Benteke is a major blow for D.C., and Nashville’s form suggests they’ll find a way through.