Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Surface: Natural grass
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)
Weather Report — Washington, D.C.
- Temperature: 66–70°F at kickoff
- Conditions: Partly cloudy
- Wind: 7–10 mph blowing toward the north goal
- Impact: Slight boost for long‑range shots and crosses from the right side; otherwise neutral.
Injury Report
D.C. United
- Christian Benteke — Probable (hip tightness; expected to start)
- Mateusz Klich — Out (knee)
- Aaron Herrera — Probable (ankle soreness)
- Ted Ku‑DiPietro — Healthy
- Tyler Miller — Out (shoulder)
Benteke’s availability is the biggest storyline—D.C.’s attack changes dramatically when he plays.
Chicago Fire FC
- Xherdan Shaqiri — Probable (hamstring tightness; expected to play 45–60 minutes)
- Brian Gutiérrez — Healthy
- Carlos Terán — Out (ankle)
- Federico Navarro — Out (groin)
- Maren Haile‑Selassie — Probable (illness)
Chicago’s midfield depth is stretched thin without Navarro, but their attacking trio is fully available.
Team Records & Context
- Chicago Fire FC: 5‑4‑2 (17 points, 6th in East)
- D.C. United: 4‑4‑4 (16 points, 8th in East)
- Goal Differential: CHI +2, DC -1
- Stakes: Both clubs sit in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack—this is a classic early‑season positioning match.
Recent Team Form
Chicago Fire FC
- Last 5: W–L–W–D–W
- Goals For: 8
- Goals Against: 5
- Trend: Chicago is in one of its best stretches of the season. The attack is clicking, and the defense has stabilized despite injuries.
D.C. United
- Last 5: D–L–W–D–L
- Goals For: 6
- Goals Against: 7
- Trend: D.C. has been inconsistent. Their attack is heavily dependent on Benteke, and defensive lapses have cost them points.
Key Player Matchups
1. Christian Benteke (DC) vs. Rafael Czichos (CHI)
Benteke’s aerial dominance vs. Czichos’ positioning is the matchup that will shape the game. If Benteke is fully fit, Chicago must double him on crosses.
2. Brian Gutiérrez (CHI) vs. Russell Canouse (DC)
Gutiérrez has been Chicago’s creative engine. Canouse’s physicality and ball‑winning will be crucial to slowing him down.
3. Xherdan Shaqiri (CHI) vs. D.C.’s right side
If Shaqiri starts or comes on early, his ability to drift inside and create overloads will test D.C.’s defensive structure.
4. Ted Ku‑DiPietro (DC) vs. Chicago’s midfield
Ku‑DiPietro’s energy and vertical runs can exploit Chicago’s weakened midfield without Navarro.
Series History
- All‑time: Chicago leads 18‑12‑11
- At Audi Field: D.C. leads 6‑4‑3
- Recent trend: Chicago has won 3 of the last 4 meetings, including a 2–1 win in 2025.
Betting Trends
Chicago Fire FC
- 3–1–1 in last 5 matches
- Unders in 4 of last 6
- 2–1–1 in last 4 away matches
D.C. United
- 1–2–2 in last 5 matches
- Overs in 3 of last 5
- 2–2–1 at home this season
Matchup Trends
- Both teams have scored in 5 of last 7 meetings
- Last 3 matchups averaged 2.67 goals
- Chicago has scored 2+ goals in 4 of last 6 vs. D.C.
MATCH ODDS
Chicago Fire FC + 145
D. C. United + 165
Draw + 240
Over 2.5 – 130 Under 2.5 + 100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 12, 2026
