For the sixth consecutive season, D.C. United missed the MLS Cup Playoffs. 

This season, the squad finished 15th in the Eastern Conference & ultimately finished last place among the entire league (wooden spoon).

Taking a glance at the overall season, D.C. United went 2-8-7 at home & 3-10-4 on the road. They scored 22 less goals and allowed 4 less goals in comparison to their 2024 campaign.

With their roster decisions published, D.C. United will have a lot of roster flexibility & a lot of decisions to make in regards to the future of their club as they look to improve this roster.

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

U22 forward Gabriel Pirani was the lone shining player for D.C. United. He was there when the club needed him most as the young forward had 11 goal contributions (7 goals & 4 assists) in 28 matches played this season.

This team has a high level of roster flexibility entering this offseason. D.C. United declined the option of Designated Player forward Christian Benteke, however, DCU chief soccer officer Erkut Sogut says, “Although we declined Christian Benteke’s contract option, we remain in discussions with his representatives regarding a potential return in 2026,”.

This is the first offseason under DCU’s new regime and it’s clearly a time where the club could undergo massive changes, potentially having THREE OPEN DESIGNATED PLAYER SLOTS.

The Negatives

D.C. United were the third worst defensive team in the league during the 2025 regular season as they allowed 66 goals in just 34 games. 

DCU also struggled offensively as they dealt with injuries all season. Need to get better on the offensive sector if this team wants to be impactful whatsoever in MLS.

Christian Benteke is a key example of wasted resources. The forward made $4,937,500 last season and had 12 goal contributions (9 goals & 3 assists). The DP forward missed 9 games for D.C. in 2025 as he was dealing with thigh & ankle related injuries in April, May, June & July. His option (as of now) was declined, however, he remains in negotiations on a potential return. This could be viewed positively or negatively. It’s extremely dependent on how the rest of DCU’s offseason goes.

D.C. United actually did okay in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, however, their run came to an end in the Quarterfinals when they lost to Nashville SC 5-2.

Roster Flexibility

D.C. United will have a ton of roster flexibility. At this given moment, the club has ZERO designated players and three U-22 initiative signings (Caden Clark, Kim Joon Hong, & Gabriel Pirani).

This club is currently in the 2DP and 4 U-22s model. In regard to GAM totals, the club has $718,569 of GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 21 players rostered as of November 25th.

Offseason Priorities

Determine whether or not the club will re-sign DP forward Christian Benteke.

Attempt to sign at least two designated players. If this team wants to be taken more seriously, then the ownership group needs to go out and spend money to makeD.C. United a desirable destination again.

Attempt to sign defender Walker Zimmerman in free agency. The team needs defensive additions & signing the 2x MLS Defender of the Year would be a great start.