Tai Baribo scored in the 23rd minute, leading D.C. United to a 1-0 upset over the Philadelphia Union in their MLS season opener on Saturday in Washington.
This match featured teams with contrasting performances last season; Philadelphia won the Supporters Shield and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, while D.C. finished with the fewest points.
In his debut for D.C., veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson made three saves, helping the Black-and-Red end a nine-match winless streak against the Union, which included a 6-0 loss in their last encounter on September 27 of last year.
Baribo, last season’s top scorer for the Union with 16 goals, enjoyed a rewarding victory. D.C. United coach Rene Weiler, who took charge amid turmoil last summer, also celebrated the win, as the team had secured only one victory in their last 17 MLS matches.
The goal came from a fast break: Jackson Hopkins controlled the ball in defense and passed to Gabriel Pirani at midfield. Pirani advanced the ball to Joao Peglo, who set up Baribo for a right-footed shot into the lower right corner, beating Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.
This was D.C.’s only shot on goal throughout the match. Baribo nearly scored again just before halftime, but his shot from close range hit the right post.
Philadelphia had 47.9% possession and outshot D.C. United 13-7 but only managed three shots on target, with all being routine saves for Johnson. The Union seemed a bit off after their recent 5-0 win in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Ezekiel Alladoh, making his MLS debut, received a red card in the 59th minute after an altercation with D.C. defender Lucas Bartlett. Milan Iloski had two good chances for Philadelphia in the second half but missed the target, shooting over the crossbar in the 54th minute and wide left in the 64th.