Charlotte FC vs DC United Match Preview: Player Matchup and Predicted Starting XI

By Rylee McKinney (@rylees_roster) and Sean McGuffin (@SeanMCG704)

Ashley Westwood and Liel Abada (Photo courtesy of Francisco Diaz/ciscosart_)

Charlotte FC wraps up its week back at The Bank tonight, facing off against Eastern Conference (EC) competitors, DC United.

After a difficult 3-3 draw against Toronto FC last Wednesday, Charlotte fell to 6th place. As for DC, they suffered a 3-0 loss to New England Revolution, with their winger Alhassan Yusuf scoring a hat trick. DC currently ranks 9th in the EC. Overall this season, DC has had 5W-6L-9D in MLS Regular Season. Despite a middle-of-the-road performance, DC has had some key moments, particularly with new additions like Tai Baribo and Silvan Hefti. Some of DC's flashy moments this season include a thrilling win over Orlando City back in April and a dramatic extra-time penalty to seal a 201 victory over Toronto FC in late July.

The Crown, on the other hand, has had a season full of ups and downs. Recently, Dean Smith has been forced to rotate his usual Starting XI following the departures of Wilfried Zaha and Kerwin Vargas. With lots of younger players getting minutes like Rodolfo Aloko and Morrison Agyemang, Charlotte has been dependent on seasoned players like Ashley Westwood and Kristijan Kahlina to keep the squad composed. Tonight's matchup to watch focuses on two stars from each team, Kahlina and Baribo, exploring how one of the best strikers in the league can compete with one of the best goalkeepers.

Charlotte FC - Goalkeeper - Kristijan Kahlina

This 2023 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year has been a savior for Charlotte's defensive line.

The 34-year-old Croatian has earned three clean sheets out of 20 matches played this season. With an impressive 76 saves and 27.34 xGOT faced, Kahlina shows no signs of giving up his starting spot anytime soon.

Between the posts, Kahlina shows great command of his box, confidently stopping set pieces and high crosses. Not only is he a consistent keeper, but he also displays extreme reliability with the back line, helping transitional play in tight spots. DC United - Left Striker - Tai Baribo

Signing on with DC United in December of 2025 and making his debut in 2026, striker Tai Baribo has been a guiding light for DC's struggling squad. Before DC, Baribo played with Philadelphia Union for three seasons, scoring 35 goals and six assists across all competitions. So far this season, Baribo has netted 12 goals, recording a 9.67 xG. Additionally, he has 64 touches in the opposition's box, demonstrating just how dangerous he can be given space. The Israeli striker also earned MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 9 after a hat trick to draw 4-4 against Red Bull New York back in April. Baribo will pose a significant threat to Kahlina's skills tonight, and this matchup will be a test of the best of the best in MLS.

Predicted Starting XI

Here is TopBin90's Predicted Starting XI ahead of tonight's match:

Defensive Unit

No major changes in defense tonight; Kristijhan Kahlina in goal with David Schnegg, Tim Ream and Henry Kessler all expected to start. Will Cleary and Nathan Byrne are both viable options to round out the defense, but Cleary has a slight edge in the odds.

Morrison Agyemang, Nathan Byrne, Tyler Miller and Andrew Privett will be available as substitutes.

Midfield 

Tonight will be another sure start for Pep Biel and captain Ashley Westwood in midfield, with Brandt Bronico having the best odds to round out the midfield as a defensive midfielder. Bronico has consistently earned starts in the competitive position and has shown good form in recent matches. 

Luca de la Torre and Djibril Diani will be available as subs.

Forward line

It looks to be another week of waiting for the Charlotte FC faithful as an Allan Saint-Maximin start is not likely tonight. In his place, Liel Abada will likely start at left wing with Rodolfo Aloko on the right wing following his goal against Toronto last Wednesday. Idan Toklomati was another name on the score sheet from the Toronto game and will likely continue his starting streak tonight against DC.

Saint-Maximin, Archie Goodwin and Tyger Smalls are the most likely subs for tonight's match.

Predicted XI