---
title: "D.C. United Open Playoff-Race Double Header at FC Cincinnati"
url: https://www.herewashingtondc.com/2026/10/21/dc-united-fc-cincinnati-playoff-race-double-header/
date: 2026-10-21T06:54:21-04:00
modified: 2026-10-21T06:54:21-04:00
author: "Mina A. Alonzo"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Washington DC"
attribution: "HERE Washington DC"
---

# D.C. United Open Playoff-Race Double Header at FC Cincinnati

*Source: [HERE Washington DC](https://www.herewashingtondc.com/2026/10/21/dc-united-fc-cincinnati-playoff-race-double-header/) — October 21, 2026 by Mina A. Alonzo*

CINCINNATI — D.C. United head to TQL Stadium on Wednesday night for the first half of an unusual back-to-back series with FC Cincinnati, two clubs stuck in a crowded Eastern Conference race for the final playoff places. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.

The game is a makeup of a Sept. 5 meeting that was called off after heavy rain left the field unsafe. The teams meet again in Washington on Saturday.

D.C. United enter at 7-10-12 with 33 points, three behind Cincinnati at 9-11-9 with 36. Six teams sit between eighth and 13th in the East, all within three points, and only eighth and ninth earn wild-card berths. Cincinnati currently holds ninth.

Neither side arrives in form. Washington has won two of its last 12 and is coming off a 4-1 loss at Orlando City, though Tai Baribo scored his 16th goal there. Defender Lucas Bartlett returns from a red-card suspension. Cincinnati has one win in nine and lost 2-0 to Columbus on Sunday despite a 24-4 edge in shots.