Get to know who the Red Bulls will be playing in their upcoming matchup with The Other Side:
How They’re Doing
After winning the illustrious wooden spoon award in 2022 for finishing at the bottom of the league standings, D.C. has seen a bit of a resurgence in their first full season under Wayne Rooney.
D.C. currently sit in a playoff position, but have lost four of their last seven matches. That run includes a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the New England Revolution in their last league match before the Leagues Cup break began.
The offense, lead by forward Christian Benteke, has scored 32 goals in 24 regular season matches, but the defense has allowed 34.
Like the Red Bulls, D.C. was eliminated from the Leagues Cup tournament at the hands of the Philadelphia Union in a penalty shootout.
Head-to-Head History
New York has played D.C. more than they have any other club in its history.
Since the two clubs first match against each other in 1996, there have been 104 total matches between the Atlantic rivals across all competitions.
This will be the first league meeting in 2023, but the two clubs met back in May in the U.S. Open Cup. An Omir Fernandez goal was the difference in a 1-0 victory.
Player to Watch: Forward Christian Benteke
D.C. United forward Christian Benteke leads the team with eight goals in 22 regular season appearances.
The next highest total on the active roster only has three.
In 32 total appearances for D.C since arriving from Premier League side Crystal Palace in 2022, Benteke has 9 goals and two assists.
Benteke’s big presence up front will likely create a challenge for the Red Bulls’ backline on Sunday.
