PBP: Aiming for “mid” - the 2026 consolidated match thread - all competitions

First question is a big one:

Will Rene revert the team back to the home seating area and reverse Lesesne’s nonsensical decision to place the other teams in the cushier seats?

 

The first starting-roster projection I've seen (from the league website) has Hefti, Perani and Nealis on the bench -- presumably in favor of Servania, Antley and Bartlett. Seeing Hopkins and Servania behind the forwards seems a little...pragmatic? I don't expect this to be the 11:

 

Joe Lowery on Backheeled substitutes Peltola for Servania, Nealis for Bartlett and Clark for Antley -- and moves Clark up to right wing and Herrera back to outside back.

 

This is a far more likely lineup than what MLS's website put out.

I imagine Pirani starts the season on the bench since he's been hurt a lot of preseason (minor injury, nothing major) and he'll make his way into the lineup soon enough.

 

I like this better to be honest. More talent in the right spots but it’s still a talent deficit compared to a lot of teams.

Defense should be decent on paper but I just don’t see where the offensive consistency will come from. Going to need to play defensive soccer to get a lot of results early on. Adding a playmaker in the summer window should be a priority. What’s Lucho up to these days?

 

What's scary is that Lucho is 31, jeebus am I getting old.

 

Lucho is playing for Fluminense in Brazil; I can't imagine he comes back here, unfortunately.

 

(fyp)

 

The Athletic (well Bogert, Tenorio and Cardenas) has us just one step above the Sporks.

Just wondering the etiquette if KC does finish last: do they actually get a wooden spoon, or a spork from the school cafeteria?


29. D.C. United
(2025: 5-18-11, 26 points; 15th in East)

It’s fair to say that United had one of the more intriguing offseasons of any team. It looks like the club finally has an understanding that, even if it doesn’t have an enormous budget, it can look within the league to find serviceable players. Forward Tai Baribo, midfielder Sean Nealis and goalkeeper Sean Johnson as the new spine is a start, but there are still a lot of needs to address in order for this team to reach more competitive levels.

 

I had no idea that the same year (2013) that DC United won it's first Ben Olsen double Wigan almost did the same thing. They were relegated in the same season they won an FA Cup though they weren't quite in last place.

 

No. He would be an instant improvement on this roster.

 

He might be an upgrade over some, but why would Weiler want to put up with the petulance?

And for Lucho's part, is DC an upgrade over Fluminense and the lifestyle there?

 

Those are two different types of players.

 

I really want to believe in Pirani. Maybe this year is finally his breakout. He has decent ball skills and is without a doubt the most technical player on the roster. My feeling though is that he leaves during the summer and another playmaker is brought in. He seemed checked out at times last year under Lesesne(like most were). I view him about the same as I view Peglow and maybe a bit better. Good but not irreplaceable.

I think Lucho would be an upgrade on the field but you also have his attitude to deal with. I was more saying it tongue in cheek.

 

I'd take Lucho with one of his legs amputated over Pirani. I'd throw in some TAM if necessary.

 

Game 1 prediction:
"New & improved" DCU keeps it respectable this year, but still an L vs. Philly.
Final 1-2, even though the black & red score first, by Peglow, to give fans hope...for a moment.

 

One possible benefit for DC is that Philly just played in Trinidad and Tobago last night (crushing their Concachamps opposition 5-0), so that's a lot of travel for them.

 

I am hopeful but I am also glad to be away at my kid's tournament this weekend 'cause I might kill myself if they get to sign "our house" again...

 

Doesn't have an enormous budget, but took a $10M profit last year....

 

We got New England under the same circumstances for the opener two years ago and they seemed dog tired from 20' on. We need to rack up points against any and all of these teams that are in other competitions and playing on three days' rest.

 

Normally I’d say the level of quality wins out for Philly but Trinidad is a long way to go and match fitness isn’t there yet. This could play a part, especially if DCU can manage a decent start.

Recent trends vs Philly:
9/27/25: 0-3 by the 36th minute
4/26/25: 0-1 after 15 minutes
9/22/24: 0-2 after 16 minutes

So yeah, work cut out for them.

 

The optimism thread ----------------------->