D.C. United Announces 2025 MLS Schedule: Key Dates and Highlights
Get ready for an action-packed season as D.C. United gears up for 2025. From debut matchups to milestone events, the season promises excitement for fans and players alike.
The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is on the horizon, with D.C. United unveiling its schedule. This year marks the league’s 30th anniversary, bringing added significance to every game. From historical rematches to exciting new formats, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming season.
A Look at the Season Opener
The Black-and-Red will kick off their campaign at Audi Field against Toronto FC on Saturday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET. As the second year under Head Coach Troy Lesesne and General Manager Ally Mackay, the team aims to build on its recent momentum.
Fans eager to witness the opener can register for pre-sale access to single-match tickets before 8 a.m. ET on December 20. Pre-sale begins at 10 a.m. ET, with general sales starting later that day at 2 p.m. ET. Multi-match packages are also available, providing flexibility for those planning to attend multiple games.
Returning Stars and New Additions
Key Players to Watch
- Christian Benteke: The 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner returns after an incredible 23-goal season, with a contract extension keeping him in Washington through 2025, with an option for 2026.
- Aaron Herrera: The MLS All-Star defender, entering his second season, is poised to strengthen the backline further.
- João Peglow: A 22-year-old Brazilian winger, recently signed from Radomiak Radom, adds youthful energy and flair to the roster.
The team also retains influential players like Lucas Bartlett, Jared Stroud, and Gabriel Pirani, who made notable contributions last season.
MLS 2025: Key Features and Updates
Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass
For the second consecutive year, fans can enjoy every MLS game live on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. With 510 games available in over 100 countries, there are no blackouts, ensuring accessibility for fans worldwide.
New this year, Sunday evening featured games will have enhanced production and dedicated studio programming, elevating the viewer experience.
Honoring MLS History
As part of the league’s 30th anniversary, the schedule incorporates tributes to MLS’s inaugural season:
- On April 6, D.C. United will face the San Jose Earthquakes in a rematch of the first-ever MLS game in 1996.
- On July 12, D.C. United takes on the LA Galaxy in a recreation of the first MLS Cup final.
Major 2025 Events for D.C. United Fans
| Event | Date | Opponent | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Opener | February 22 | Toronto FC | Audi Field | First match of the 2025 MLS season. |
| Historical Rematch | April 6 | San Jose Earthquakes | PayPal Park | Tribute to the first MLS game. |
| MLS All-Star Game | July 23 | TBD | Q2 Stadium, Austin | Celebrating league talent. |
| MLS Decision Day | October 18 | Atlanta United | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Final day to decide playoff positions. |
Expanded Competition in 2025
This season features the addition of San Diego FC as the 30th club in the league. The schedule includes 34 games per team, split equally between home and away matches. Each club will play all conference opponents twice and six cross-conference opponents once.
The league will also pause between June 15-24 for the FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup, highlighting MLS’s global presence.
2025 MLS Season
Leagues Cup Returns
- Dates: July 29 – August 31
The 2025 Leagues Cup, a unique competition featuring teams from MLS and LIGA MX, will take place during the regular season. This official Concacaf tournament provides fans with cross-league rivalries and thrilling matchups between North America’s top clubs. Expect intense competition as both leagues aim to claim regional supremacy.
MLS All-Star Game
- Date: July 23
- Venue: Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
The 2025 MLS All-Star Game promises a celebration of the league’s best players, hosted by Austin FC. Preceded by the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on July 22, fans can look forward to exciting competitions and announcements about the event’s opponents, which will be revealed closer to the date.
Decision Day and Playoffs
MLS Decision Day
- Date: October 18
The final day of the regular season, Decision Day, determines the playoff fate of teams across the league. Eastern Conference matches kick off at 6 p.m. ET, followed by Western Conference games at 9 p.m. ET, ensuring drama and excitement until the very last whistle. Key matchups, such as New York City FC vs. Seattle Sounders, will shape the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
The postseason will culminate in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup, where the league’s best will compete for the ultimate title. Dates for the playoffs and final match will be announced later in the season.
D.C. United: A Season Packed with Challenges
Notable Matches for D.C. United
Fans of the Black-and-Red can mark their calendars for several key fixtures:
- Season Opener: February 22 against Toronto FC at Audi Field.
- Historic Match: April 6 against San Jose Earthquakes, paying homage to MLS’s first-ever game.
- Key Rivalries: Encounters with New York Red Bulls on April 19 (away) and May 24 (home).
Building on Success
D.C. United’s ambition is evident in its strengthened roster and the continuity of star players like Christian Benteke and Aaron Herrera. The addition of João Peglow signals the club’s intent to integrate young, international talent into its core.
MLS on a Global Stage
FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup
- Pause Dates: June 15 – 24
MLS will showcase its global appeal by hosting 14 matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, the first to feature 32 teams. Additionally, the Concacaf Gold Cup, North America’s premier national team tournament, will take center stage during this pause.
Growing International Reach
With every match available on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, fans worldwide can follow the action. Complemented by MLS 360 for live insights and on-demand content, the league is making strides in offering an unmatched viewing experience.
Key D.C. United Dates at a Glance
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 22 | Toronto FC | Audi Field | 7:30 PM |
| April 6 | San Jose Earthquakes | PayPal Park | 5:00 PM |
| July 12 | LA Galaxy | Dignity Health Park | 10:30 PM |
| October 18 | Atlanta United | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 6:00 PM |
About Audi Field: D.C. United’s Home
Audi Field, a 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium located in Washington, D.C.’s vibrant Buzzard Point neighborhood, offers fans a premier game-day experience. Opened in 2018, the venue also hosts over 100 events annually, from corporate gatherings to international sporting events. Equipped with a FanDuel sportsbook and luxury seating options, Audi Field provides fans with a unique blend of entertainment and football action.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 MLS Season
With the league celebrating its 30th year, the 2025 MLS season promises to be one for the history books. From iconic rematches to thrilling new competitions like the Leagues Cup, every matchday offers something special. For D.C. United fans, the journey begins on February 22 at Audi Field, where a revamped squad aims to make its mark.
Stay tuned for updates and prepare to cheer for your favorite teams as they chase glory in one of the most exciting MLS seasons to date.
