WASHINGTON — D.C. United did not have to wait long for another opportunity against FC Cincinnati. Three days after a narrow defeat in Ohio, the Black-and-Red returned to Audi Field with a chance to respond in front of their own supporters as the MLS regular season approached its closing stretch.

United entered Saturday with 33 points and sat 13th in the Eastern Conference. Wednesday’s 2–1 loss at TQL Stadium had offered moments of promise, including Kimito Nono’s equalizer, but ultimately left D.C. searching for a result. With Tai Baribo leading the team on 16 goals and Nono having scored three times in his previous five appearances, the hosts had attacking threats capable of changing the rematch.

Cincinnati arrived with 39 points and its own urgency in the playoff race. The visitors had managed only two wins in 15 road matches, giving United reason to view the return home as an opportunity to turn the season series around.

Instead, Evander supplied the breakthrough in the 35th minute. Receiving a pass from Pavel Bucha in a central position outside the penalty area, the Brazilian took a touch before driving a right-footed shot beyond Sean Johnson. Cincinnati carried that advantage into halftime, leaving United needing another response after falling behind against the same opponent.

The task became harder seven minutes after the restart. Cincinnati broke forward, and Evander advanced with Bryan Ramirez making a run that drew defensive attention. Evander then found Tom Barlow, who finished from close range to double the lead in the 52nd minute.

United continued trying to work its way back into the match, but Cincinnati protected the central spaces and dealt with deliveries into the penalty area. The visitors were prepared to defend deeper when needed, keeping their shape as D.C. searched for an opening.

That resistance prevented the home side from turning its attacking efforts into a comeback. Roman Celentano finished with a clean sheet, while Cincinnati’s ability to combine decisive attacking moments with disciplined defending secured a second victory over United in four days.

For D.C., the evening ended with another missed opportunity to add points during the closing weeks of the campaign. United remained on 33 points with three matches left, while Cincinnati climbed to 42 and strengthened its position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

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Final Score: D.C. United 0 – FC Cincinnati 2

Goals Scored:

• D.C. United: None.
• FC Cincinnati: Evander (35′), Tom Barlow (52′).

Attendance: 16,046

Watch the official D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati highlights here