- D.C. United are 24th in MLS 2026 with 24 points from 21 games.
- Los Angeles FC are 6th in MLS 2026 with 34 points from 21 matches.
- Tai Baribo has scored three of D.C. United's last five goals.
LAFC should win, but it’s unlikely to be straightforward
The odds for Saturday's MLS 2026 matchup between D.C. United and Los Angeles FC are a shade odd, but there's enough sense in a 2.0 quote on the Black & Gold to be the slight favourites to win at Audi Field. The Black-and-Red are 3.3 with the draw at 3.7, which seems generous given that Washington have lost their last two matches.
René Weiler has done a good job of making United a compact, disciplined 4-4-2 side since taking charge in July 2025 and they're still hard to beat. They were beaten 3-0 at home by New England Revolution and 3-1 at Charlotte FC last week, but in general terms, the way they are set up and the way they apply pressure should look to block up the middle lanes of the pitch and slow the pace down.
That is the antithesis of what Marc Dos Santos has done since arriving at LAFC in December 2025. The visiting side have kept the ball, played at pace and tried to stretch the opposition with their passing and punish them on the counter-attack when they turn the ball over.
Back both teams to score and over 2.5 goals
LAFC have won three and lost two of their last five MLS 2026 matches, but both defeats were 1-0 losses to in-form San Diego FC at home and Colorado Rapids away. They are solid on the road with three wins, three draws and four losses from 10 away in MLS 2026, but that's nothing to get too excited about.
D.C. United are similarly average at Audi Field with one win, one draw and a defeat in their last three. They average 1.50 goals scored and 2.20 goals conceded per game in MLS 2026 at home, which suggests this will be an open match. The home side are not in the best of form, but United's grit at home and their reliance on Tai Baribo's finishing means they can keep it close.
Both teams to score at 1.55 and over 2.5 goals at 1.65 are also attractive prices for what should be a lively matchup at the Audi Field. Baribo leads the scoring for the home team with 12 goals in 17 MLS 2026 appearances this term, so the visitors will know where the danger lies. Similarly, Bouanga has ten in 20 games for the visitors and remains the sharpest edge of the attacking line in black and gold.
