DC United Rebuilds Yet Again, Future Uncertain

Late in the 2025 MLS season DC united decided to start yet another rebuilding under the guidance of new head coach Rene Weiler.

He begins with a team culture that seemed strong as they gave up only a single goal after going two men short early against Charlotte.  It was notable that he chose to use Joao Peglow, usually thought of as a creator, to cover the left side of defense.  His retention amid significant changes indicates the coach respects his versatility.

Let’s look at the team’s condition.  They ended 2025 needing impact players, 1 up front (Christian Benteke gone means 2) and 1 in back (David Schnegg gone means maybe 2).  The rationale was simple, Benteke was getting older and needed an attacking foil who could become a future successor.  The defense lacked a high-level center back to provide control and could use the accurate passing that Schnegg had provided.

Starting at goalkeeper, acquiring Sean Johnson from Toronto pushes that position into a higher level while providing some guidance to the defense.  The extent of that role will depend on the level of control provided by the new defenders.  Alex Bono will provide a competent backup.

The defense has been bolstered by two acquisitions who hopefully will upgrade the experienced journeymen retained in central positions.  Kye Rowles has served as captain, and Lucas Bartlett and Connor Antley will fight for playing time with Sean Nealis and Silvan Hefti.  The former comes with a strong passing accuracy with the Red Bulls, and the latter comes from Hamburg whose promotion indicates that Hefti is likely seen as just a step below top Bundesliga quality, but still a solid player.

The defense is very strong on the right, which has been covered very effectively by Aaron Herrera.  His ability to link with, and even overlap a young midfield, should continue to make that side United’s strongest.

The midfield is young and developing nicely as Lesesne had begun to work out relationships.  It is notable that their average age is just over 23, well below the more senior defense.  Several of these youngsters showed signs of developing confidence, not only in winning duels, but also in linking with the attackers to provide better finishing.

A good example is Hosei Kijima who needed to develop beyond energizer bunny.  If he can follow the example of Brendan Aaronson at Leeds, he might have the breakout year that United needs from a couple of the midfielders.  Jackson Hopkins has already shown great progress, and Gabriel Pirani has similarly started to live up to the expectations with which he came in.  Matti Peltola is mature and flexible while Peglow and Brandon Servania bring flexibility and some speed from Servania.

The attack suffers greatly from the loss of Benteke, but United seems pleased with bringing in Louis Munteanu, who is young for a Designated Player.  The hope is to pair him with Tai Baribo, who had a strong record with Saturday’s opponent Philadelphia, to create the needed two impact players.

The game with Philadelphia will give us the first idea of potential playoff contention.  If Nealis and Hefti rise to the desired level, and the new strikers pan out, the team may have enough strength to contend for the playoffs.  The presence of the experienced Sean Johnson will be critical to needed cohesion.

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