Philadelphia earns draw against D.C. United, 0-0

April 18, 2026

Chester, PA

Just before Saturday evening’s game against D.C. United, the Philadelphia Union sat at the bottom of the MLS East table, while D.C. United was only marginally better, sitting in 10th place.  Saturday’s 0-0 draw and the resulting point allowed the Union to claim a three-way tie for 13th place — which is another way of saying that Philadelphia is tied for last place of the MLS East.  The draw resulted in D.C. United moving into 9th place on the MLS East Table.

It is true that the Union could not score Saturday – a now-established pattern for the season.  On the other hand, the team did control the game and was the better of the two teams.  It dominated possession (62.1% to 37.9%).  It had 17 shot attempts to D.C. United’s 6 attempts.  Although the ratio between shots on goal and shot attempts (4/17) seems lopsided, that statistic compared favorably to D.C. United’s 0 shots on goal for the game.

Although Olwethu Makhanya’s range of skills continue to impress, the most impactful player of the game was D.C. United’s Sean Johnson.  He stopped four shots, several of which were likely to be successful, as well as having broken up a number of potentially scoring plays.

Given Philadelphia’s control of the game, more successful passing, and the creation of opportunities in front of the goal, the ever-optimistic Union faithful hope that Philadelphia has turned the corner on the mediocre start of the season.  However, a few more tweaks will be necessary before the team successfully resumes its high pressure game.  For example, the Union’s set pieces lack the dangerous edge of Kai Wagner’s corners and free kicks.

Photographs of the game appear below:

Philadelphia’s Indiana Vassilev held back by D.C. United’s João Peglow. D.C. United’s Key Rowles heading the ball in front of Philadelphia’s Ezekiel Allodoh.Philadelphia’s Jesús Bueno lining up his first shot of the game — the one that just hit the right post. The Union’s Milan Iloski controlling the ball against D.C. United’s Peglow. An example of Olwethu Makhanya’s long stride and gifted feet, stealing the ball from Matti Peltola.Philadelphia’s Frankie Westfield defending the former Philadelphia Union player and fan favorite Tai Baribo.The reason that Philadelphia did not score — D.C. United’s keeper, Sean Johnson.D.C. United’s Keisure Kurokawa by himself.