D.C. United to face NYCFC in 2021 MLS home opener

D.C. United announced today that it will open its 2021 MLS schedule at home, where they’ll host NYCFC on April 17 at 8pm Eastern at Audi Field. Broadcast details have not yet been announced for what will be the club’s first game under new coach Hernán Losada, while the status of whether any fans will be allowed to attend largely hinges on decisions made by the District of Columbia Department of Health.

Additionally, United learned that it will also be on the road on April 24, where they’ll face the New England Revolution in what will be the home opener for Bruce Arena’s side.

In recent meetings, the series has gone heavily in favor of New York City FC. The last time the two sides met, United fell 4-1 on the road in what was ultimately the end of the Ben Olsen era for the Black-and-Red. The last time NYCFC visited Audi Field, United were held without a single shot attempt of any kind in a 0-0 draw. United’s last win over the Pigeons was back in 2018, but it was momentous: a 3-1 win on October 21 clinched a playoff spot after a wild year saw United in dead last in the East mid-season due in part to playing the vast majority of their away games early because of the construction timeline on Buzzard Point.

Across all competitions, United’s all-time record against NYCFC is 4W-3D-7L, with a -9 goal difference.

MLS will kick its season off on Friday, April 16, with the Houston Dynamo hosting the San Jose Earthquakes. The full schedule is expected to be released in the coming days.