D.C. United wrapped up their 2024 season Oct. 19 with a 3-0 loss to Charlotte FC. Once again, the team failed to make the playoffs, this time for the fifth year in a row. Although they came up short, D.C. United delivered a relatively entertaining season to fans and reasons to be hopeful about the future of the team, which has arguably been absent for several years.
The team finished in 10th place in the Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Eastern Conference with 40 points, tied with Atlanta United FC, who finished with a far superior goal differential of -3 compared to D.C. United’s -18. As a result, Atlanta was able to secure the last playoff spot whereas D.C. United missed out on playoffs by way of the goal differential tiebreaker.
Another reason for celebration? Star D.C. United striker Christian Benteke won the MLS Golden Boot award, scoring 23 goals and also recording 7 assists. Benteke has seen steady statistical improvement since joining D.C. United in 2022 from Premier League club Crystal Palace FC.
The 2024 season also marked Head Coach Troy Lesesne’s first with the team after his departure from the New York Red Bulls. Lesesne brought his signature high-energy playing style to the team, as well as renewed enthusiasm from players and fans. If the 2024 season is to be viewed as a transition year, D.C. United fans have reason to continue backing their coach into 2025.
So, what went right? The offense, although heavily carried by Benteke, certainly represents a bright spot. D.C. United scored 52 total goals, placing them in the upper half of the Eastern Conference. Twenty-two-year-old midfielder Gabriel Pirani had the second-most goals on the team with 6, and midfielder Mateusz Klich led the team in assists with 13, while also netting 2 goals.
Although Benteke has improved with each year in the MLS, he is 33 years old. He still has a few years left of solid contribution to the team, but DCU needs to be wary of relying too heavily on him and neglecting to think about the offensive future of this team.
On that note, promising young midfielder Ted Ku-Dipietro, a D.C. United homegrown player from Oakton, Va., failed to show marked improvement this season in comparison to his last. Ku-Dipietro recorded only 2 goals and 4 assists, a decline from his 5 goals and 3 assists in his first MLS season in 2023. If the team is to perform better next season, Ku-Dipietro must step up. His contributions and that of other future homegrown players will be vital to D.C. United’s success looking ahead.
Moving forward into next season, the defense certainly needs to be a central area of focus. D.C. United conceded 70 goals, second-worst in the Eastern Conference and third-worst in the league. Centerbacks Christopher McVey and Lucas Bartlett played the majority of defensive minutes for DCU this season, and although both were serviceable, neither had a particularly noteworthy season statistically. Goalkeeper Alex Bono, who has since been let go from the team, had a less-than-stellar season as well, with a measly 60% saves percentage.
Although the team will certainly move into the offseason feeling disappointed, the 2024 season was one of improvement for D.C. United. With a positive offseason transfer window and holding onto the reigning Golden Boot winner in Benteke, it is certainly possible that D.C. United could improve in 2025 even more, and hopefully make a playoff appearance for the first time since 2019.
