After several weeks of preseason training, D.C. United finally got their first friendly game under their belts, as they lost 2-1 to Swedish side Malmö FF. Darren Mattocks, one of several new signings this offseason, scored in the 56th minute to give the Black-and-Red the lead, before two late goals from Carlos Standberg gave the 2017 Allsvenskan champions the win.
Head Coach Ben Olsen gave starts to four newcomers, while United dealt with several injuries. According to the Washington Post’s Steve Goff, Russell Canouse, David Ousted, Steve Birnbaum, and Luciano Acosta were all held out due to injury, while Taylor Kemp was withheld as he continues his recovery from surgery.