Christian Benteke continues to score, D.C. United continues to win on the road and a once-lost season under first-year coach Troy Lesesne has found new life.
Benteke scored his MLS-leading 18th goal Saturday as United defeated the Chicago Fire, 2-1, and moved above the Eastern Conference playoff line with six matches left.
United (8-12-8) jumped two slots into ninth place — the top nine will qualify for the postseason — and rekindled hope of advancing for the first time since 2019.
United won its third straight on the road, improving to 4-5-5 away from Audi Field, where it has stumbled to a 4-7-3 record.