D.C. United triumphed over last season’s champions, Atlanta United, 2-0 in their first match of the 2019 season. The home side proved to be a strong competitor by maintaining possession, completing dynamic passes throughout the game and playing will an intense determination. Paul Arriola and Luciano Acosta scored either side of halftime, and the Black-and-Red largely controlled Atlanta from there.
Frank De Boer decided to play mostly first-choice players, instead of rotating as expected. Olsen, on the other hand, had no mid-week game to prepare for, sending out his strongest eleven. The team included debuts for high-profile offseason additions Lucas Rodriguez and Leonardo Jara.