Tai Baribo Strikes Against Former Club as D.C. United Tops Philadelphia in MLS Opener

D.C. United opened their 2026 Major League Soccer campaign with a statement victory, defeating the Philadelphia Union in a tightly contested match on Saturday night. The spotlight shone on striker Tai Baribo, who found the back of the net against his former club to secure the win for his new side.

The match, played in front of an energetic crowd, marked the season opener for both teams. All eyes were on Baribo, who transferred from Philadelphia to D.C. United in the offseason. His familiarity with the Union's defensive setup appeared to pay dividends, as he delivered the decisive moment of the contest.

• Tai Baribo scored the only goal of the game, giving D.C. United an early advantage in the standings
• The goal came against the club Baribo represented last season
• The contest was the first match of the 2026 MLS season for both teams

Baribo's strike not only provided an emotional subplot but also set an early tone for what D.C. United hopes will be a successful campaign. The result puts D.C. United on the front foot in the league standings and offers the club a morale boost as they embark on a challenging slate of fixtures.

The Union, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a disappointing start, focusing on defensive adjustments and attacking efficiency in the matches ahead.