DC United’s bold gamble could end in disaster against Toronto FC | OneFootball

MLS 2025 is set to launch, and with it, fresh narratives are soon to be written. At Audi Field, DC United welcomes Toronto FC in the opening game of the season, a contest that holds much greater significance than a mere three points. There's a side that is in search of redemption, hungry to put the angst of 2024 behind. There's also a side starting anew under the stewardship of a known figure.

After the heartbreaking ending to last season, falling just short of making the playoffs, DC United went all-in on a roster overhaul. The front office did not wait around, bringing in new pieces and reshaping expectations. Head coach Troy Lesesne and sporting director Ally Mackay were not looking for just talent, those players had to contribute to constructing a stronger, cohesive identity.

Among the fresh faces, one stands out in goal: South Korean goalkeeper Kim Joon Hong. At the back, Australian international Kye Rowles arrives to provide more solidity to a defense that screamed for it. Up front, Brazilian winger João Peglow adds a creative spark that can shake things up on offense.

Key players from last season also return, including star forward Christian Benteke, who signed for another year as the scoring anchor of the team. Midfielder Gabriel Pirani, who flashed talent in 2024, is looking to break through and be a go-to playmaker. How well all these pieces jell will determine whether DC United can finally turn past disappointments into a playoff push.

Pre-season signs were good, particularly with a 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo in their most recent pre-season match. Lesesne's tactical adjustments are beginning to coalesce, and DC United goes into 2025 better rounded, less reliant on fleeting moments of individual genius.

Toronto FC begins anew under Fraser

Toronto FC's previous campaign was brutal. Not only did they miss the playoffs, but they lost head coach John Herdman, too. They did not dawdle to bring in an old friend — Robin Fraser, a veteran of many years who has deep connections to Toronto, was hired to spearhead the rebuild.

His arrival signals a drive to regain a winning identity that has slipped them. Fraser knows the club and has a history of success, but he takes over a team still finding its legs. The front office added help, Canadian winger Theo Corbeanu and Norwegian forward Ola Brynhildsen, who were signed to spark the offense. The test now is how to find the right balance between veteran stalwarts and newcomers.

Historically, season openers have not favored Toronto FC. They have played 18 MLS kickoff games and have won a mere five. Worse still, they have yet to win at Audi Field and have not beaten DC United outside of home territory since 2016. Facts and figures provide dismal reading, but the reality is that MLS is the type of league where the unthinkable occurs on a yearly basis. It's down to Fraser to prove Toronto is ready to buck the figures.