One of the most successful teams in the early years of MLS, D.C. United who still hold the record for the most MLS Supporters’ Shields alongside LA Galaxy with 4 titles. Despite their impressive history, D.C. United are far from their former glory. Last season D.C. United finished 4th in the East and 9th Overall, which is an improvement from their 2017 season when they finished 11th in the East and second-to-last overall.
Head Coach: Ben Olsen
Former D.C. United and Nottingham Forest player, Ben Olsen has been a head coach of D.C United since 2010, which means this season will mark his 9th year in charge of the D.C United team. On January 5th 2010, Ben Olsen was named the assistant coach for the D.C United under head coach Curt Onalfo. However, Onalfo was sacked on August 5th the same year, which meant Olsen was to step up and lead the team. Olsen ended the season with a 3-8-1 record and was later appointed as the head coach.
Transfers
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| Date | Name | Moving from | Moving to | Mode of Transfer |
| January 27, 2019 | David Ousted | D.C. United | Chicago Fire | Waivers |
| December 11, 2018 | Darren Mattocks | D.C. United | FC Cincinnati | Expansion Draft |
| January 15, 2019 | Ian Harkes | D.C. United | Dundee United | Free |
| December 14, 2018 | Nick DeLeon | D.C. United | Toronto FC | Re-Entry Draft |
| January 16, 2019 | Dane Kelly | D.C. United | Indy Eleven | Free |
| January 30, 2019 | Leonardo Jara | Boca Juniors | D.C. United | Loan |
| December 31, 2018 | Lucas Rodríguez | Estudiantes | D.C. United | Loan |
| February 12, 2019 | Chris McCann | Atlanta United | D.C. United | Waivers |
| January 11, 2019 | Chris Seitz | Houston Dynamo | D.C. United | Trade |
| December 19, 2018 | Earl Edwards Jr. | Orlando City | D.C. United | Trade |
| January 31, 2019 | Akeem Ward | Creighton Bluejays | D.C. United | SuperDraft |
| January 23, 2019 | Donovan Pines | Maryland Terrapins | D.C. United | Homegrown player |
| January 21, 2019 | Antonio Bustamante | William & Mary Tribe | D.C. United | Homegrown player |
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Expectations for the 2019 season
It was the end of 2018 season and D.C United again failed to lift the MLS Cup, but the expectations are still here, maybe even higher for the next season. D.C United, the league’s original powerhouse have not been performing up to par in recent seasons, at least not up to par with the general expectations, but of course, that was not enough. During the offseason, there was a lot of unwanted attention D.C United received after the arrest of Wayne Rooney which did not really help the team and its recognition. So, what do we expect from D.C United this season? Well if they want to become a powerhouse like they were, I’ve got 1 idea what D.C needs to do. D.C United needs to decide if they wish to keep Acosta, and by that, I mean they need to hurry up and make a good offer to lock him in a long-term extension of his contract. He is a crucial part of the team and a key player for the D.C United future. Second of all, they need to do something in their defensive end, which was one of the main factors in their subpar performance. With 50 goals they conceded 2nd most goals in the top 10 teams, only trailing LAFC who had 52 goals. All in all, I expect D.C United to once again finish in the playoffs, anything more is a big question.
