Weiler admits difficulties before D.C.'s system shift

Rene Weiler admitted his D.C. United side struggled before changing their system last time out, as they prepare to host Atlanta United.

D.C. returned to winning ways in MLS on Wednesday, defeating the Columbus Crew 2-1 at Audi Field.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead into half-time, D.C. struggled in the opening stages of the game, leading Weiler to switch from a 4-3-3 system to 4-4-2.

Weiler acknowledged the impact of that change of formation, with D.C. potentially starting with their new system against Atlanta.

"We had some difficulties at the beginning of the game," Weiler said.

"Then we changed the system and afterwards it was much better, much more compact and yeah, then we scored two amazing goals.

"It was helpful, of course, and in the end it was better to change the system because of the problems we had at the beginning of the game."

Tai Baribo scored both goals for D.C. in his first game back from injury, but he was quick to credit his team-mates.

"I’m trying to always put myself in the best position to score," Baribo said.

"But, Louis [Munteanu] gave me an amazing pass, Kimito [Nono] gave me an amazing pass. Maybe I’m finishing, but everybody did their job."

Atlanta, meanwhile, missed the chance to close the gap to the playoff places after losing 3-2 to Orlando City last time out.

The Five Stripes are now winless in three MLS games, leaving them 14th in the Eastern Conference and just one point ahead of bottom side CF Montreal.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

D.C. United – Tai Baribo

Baribo scored both goals in D.C. United’s win over Columbus on Wednesday, taking his total to 14 in his first season with the club.

Only one player this century has scored more goals in his debut season with D.C. United: Luciano Emilio (20 goals) in 2007.

Atlanta United – Breel Embolo

Embolo has attempted three shots in each of his first two MLS matches, the second Atlanta player to do so after Josef Martinez in 2017.

Only 20 players who debuted in MLS in 2010 or later managed to attempt three or more shots in each of their first three regular-season games, including Martinez.

MATCH PREDICTION – D.C. UNITED WIN

D.C. ended a five-match winless run (D3 L2) with their victory over Columbus, marking just their second win since early May.

They have won consecutive regular-season matches only once since the start of the 2025 season, defeating Orlando City and New York City FC on April 25 and May 3 this year.

Atlanta have scored multiple goals in their last three regular-season away matches, the first time they have scored multiple goals in three straight away league matches since doing so in four in a row in July and August 2021.

Atlanta have lost only one of their last 12 meetings with D.C. in all competitions (W6 D5), though each of the last four matches have ended in draws.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

D.C. United – 45.4%

Draw – 24.3%

Atlanta United – 30.3%