Audi Field in Southwest. Courtesy of D.C. United
By Melissa Silverman
After a disappointing end to the 2023 campaign, D.C. United is rebuilding nearly from scratch ahead of a scheduled February 24 season opener at Audi Field.
This offseason, D.C. United hired a new head coach, Troy Lesesne, and General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer, Ally Mackay. Lesesne previously served as interim head coach for the New York Red Bulls, where he posted a 10-9-4 record, qualifying for the 2023 MLS Cup Playoff. He signed a three-year deal, running through 2026.
Mackay spent the previous five seasons with Nashville SC, and in his new role, will oversee all soccer operations for D.C. United. Fellow Nashville alum Caleb Shreve will support Mackay as D.C. United’s Assistant General Manager. A native of the Isle of Lewis, located off the west coast of Scotland, Mackay becomes the youngest active general manager in Major League Soccer at the age of 37.
Player trades and acquisitions this offseason were numerous, resulting in a new look for D.C. United’s 2024 roster. Notable changes include:
- Acquired midfielder Jared Stroud and defender Lucas Bartlett in a trade with St. Louis City SC in exchange for Homegrown midfielder Chris Durkin.
- Acquired defender Aaron Herrera in a trade with CF Montréal in exchange for defender Ruan.
- Signed Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Pirani from Santos FC, activating the option to retain Pirani following the conclusion of his loan on Dec. 31, 2023.
- Acquired defender Garrison Tubbs from Atlanta United.
- Signed 2024 MLS SuperDraft selection and Georgetown University forward Jacob Murrell.
- Other draft selections include Brandon Parrish, Aldair Sanchez and Nathan Crockford.
The new look D.C. United will open the season at Audi Field on Saturday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m. versus the New England Revolution, who also bring a new coaching staff after the departure of former D.C. United and U.S. Men’s National Team coach Bruce Arena last season.
On Saturday, March 16, D.C. United will host a highly anticipated game at Audi Field, welcoming global superstar and World Cup champion Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami squad to the nation’s capital.