Celtic started their three-game stint in the USA with a resounding 4-0 win over Major League Soccer side DC United at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday night.
Brendan Rodgers fielded a blend of youth and experience to start the match. His combination paid off with two well-taken goals from Matt O’Riley.
Celtic cruised through the 90 minutes and second-half efforts from Mikey Johnston and James Forrest ended the game as a contest.
With matches against Manchester City and Chelsea to follow, the Bhoys will be delighted to have started their tour off positively.
You can follow how it all happened below with our live match updates…
- FULL TIME RESULT: DC United 0-4 Celtic
- Sinisalo makes Celtic debut
- O’Riley hits a double
- Kick-off
- Confirmed Starting XI
Watch all the Celtic goals vs DC United
The club have had a quick turnaround on their ‘Unique Angle’ feature so you can see all the goals as they rained in on the Americans.
Kasper Schmeichel can’t wait to play for Celtic
In a brilliant first interview at the club, the new Bhoys signing spoke about the DC United game, Celtic fans, Joe Hart and what he wants to achieve here.
He said: “Trophies, trophies, trophies. That’s what football is about. It’s about winning. Coming to a club with such a rich history of winning and a culture of draws aren’t enough. That’s the one thing I really love about this club. That’s the mentality – to win every competition you’re in. I can’t wait.”
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Brendan Rodgers gives his verdict
The manager was very pleased with what he saw from his team.
Reaction as Celtic thump DC United
In the first half Nicolas Kuhn, Matthew Anderson, Colby Donovan and Luis Palma all threatened in the wide areas and were effectively the catalyst for the surge to a two-goal lead.
The many substitutions slowed the game down in the second half so Celtic weren’t as impressive despite adding another two goals.
It should be noted that those coming into the game are at different stages of pre-season fitness, too.
Mikey Johnston will be delighted with his goal but there was a bit of frustration he didn’t add more, with Hyunjun Yang also missing a big chance or two.
This was far from a full-strength DC United side but the same could be said for Celtic. The Bhoys dominated and deserved the result.
It’s late, so we’ll have much more reaction in the more reasonable morning hours as the verdict comes in from both camps.
Goodbye for now!
[Link]FULL-TIME: DC United 0-4 Celtic
Celtic put on an attacking display tonight with four well taken goals. In truth, the scoreline could have been double that with many chances missed.
Matt O’Riley netted a double in the first half before Mikey Johnston and James Forrest added to the scoreline after a raft of second half substitutions.
This one was barely a contest but it was a morale-boosting workout for the Bhoys, many of whom are still in the early stages of building match fitness for the season ahead.
The attitude was stellar and Rodgers won’t have many complaints.
[Link]Golden chance for Yang
That counter-attacking football I described continues and it’s Hyunjun Yang who springs the offside trap to find himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
He misses the opportunity to make it five.
[Link]Final five minutes
We’re in the closing stages here and as DC United try to salvage some pride with a consolation goal, vast swathes of space are opening up on the pitch.
Celtic have made attempts to pick them off with a fifth goal on the counter but nothing more has connected.
[Link]Holm looking bright
Odin Holm continues to threaten. He’s been more dynamic and ambitious with the ball tonight and it’s paying off with danger in the final third.
The pressure on the DC United box ends in a high and wide Johnston shot, but the intent is there.
[Link]PENALTY MISSED!
Mikey Johnston steps up to take the spot-kick but it’s well saved by substitute goalkeeper Nathan Crockford.
[Link]PENALTY TO CELTIC!
Hyunjun Yang twists and turns in the box before being blatantly fouled. Stonewaller.
[Link]Brendan Rodgers will be delighted
Again, no-one is reading too much into this performance but the manager will be very pleased with the attitude and application of his players tonight.
It’s clear that Celtic are keen to use this American tour not as a holiday but an opportunity to sharpen their skills.
In honesty, DC United have been very poor but Celtic have done all that was asked of them. A fine evening’s work.
[Link]The ‘Ole!’ might come out here
Celtic are passing the ball about and passing around the opposition players with ease. Pre-season clashes are often accused of being training games and that’s how the Bhoys are treating it now.
[Link]GOAL! DC United 0-4 Celtic
James Forrest gets onto the end of Hyunjun Yang’s unselfish pass as the South Korean bears down on goal. The veteran winger easily taps home.
This is officially a rout.
[Link]GOAL! DC United 0-3 Celtic
What a goal that was. James Forrest looks like an upstart teenager ripping the DC United defence to shreds with a surging run, before squaring the ball for Mikey Johnston.
Johnston, as if he’d read my previous update, makes no mistake this time and slots home with ease.
[Link]More Celtic substitutions
James Forrest, Callum McGregor, Bosun Lawal, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Anthony Ralston, Greg Taylor all come on as the clock ticks past 60 minutes.
Kuhn, Iwata, Hatate, Welsh, Scales and Donovan are off.
[Link]More work for Zamudio
The DC United goalkeeper is the busiest man on the pitch.
Reo Hatate is the latest to force him into a save and, perhaps from overwork, the shot-stopper is getting treatment for cramp.
He’ll get a good sleep tonight.
[Link]Johnston playing as central striker
Yes, it’s pre-season and no, this game doesn’t matter. But the sight of Mikey Johnston playing as Celtic’s striker makes you want dip directly into Michael Nicholson’s pocket for the chequebook.
Sign a forward Celtic!
[Link]Another DC United save
Odin Holm bamboozles the DC United defence to surge clear on the dribble and square a classy ball into the middle of the box for Mikey Johnston.
The attacker connects and gets a shot on target but Luis Zamudio continues to work miracles in goal and saves.
Johnston could have arguably done better but the goalkeeper will be delighted with his intervention.
[Link]Celtic substitutions
Viljami Sinisalo, Yuki Kobayashi, Odin Holm, Hyunjun Yang and Mikey Johnston have all come into the match at the interval.
[Link]Second half kick-off
We’re back underway in Washington. I’ll get the full list of substitutions shortly.
[Link]Viljami Sinisalo makes his Celtic debut
The Finnish international is replacing Scott Bain for the second half.
His signing has been well received by the majority of supporters so there’ll be keen intrigue to see what he can offer. If called upon, that is, DC United haven’t provided much threat.
[Link]O’Riley leads the charge
When Brendan Rodgers challenged Matt O’Riley to add more goals to his game last season I don’t think many predicted he’d become so prolific.
Another two tonight is a reminder of his prowess when following up on chances.
Expect mass changes
Brendan Rodgers used over 20 players in both friendlies against Ayr United and Queen’s Park.
A lot of substitutions are coming and it will disrupt the flow of the match.
The starting team will be happy with their efforts for the most part. Ultimately this is a fitness exercise but you can see that the players have been working hard over the summer.
[Link]HALF-TIME: DC United 0-2 Celtic
Celtic more than deserve their two-goal advantage.
Nicolas Kuhn had the DC United backline on strings. Matt O’Riley showed he hasn’t lost his scoring touch.
Youngsters Colby Donovan and Matthew Anderson have also impressed on the flanks, as has Luis Palma in spells.
[Link]Wonderful Palma
The Honduran winger goes on a solo run to stretch the DC United defence.
Matthew Anderson is alert to his teammate, overlapping a run and latching onto Palma’s threaded pass for a shot at goal, which goes narrowly wide.
[Link]Bain called into action
Scott Bain is forced into his first meaningful moment, springing low to his left to deny Dominique Badji’s sharp dagger of a shot in the box.
Welsh did well to put the striker under pressure and take the sting out of his effort.
[Link]Luis Zamudio keeping DC United in it
The goalkeeper is pulling off some nice saves to keep the score down here with Kuhn again threatening and forcing the American into a stop.
Celtic are hungry for more as the clock ticks beyond the 40-minute mark.
[Link]Stephen Welsh shakes off knock
The defender was on the turf for a minute or two getting treatment but he’s managed to get up and get on with the match.
He’s had his injury issues at Celtic but thankfully it doesn’t appear to be anything serious.
[Link]GOAL! DC United 0-2 Celtic
Matt O’Riley is at it again, mopping up a missed Kyogo opportunity.
Kuhn chipped a beautiful through ball for the Japanese striker to finish but he couldn’t convert.
Thankfully O’Riley followed up on the saved dink to stroke the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the box.
[Link]Nicolas Kuhn sharp and direct
The German winger is again free of his marker in the final third but his cross can’t find a teammate in the DC United box.
He’s been the standout weapon for Celtic so far. He’s direct and canny with his movement, DC don’t have an answer for him right now.
[Link]GOAL! DC United 0-1 Celtic
Matt O’Riley shows composure to slam the ball past the goalkeeper from close range after fine work from Tomoki Iwata to force the ball into the box. Celtic are in the lead!
[Link]Off the post!
Celtic continue to attack. Kuhn curls in a lovely cross to Kyogo who finds himself in acres of space.
His header is directed well but the ball is tipped onto the post.
[Link]Celtic carrying the most threat
We’re halfway through the opening period and Celtic have undoubtedly been the better team so far.
United look nervous of the Celtic attackers and Colby Donovan is impressing with some nice combinations in support of Kuhn.
[Link]Luis Palma forces first save
Kuhn again inspires a Celtic attack after springing free on the wing.
The ball finds its way across to Palma who makes space for himself and fires a lovely shot towards goal from distance, only to be denied by an outstretched goalkeeper.
[Link]Kyogo spark
Celtic break down the left flank through Luis Palma and he’s inches away from connecting with Kyogo in the box via a low cross.
The determined Japanese striker follows up on the deflected ball and tries to finish on the volley but it goes high.
[Link]Captain O’Riley
As it happens, Matt O’Riley is the wearing the captain’s armband tonight as one of the most senior players in the side.
He remains an example to follow despite all the transfer speculation surrounding him.
[Link]Kuhn finding space
No clear cut chances yet but Kuhn is having the most joy on the right flank, supported by O’Riley.
Almost 15 minutes in and there has been little fluency from either side in the opposition half.
[Link]Celtic’s first foray
The Bhoys get a bit of early attacking possession with Nicolas Kuhn looking sharp and Matt O’Riley finding space to fire in a cross.
Luis Palma can’t quite find the right connection in the box and the danger passes.
[Link]This pitch could be difficult
Brendan Rodgers mentioned before the match the surface could do with a little water and the pitch does look rather dry and bobbly, which isn’t ideal in pre-season.
DC United have been forced into another substitution as Kristian Fletcher exits with an injury for Hayden Sargis.
Kick-off
DC United get us underway with kick-off in Washington.
Retiring American defender Steve Birnbaum is immediately replaced with a ceremonial substitution.
[Link]Brendan Rodgers’ pre-match comments
The manager stated he was looking forward to seeing what young Colby Donovan and Matthew Anderson have to offer on the flanks.
He also confirmed Anthony Ralston will come into the match for half an hour after the interval.
Adam Idah echoes
Celtic TV are replaying highlights of Adam Idah smashing Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final. It does make you want to drive to Norwich and bundle him in the car back to Glasgow.
[Link]Daizen Maeda absence
The omission of the Japanese star from tonight’s match squad is curious as he returned to training with Reo Hatate, who makes the starting eleven.
There’s been no word from Brendan Rodgers regarding an injury but we’ll likely get an update on his status soon.
[Link]Kasper Schmeichel meets Celtic fans
The new signing is in the stadium and in the training gear which is good progress from the never-ending flight from Europe over the last few days.
DC United line-up vs Celtic
The MLS side are mid-season so some of their big hitters have been given a rest including Christian Benteke, although the Belgian does make the bench.
Matthew Anderson gets the nod
Matthew Anderson is a youth player on the bubble of the senior set-up and spent last season out on loan at Admira Wacker in Austria.
Described as having a “brilliant” spell abroad by Player Pathway Manager Darren O’Dea, hopes are high that Anderson can be one of the youngsters to bridge the gap from the Academy to the first team.
It’s great to see Rodgers give him an opportunity tonight.
[Link]Can Luis Palma relight the fire?
Luis Palma was a big contributor in the first half of last season but his form and fitness dropped away as the campaign progressed.
After scoring two goals in the Champions League it seemed he’d go on to hit new heights.
His total return of 10 goals and 10 assists is decent for a first year at the club but can he rekindle that and cement his place in the team? He has a chance to dazzle tonight and hopefully he can shine.
[Link]The verdict on tonight’s Celtic team
Well, there goes my theory of a strong eleven from Rodgers to take on DC United. It’s a decidedly untested team that takes the field.
It’s great to see Reo Hatate back in the line-up and there is quality dotted throughout but there are also big chances for youth players such as Colby Donovan and Matthew Anderson.
The bench is vast so there will undoubtedly be mass changes during the 90 minutes including that potential debut for new signing Viljami Sinisalo.
[Link]Celtic team vs DC United confirmed
Starting XI: Bain, Donovan, Welsh, Scales, Anderson, Tomoki, O’Riley, Hatate, Kuhn, Palma, Kyogo.
Substitutes: Sinisalo, Oluwayemi, Clarke, Taylor, Lagerbielke, Yang, Holm, Kobayashi, Kwon, Lawal, McGregor, Murray, Forrest, Dede, Ralston, Turley, M. Johnston.
[Link]Late shift for Celtic fans
If you’re staying up with me to watch this one then kudos to you! It’s a late one and if it wasn’t on the weekend I’m not sure I’d have the energy.
But we’re here and we’re always here, to paraphrase a great man.
I’m intrigued to see how we do with a step up in competition. We have no new outfield signings on the pitch and when we do there’ll be more excitement but it’s still worth seeing how the team are progressing with more training time under the manager.
And there’s always the chance of a youth or fringe player unexpectedly catching the eye.
[Link]Kasper Schmeichel arrives in the Celtic camp
He won’t be playing tonight but the Danish goalkeeper is finally meeting up with club staff in the USA.
Friendly atmosphere building
Celtic supporters are being welcomed with open arms by DC United fan groups.
We’re less than an hour away from the confirmed team news.
DC United form ahead of Celtic
Following a dire run of form of 11 matches without a win, DC United come into the Celtic match off the back of two successive victories.
Their last match was a nailbiter, winning 3-2 away to Minnesota United thanks to two late, late 90th minute goals after it seemed that former Celt Teemu Pukki had delivered the win for the home side.
Unavailable Bhoys
Maik Nawrocki picked up a calf injury in the early pre-season match against Ayr United and isn’t available.
Alistair Johnston also won’t feature as he was given holiday time following his Copa America exploits. He’s using the time well to get engaged!
Cameron Carter-Vickers only joined training towards the end of the week after his own break so it may be a push for him to be involved.
As previously mentioned, new signing Kasper Schmeichel isn’t yet ready to make the squad.
[Link]Steve Birnbaum’s last hurrah
Earlier this week, DC United legend Steve Birnbaum announced his retirement at the age of 33 after injury problems.
The club confirmed the defender’s last match will be tonight against Celtic, with a special farewell planned for the half-time interval.
He’s a stalwart of ten years and has made over 250 appearances for the club, so there may well be a few damp eyes amongst the home support later.
[Link]Will Viljami Sinisalo make his Celtic debut tonight?
Viljami Sinisalo has been involved in recent Celtic training sessions so there’s a chance he will feature at some stage tonight.
Scott Bain is the other contender for the gloves right now with youth prospects Josh Clarke and Tobi Oluwayemi also travelling.
Brendan Rodgers spoke this weekend about his delight in landing Sinisalo, indicating he has a long-term plan for the former Aston Villa man.
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Home run Hoops
On the subject of baseball, Celtic took in the Washington Nationals’ win at home to the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.
Members of the squad filled one of the hospitality boxes with Brendan Rodgers, Callum McGregor and Cameron Carter-Vickers also swapping a jersey with pitcher Tanner Rainey.
Who’d be the best baseball player in the Celtic squad? My money’s on Carter-Vickers – he’s a slugger. But I reckon Kyogo could steal more than a few bases too!
Back in the USA
Celtic last played in the United States back in 2012 with a one-off match against Real Madrid but their last multi-date tour of North America came in 2010.
The Bhoys played Philadelphia Union, Manchester United, Seattle Sounders and Sporting Lisbon.
The only victory within 90 minutes came against Seattle thanks to goals from Georgios Samaras and Paddy McCourt.
Neil Lennon’s side also came out on top after penalties against Sporting in a battle of the hoops at iconic baseball ground Fenway Park.
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Christian Benteke is the DC danger man
Benteke is undoubtedly the biggest name in the United squad. It just so happens he’s in excellent form this season.
He’s netted 16 goals in 21 appearances in 2024 and will be a threat tonight if fielded.
Brendan Rodgers knows him well, of course, being the man who signed him for Liverpool from Aston Villa back in 2015.
[Link]Brendan Rodgers on DC United match
As you’d expect, it’s all about conditioning for the manager tonight.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to going to the stadium. It looks like a really nice venue.
“We’re stepping up each pre-season game. It’s another step forward in our match fitness.
“Our main aim is getting to the Kilmarnock game in a really good place physically.”
[Link]Stadium focus
Speaking of Audi Field, the club put together a nice video package on tonight’s arena. It apparently cost $500m to construct, which highlights the growing amount of resources flooding into MLS.
No Kasper Schmeichel tonight
The announcement of Kasper Schmeichel’s signing brought excitement earlier this week but we’ll have to wait a little while longer for his debut.
Per a social media post from the club this afternoon, the goalkeeper is only just travelling to the training camp today.
How to watch tonight’s game
The match is available to global subscribers of the club’s Celtic TV online streaming service, including within the UK & Ireland.
There is no pay-per-view option so you’ll have to stump up for a subscription with the price varying depending on which region you’re in.
There is no broadcast TV or radio coverage.
Potential Celtic team vs DC United
Based on the footage and photos from training sessions this week, tonight could be a pretty strong eleven.
Although, it’s worth pointing out that the selection also has the potential to be very random at this stage of the summer.
Predicted starting XI: Sinisalo, Ralston, Welsh, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo.
Regardless of who features in the initial line-up, expect lots of substitutions and rotation as the 90 minutes progress.
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of tonight’s Celtic vs DC United match.
Coming up is a full match preview, all the confirmed team news when it arrives and the latest match updates, so keep refreshing to stay informed!
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