DC United picked up a fortuitous but very welcome 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire in Week 4 of the 2026 MLS season — and somewhere out there, Aaron Herrera is getting healthy and is going to have to fight for his starting spot back.
A rare good problem to have.
Jon and Ted broke it all down on the latest RFK Refugees, working through the result, what this team actually is through four games, and nine to twelve listener questions about Gabriel Pirani. The people have spoken.
Note: Jon lost power mid-show thanks to a storm rolling through Virginia. Ted held it down. We picked right back up.
Watch the Full Episode
Matti Peltola: First Goal, Another Man of the Match
Peltola’s goal was not one he’ll frame and hang on his wall — Jon described it as a shot that took a very fortuitous deflection into the net, likely intended as a cutback to Caden Clark. But it counts, and it capped another outstanding performance from the Finnish midfielder. Through four games he has been DC United’s most consistent player, covering massive amounts of ground in midfield, reading the game ahead of everyone else, and now contributing offensively too. The early season MVP conversation is real.
The Silvan Hefti Case
Between Peltola and Hefti, Jon and Ted agreed these are DC United’s two best players through four games — both of them defensive by nature, which says something about the team’s overall shape, but also says something about how well Renée Wilder has organized this side. Hefti pushed forward effectively, delivered some threatening crosses, and saved one off the line. When Aaron Herrera returns from his lower leg injury, he is going to have to earn his spot back. Ted’s take: Hefti starts, Herrera comes off the bench as a road game defensive option. Jon agreed — a rare good problem to have.
Gabriel Pirani: Ghost Mode
Jon reported nine to twelve listener questions about Pirani’s struggles this season. As the self-described OG Pirani skeptic, he noted this felt like a return to normalcy after a brief four-week stretch last year where everyone wanted to give him a DP contract. He was a non-factor against Chicago — no creativity, no threat, no meaningful contribution. The only consensus: he shines as a late-game substitute and that is where he should stay.
The Jackson Hopkins Situation
Hopkins had his worst professional game by Jon’s assessment — the handball that conceded the penalty was unfortunate with his arm in a natural position, but the call was correct. Despite that, both hosts reiterated their position: sign him now on a U22 deal before he turns 23 this summer. He is too important to this team to let the contract situation linger.
The Tai Baribo Incident
Something was said to Tai Baribo from the stands that crossed the line — reporting from Jose Manny suggested it may have been a homophobic chant, with one listener at the game saying it had been going on since early in the first half. Renée Wilder’s postgame response was to not give it the spotlight and move on. Jon and Ted cited Jason Anderson of Green Line Soccer making the valid point that that approach has not historically been effective with abuse in soccer — putting it on record and addressing it directly tends to work better. The referee eventually intervened, which was the right call.
Washington Spirit 0-1 Portland
The Spirit opened their 2026 NWSL season with a frustrating 0-1 home loss to Portland. The defense looked excellent — Lucia de [confirm spelling] was outstanding in her first appearance, Esméé Morgan looked like the player she was always supposed to be, and Sandy McIver was solid in goal in Aubrey Kingsbury’s absence. The problem was entirely in the attacking third. Gift Monday was starved for service. Trinity Rodman — back healthy after her knee scare at the She Believes Cup — played a full 90 but couldn’t connect. Gabby Carle [confirm spelling] had chances she didn’t take. And the absence of Croix Bethune, who moved on in the offseason, was felt immediately in DC’s ability to create something out of nothing in tight spaces.
One game in, Jon and Ted both agreed: this team is too talented for this to be a trend. Bounce back incoming.
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RFK Refugees is a DC United and Washington Spirit podcast hosted by Jon Hoffman and Ted Meyer.