Overview
- The match was scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m., and FC Cincinnati announced a lightning delay at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, before play was halted for more than two hours.
- After a prolonged hold that sources put at over two hours and 45 minutes, stadium officials flashed a scoreboard message announcing the game was postponed because of pitch conditions and player-safety concerns.
- Visible lightning over the stadium and radar showing a storm cell approaching downtown Cincinnati prompted league and stadium staff to follow MLS lightning-hold procedures and inspect the turf.
- Both clubs have two matches on next week’s calendar, which will complicate finding a make-up date even though the teams are already scheduled to meet again on Oct. 24 in Washington.
- The postponed result affects standings and head-to-head scheduling with Cincinnati sixth in the Eastern Conference and D.C. United 12th at the time of reporting, and officials will set a replay date to preserve competitive implications.