Harrison, NJ — Tai Baribo delivered a standout performance, recording a hat trick to help D.C. United battle back for a thrilling 4-4 draw against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night.
Baribo’s three-goal effort marked his third regular-season hat trick since 2024, placing him alongside elite company such as Sam Surridge and Denis Bouanga in Major League Soccer.
Baribo fuels comeback
D.C. United found themselves trailing early, but Baribo sparked the rally late in the first half. In the 37th minute, Jackson Hopkins broke free down the flank and delivered a perfect pass into the box, where Baribo finished cleanly to cut the deficit.
After halftime, D.C. continued to push. Hopkins added a goal of his own in the 54th minute, finishing a breakaway setup by João Peglow to make it 3-2.
Baribo struck again minutes later, calmly finishing a well-placed feed from Peglow to level the match at 3-3 in the 59th minute. He completed his hat trick in the 80th, redirecting a cross from Silvan Hefti to cap off the comeback effort.
Red Bulls let lead slip
New York built strong momentum early, jumping out to a 2-0 advantage behind goals from Julian Hall and Ronald Donkor within a six-minute stretch in the first half.
Hall finished off a well-timed run with a one-touch strike, while Donkor capitalized on a loose ball in front of goal.
Despite surrendering the early lead, the Red Bulls responded in the second half through Jorge Ruvalcaba, who scored twice. His first came from a sharp individual move near the six-yard box, and his second was a long-range effort after carrying the ball forward from midfield.
Even so, New York couldn’t close it out after holding leads at multiple points, including 3-1.
Match takeaway
In a game full of momentum swings, D.C. United showed resilience behind Baribo’s clinical finishing and Peglow’s playmaking. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls will be left frustrated after letting a multi-goal advantage slip away.
The result leaves both teams searching for consistency, but delivers one of the most entertaining matches of the Major League Soccer season so far.
