The 2002 D.C. United season was the clubs' eighth year of existence, as well as their seventh season in Major League Soccer.

Under second-year head coach, Ray Hudson, United failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season, a dry spell that would not be achieved again until the 2011 United season.

Source: MLSSoccer.com Rules for classification: 1st points; 2nd head-to-head record; 3rd goal difference; 4th number of goals scored.

(SS) = MLS Supporters' Shield; (E1) = Eastern Conference champion; (W1) = Western Conference champion Only applicable when the season is not finished: (Q) = Qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs, but not yet to the particular round indicated; (E) = Eliminated from playoff-contention.