D.C. United earned their third ever Supporters' Shield, and their first since 1999 by defeating their longtime rivals, the New York Red Bulls 4–3 on September 23.

By finishing first in the Eastern Conference, United earned a top seed in the MLS Cup Playoffs, where they won a two-match aggregate series against the Red Bulls, 2–1.

United's postseason ended in the Eastern Conference Final on November 5, when they were defeated 1–0 by the New England Revolution.

In the U.S. Open Cup, United reached the semifinal proper of the competition, their best run in the tournament since 2003.

United was ultimately defeated by a resounding 3–0 scoreline against eventual Open Cup champions, Chicago Fire on September 1.