Tai Baribo
DCU
CF
Target Striker
Jan 15, 1998 (28)
Right
5'11"
172 lb
DC UnitedScores brace Wednesday
Baribo scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 win against Columbus Crew.
Analysis: After sitting out the last two matches due to a knee injury, Baribo made his return to the pitch Wednesday. It didn't take long for him to get back on track as he scored goals in the 24th and 37th minutes, enough to secure the much-needed win for his club. It marked his second match this season with multiple goals and he now has 14 goals in 18 appearances this season.
Bench option versus Cincinnati
Baribo (knee) is among the substitutes for Saturday's visit to Cincinnati.
Analysis: Baribo was still questionable heading into this game after sitting out a couple of MLS contests, and he'll have his playing time managed in his return. His availability is welcome news for a D.C. United side that scored just once over two games without him on the pitch. Having produced six goals over his last eight appearances, the forward will have a strong chance of ousting Nathan Ordaz in the front line later in the season.
Questionable with knee issue
Baribo is listed as questionable for Saturday's match against Los Angeles FC while he deals with a knee blow.
Analysis: Baribo is his team's most dangerous forward, having scored six goals over his last eight MLS games, so his return to the injury report with a knee concern is the most impactful availability question in the D.C. United week 23 report. Another forward would cover if he can't go, but the gap in attacking quality between Baribo and the available replacements is meaningful, with the most notable option among the usual backups, Nathan Ordaz, yet to log more than 45 minutes in a single game since May.
Goal in four straight
Baribo took four shots (three on target), created three chances, and scored the equalizer in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Nashville SC. He also committed two fouls and earned a yellow card in the match.
Analysis: Baribo has now scored in four consecutive appearances to add to his team-high 11 goals in 15 appearances. The striker will look to keep it going on the road against CF Montreal on Saturday, August 15.
Hero against Toronto
Baribo scored one goal on two shots (one on goal) during D.C. United's 2-1 win Saturday against Toronto FC.
Analysis: Toronto conceded a last-minute penalty because Jackson Gilman fouled Andre Dozzell of D.C. United. Baribo attempted the spot-kick and scored. Between back-to-back seasons, he has logged double-digit goals as part of different teams, DC and the Philadelphia Union. Ideally for him, unlike his 2025 season, Baribo can maintain a steadier pace. That year, after logging 10 goals in 12 games, he scored eight across 20 appearances.
Nets in draw
Baribo scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Houston Dynamo. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 71st minute.
Analysis: Baribo got on the scoresheet Wednesday, netting his only shot during the one-all draw. The striker was a threat throughout the match, but struggled for end product, the lone shot he got off proved to be enough for the goal Wednesday. Baribo should lead the line throughout the back half of the campaign.
Scores from the penalty spot in 4-4
Baribo scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 4-4 draw versus CF Montreal.
Analysis: Baribo scored to his team 3-1 ahead from the penalty spot. This is his eighth goal in 12 games this season and his second in the last three since returning to the starting lineup. He took three shots in the game for the fourth time this season, and he has scored in each of these games.
Nets opener on Wednesday
Baribo scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Chicago Fire.
Analysis: Baribo netted the opener just before halftime in the 41st minute. He recorded 18 passes, won seven duels, and made a tackle. Baribo has now scored four times in the last three games and has seven goals in 10 appearances this campaign.
On bench for Nashville trip
Baribo (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's game versus Nashville.
Analysis: Baribo will look to play again following a two-match absence, with his return giving the squad a reliable alternative to Jackson Hopkins and Louis Munteanu up front. The 28-year-old striker made a huge impact before his injury, leading his side with six goals and recording a hat trick during his last appearance in MLS play.
Out as percaution
Baribo (thigh) was not an option for the 2-0 win over NYCFC on Sunday as a precaution, said head coach Rene Weiler per Mauricio Gomes of 107.9 FM.
Analysis: Baribo missed his second match in a row due to a thigh injury. It does not seem that the injury is too serious, which means he can feature in Saturday's trip to Nashville, pending on his evolution during training.
Questionable for Orlando match
Baribo is a doubt for the next match against Orlando City with a thigh injury.
Analysis: Baribo's status is uncertain, but if he is unable to play, D.C. United may turn to Gabriel Pirani to fill his role up front. Coming off a big hat-trick performance, Baribo would be an impactful loss for the squad if this injury limits his availability. He has appeared in eight matches this season, scoring six goals over that span.
Strikes for hat trick
Baribo scored three goals while taking five shots (three on goal) and creating a chance during Wednesday's 4-4 draw with NY Red Bulls.
Analysis: Baribo scored in the 37th, 59th and 80th minutes while leading United with five shots in the match. The goals were the first since March 15th for the forward as he's combined for seven shots and two chances created over his last three appearances.
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