In their 2020 MLS season, D.C. United struggled significantly, finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference and 24th overall with a 5-12-6 record, failing to qualify for the playoffs. The season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a temporary suspension and the staging of the MLS is Back Tournament, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Following a string of poor results, long-time head coach Ben Olsen was replaced by interim coach Chad Ashton in October. Ola Kamara finished as the team's top scorer with five goals in all competitions.