WATCH: Toddler storms the pitch in MLS match between D.C. United and Chicago Fire

During the 50th minute of Saturday's Eastern Conference clash between D.C. United and Chicago Fire, play was suddenly halted when a toddler wandered onto the pitch at Audi Field. The young child had somehow managed to evade security and access the playing surface while the visiting Fire were preparing for a throw-in. Chicago defender Omar González noticed the child and alerted officials, who immediately stopped play. A member of the stadium security team quickly responded, picking up the child and returning him to a woman waiting on the sidelines.

This is not the first such incident in MLS in recent years. Similar situations occurred in October 2024 when a young fan entered the field during a Toronto FC match against Inter Miami specifically to meet Lionel Messi, and earlier this season during San Jose Earthquakes' opener against Real Salt Lake.

Following the brief delay, play resumed and Chicago Fire ended up as 7-1 winners on the night. Dominique Badji scored the lone goal for D.C. United, who dropped to 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 4-8-6 and a concerning -19 goal differential. They face Real Salt Lake on the road next on June 14 and will be hoping to turn around their recent run of form, which includes three defeats in their last four league games.