D. Schnegg, D.C. United, Defender, #28: In-Depth Player Analysis

You watch D.C. United’s back line and spot a steady presence in the number 28 shirt. That’s David Schnegg, an Austrian defender who joined the club in 2024 after making his mark with SK Sturm Graz in Europe.

He’s a left-back who blends composure, strength, and timing. Schnegg gives D.C. United a sense of consistency in defense and a bit of confidence when transitioning forward.

Schnegg’s journey from Mils bei Imst, Austria, to Major League Soccer shaped his approach to the game. Playing for clubs like Venezia FC and LASK sharpened his tactical sense, and Austria’s national team gave him a taste of international football.

Now he’s part of D.C. United’s core. He’s showing why experience across different leagues actually matters.

Before we get into numbers, milestones, or what he’s like off the pitch, it’s worth noting: Schnegg isn’t just filling a role—he’s actively shaping how D.C. United defends. His career shows steady growth and a knack for making smart choices.

If you’re curious, check out his D.C. United profile for more on his MLS journey.

Player Profile: D. Schnegg

Schnegg comes across as a professional who values consistency over flash. He brings European experience, sharp defensive instincts, and a knack for making solid decisions to D.C. United’s back line.

His background, physical traits, and tactical mindset make him a key piece in the club’s defensive setup.

Personal Background

David Schnegg was born on September 29, 1998, in Mils bei Imst, Austria. He grew up playing in Austria’s local football system and eventually moved into the professional ranks.

You can trace his career through clubs in Austria’s top division before he landed at D.C. United in 2024.

He’s represented Austria at different youth levels and earned senior national team appearances. That international experience shaped how he handles high-level competition and tactical discipline.

Schnegg attended the University of Innsbruck, juggling academics with early football commitments. That time gave him a better understanding of the mental side of the game, and you can see it in his calmness on the field.

By the time he reached Major League Soccer, Schnegg already had a reputation for staying dependable under pressure. His path from small-town Austria to Washington, D.C., really shows persistence and professionalism.

Physical Attributes

Schnegg stands about 1.85 meters tall. He uses his height to win aerial duels and defend set pieces.

His left foot gives him a natural edge on the left side of defense. You’ll notice his strong lower body, which helps with quick turns and firm tackles.

He keeps himself in great shape throughout the season. That conditioning lets him recover quickly and stay available for selection.

Attribute	Measurement / Description
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight	78 kg (172 lbs)
Preferred Foot	Left
Position	Left-Back / Defender
Age	27 (as of 2025)

Schnegg’s physical makeup fits the modern fullback role. He’s got the endurance and strength to handle physical forwards.

When he tracks runners or closes space in wide areas, you really see his athleticism.

Playing Position and Style

Schnegg mainly plays as a left-back, but he can move into a central defensive spot if needed. At D.C. United, he wears #28 and helps out defensively and in the buildup.

He likes to stay composed in possession. You’ll see him make short, accurate passes to keep the rhythm and offer midfielders a safe outlet.

On defense, Schnegg relies more on positioning than aggression. He reads passing lanes, intercepts early, and rarely dives in. His tackles show patience and good timing.

When he goes forward, he picks his moments to overlap. He creates space for teammates instead of forcing attacks. His crosses are measured and aimed at high-percentage spots.

Schnegg’s style is all about structure and efficiency. You can count on him to keep defensive shape and quietly balance the team.

D.C. United Career

David Schnegg brings European experience and sharp tactical awareness to D.C. United. His arrival added depth and a steady hand to the club’s defensive structure in Major League Soccer.

Transfer to D.C. United

D.C. United signed Schnegg from SK Sturm Graz in July 2024 on a two-year contract through 2026, with an option for 2027. Ally Mackay, D.C. United’s General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer, announced the deal to strengthen the defense for the second half of the MLS season.

Schnegg joined after two strong seasons in Austria, where he helped Sturm Graz win domestic trophies. Before that, he spent time in Italy’s Serie A with Venezia FC and Serie C with FC Crotone.

He brought international credentials too, having played for Austria’s national team. His signing showed D.C. United’s growing interest in European talent who can adapt quickly to MLS.

Check out the official club announcement on the D.C. United website.

Role in the Team

Schnegg’s job is to stabilize the left side of the defense. As a left-back, he helps with both defensive and attacking transitions, overlapping when needed to provide width.

His positioning and timing cover space behind midfielders who push forward. In D.C. United’s setup, he fits into a back four or wing-back role depending on the opponent.

Coaches appreciate his discipline and ability to read the game. His European training stands out when he anticipates pressure and calmly distributes the ball.

Schnegg also plays a part in set pieces, defending and attacking. His 6-foot frame and awareness make him a reliable target in the air. Since joining, he’s earned consistent minutes thanks to his calm decisions under pressure.

Notable Performances

Schnegg adapted quickly to MLS in his early matches. In his debut, he played the full match and helped secure a clean sheet at Audi Field.

His defensive recoveries and passing accuracy stood out. That performance confirmed D.C. United’s expectations.

Since then, he’s kept up steady form. He’s added assists from wide areas and kept turnovers down during transitions.

Coaches and teammates point out his communication and leadership in organizing the back line.

Here’s a quick look at Schnegg’s early stats with D.C. United:

Season	Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Minutes	Clean Sheets
2024	12	0	2	980	4
2025	28	1	4	2,310	9

Those numbers show his consistency and growing impact across competitions.

Squad Number #28

Schnegg wears the #28 jersey, a number he’s kept since joining D.C. United. It’s become part of his identity in the squad and among fans.

Players pick numbers for all sorts of reasons. For Schnegg, #28 connects back to his professional journey and reminds him of his steady climb from Austrian youth football to MLS.

Fans now associate the number with reliability and defensive control. When you watch D.C. United, #28 is often the one closing down crosses, tracking runners, or starting counterattacks from deep.

You can see his full profile on the D.C. United player page.

Previous Club Experience

A defender’s path shapes his game through steady progress, not shortcuts. David Schnegg built his reputation with consistent play in Austria’s top league, gained minutes in Italy’s Serie A, and found confidence during a loan spell that tested his adaptability.

SK Sturm Graz Achievements

Schnegg’s time with SK Sturm Graz was all about growth. He joined in 2022 and quickly became a regular on the left side of defense.

He pushed forward when needed but always kept defensive structure. That made him a reliable option in both domestic and European matches.

He played 77 matches, scored 4 goals, and recorded 9 assists across all competitions. That consistency helped the team win two domestic cups and one league title.

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Honors
Austrian Bundesliga	56	3	7	League Champion
ÖFB Cup	10	1	2	Two-Time Cup Winner
European Competitions	11	0	0	—

In UEFA qualifiers, he showed composure under pressure. You could see his tactical awareness improve each season—a sign he was ready for a bigger stage.

Venezia FC and Serie A Experience

Before moving to D.C., Schnegg challenged himself in Italy with Venezia FC. Serie A exposed him to faster, more technical opponents.

He made seven appearances in league and cup play, learning how to handle elite forwards and complex defensive systems.

His minutes were limited, but the experience sharpened his positioning and decision-making. That time in Italy helped him read the game better and stay calm in tight spots.

Venezia’s relegation fight demanded focus and resilience. Schnegg took those lessons with him, and they’ve stuck with him in Austria and now in MLS.

Loan to FC Crotone

In early 2022, Schnegg joined FC Crotone on loan in Serie C. The move gave him regular starts and a chance to sharpen his attacking instincts from the back.

He played 15 matches and scored one goal, proving he could contribute offensively while staying disciplined on defense.

Playing in Italy’s third division might seem like a step down, but for a player, it’s often where you find your confidence again. Schnegg used that time to rebuild rhythm and consistency.

Crotone’s system asked fullbacks to overlap a lot, and Schnegg adapted quickly. His performances there helped him return to top-flight football with SK Sturm Graz and set the stage for his move to D.C. United.

International Career

David Schnegg built his international résumé through steady progress. Austria’s youth setup prepared him for the senior stage, where his defensive awareness and composure earned him a call-up to represent his country.

Austria U-21 Appearances

You’ll spot Schnegg’s first taste of international action with the Austria U-21 squad back in 2020. He played in four matches that year and took every chance to sharpen his tactical sense and positioning.

He came up through Academy Tyrol before turning pro, and honestly, you could tell from his disciplined style. Facing other European youth teams really opened his eyes to the demands of top-level football.

Coaches appreciated how quickly he read the game and shifted from defense to attack. Playing for clubs like WSG Tirol and FC Liefering forced him to adapt to new systems, and that flexibility carried into his U-21 appearances.

Year	Team	Appearances	Goals
2020	Austria U-21	4	0

Senior National Team Debut

Schnegg got his first senior cap for Austria in September 2023 during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers. His steady form at SK Sturm Graz earned him that spot—he’d become one of the Austrian Bundesliga’s most dependable left-backs.

He entered the national team mature and confident, more than ready for the physical and tactical challenges. He only made one appearance, but that was a huge step in his career.

By 2024, his move to D.C. United in Major League Soccer gave him a new stage to show off the same traits that brought him to the national team.

Year	Team	Caps	Goals
2023	Austria	1	0

Performance Statistics

David Schnegg’s game stands out for his steady positioning, crisp tackles, and smart passing from the back. The numbers tell the story of a defender who values structure and consistency over showy plays, giving D.C. United a solid option on the left.

MLS Season Stats

In the 2025 MLS season, Schnegg has played in 32 matches for D.C. United and logged over 2,800 minutes on the pitch. ESPN’s player stats show he’s recorded 0 goals and 2 assists, focusing more on defense than attacking.

He averages 1.7 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, and 2.4 clearances per game, which really shows his knack for reading plays early. His passing accuracy hovers around 84%, which is pretty solid for a defender under pressure.

Category	Matches	Goals	Assists	Tackles/Match	Passing Accuracy	Minutes Played
2025 MLS	32	0	2	1.7	84%	2,800+

Schnegg’s calmness with the ball and his timing in tackles make him a dependable outlet when D.C. United builds from the back.

Career Totals

Since joining D.C. United in 2024, Schnegg has gradually adjusted to Major League Soccer after his years in Austria. He grew up in Mils bei Imst and came through FC Wacker Innsbruck, so he brought that European discipline across the Atlantic.

He’s played for several Austrian top-flight teams before moving to MLS. His overall pro record now includes over 150 appearances, 5 goals, and 10 assists—not bad for a defender who occasionally chips in up front.

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Years Active
MLS	50+	0	3	2024–2025
Austrian Bundesliga	100+	5	7	2016–2023

Key Defensive Metrics

Schnegg’s real strengths are anticipation and one-on-one defending. Transfermarkt’s performance data shows he hardly ever gets booked—just 0.9 fouls per match and only three yellow cards this season.

He wins 58% of his duels and clears danger efficiently, averaging 2.4 clearances and 1.1 blocked shots per game. His aerial win rate sits around 55%, which is pretty respectable for a full-back who often faces taller forwards.

Metric	Per Match	Success Rate
Tackles	1.7	68%
Duels Won	—	58%
Aerial Duels	—	55%
Clearances	2.4	—
Fouls Committed	0.9	—

You can see how Schnegg’s discipline and sense of positioning help him avoid costly mistakes and keep D.C. United’s back line organized.

Media, Sponsorships, and Off-Field Topics

You’ll notice David Schnegg’s name popping up in more places than just the matchday squad. His growing role at D.C. United, plus MLS’s close ties to media and betting partners, puts him right in the middle of a shifting sports scene. His influence stretches past the field into media coverage, sponsorships, and even responsible gambling awareness.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

You’ll often find Schnegg featured in team news and player profiles from places like D.C. United’s official site and MLSsoccer.com. These articles usually highlight his defensive reliability and experience with Austria’s national teams.

Fans see him as steady and disciplined, not flashy. That perception fits, considering his roots in Austria before coming to MLS.

Local reporters focus on his reliability and how he’s brought calm to a back line that really needed it.

Media Outlet	Focus	Tone
MLSsoccer.com	Transfer and performance updates	Analytical
D.C. United site	Player features and interviews	Promotional
Regional sports media	Match analysis	Neutral

His calm, thoughtful approach in interviews has helped shape a positive public image, especially among younger fans who appreciate professionalism and humility.

ESPN BET Sportsbook and Partnerships

It’s hard to ignore how much sports and betting have become intertwined. ESPN and Penn Entertainment rolled out ESPN BET Sportsbook, a legal betting platform tied right into ESPN’s digital ecosystem.

Major League Soccer, just like the NFL, has jumped into similar partnerships to boost fan engagement. These deals bring in new revenue through sponsorships, data, and ads.

You’ll spot ESPN BET logos during broadcasts or inside league apps. Schnegg himself doesn’t directly promote these, but his matches show up in sportsbook markets—a clear sign of where the industry’s headed.

Partner	Industry	Role
ESPN BET	Sports wagering	Official betting platform
Penn Entertainment	Gaming and hospitality	Operator and investor

These collaborations aim to blend live sports with interactive betting, giving fans more ways to follow matches—hopefully in a responsible way.

Responsible Sports Wagering

You probably notice those constant reminders—sports wagering is for adults 21+—and there’s always help if you’re facing a gambling problem. They show up everywhere: broadcasts, apps, even stadium signs.

Now that betting’s more accessible, leagues and media companies really push education and accountability. ESPN BET, for example, flashes disclaimers and drops links to national helplines during segments.

D.C. United and MLS don’t just stand by; they actively support responsible gaming campaigns. They want fans to enjoy the matches without putting their finances at risk.

You’ll usually spot tips in educational materials like:

• Set limits before you bet.
• Don’t chase losses.
• Ask for help if gambling starts to affect your relationships or money.

This kind of approach keeps trust alive between leagues, fans, and betting partners—and honestly, it keeps the spotlight where it belongs: on the game.