D.C. United acquire Australian D Kye Rowles

Field Level Media|published: Wed 15th January, 12:17 2025

Sep 9, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Australia defender Kye Rowles (4) in action during the game between Mexico and Australia at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

D.C. United acquired Australian defender Kye Rowles from Scotland's Heart of Midlothian on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old center back is under contract through 2026 with an option for 2027.

Rowles registered one goal and three assists in 103 matches with the Hearts from 2022-25.

Before moving to the Scottish Premiership, he played in 104 matches in Australia's A-League from 2016-22.

"Kye is a leader on the field who has good defensive instincts and the ability to play out from the back," said D.C. United general manager Ally Mackay. "We believe he will fit in well to (our) system and we're excited to welcome him to the District."

Internationally, Rowles has one goal in 24 caps for the Australian national team. He started four matches for the Socceroos at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

--Field Level Media