Can Kye Rowles save DC United’s defense after a disastrous 70-goal season? | OneFootball

With the signing of Kye Rowles, DC United has finally taken concrete steps to fix one of the major problems from last season: fragile defense. The onus is now on the 26-year-old Australian defender to reorganize the backline that shipped an alarming 70 goals in 2024-the third-worst defensive record in MLS.

Kye Rowles comes into DC United with a past that has mixed solidity and continuity. After 103 games with Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership, he earned great experience in a league that, though not part of Europe's elite, nevertheless provided good competition. Before moving to the Hearts, the defender had featured for Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners in a combined 104 games in Australia's A-League, showing just how versatile he is, able to quickly find a spot as a starter in different contexts.

DC United General Manager Ally Mackay highlighted Rowles’ experience as a decisive factor in his recruitment. “We’re signing a very experienced defender,” he stated, also emphasizing the player’s ability to quickly integrate into Troy’s system.

Rowles’ international

Besides his club career, Rowles has an impressive international résumé. Since 2022, he has played 24 matches for the Australian national team, including starting four games in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This experience in high-level tournaments is a differential that can raise the competitive standard of DC United.

His ability to read the game and remain composed under pressure will be tested in MLS, where the pace and intensity differ from what he has faced so far in Scotland and Australia.

Rebuilding the backline was the mission end

One thing that is not a secret is that defense was the Achilles heel of DC United last season. It says much about structural problems when a team concedes 70 goals in one campaign. The arrival of Rowles, who could form a partnership with Lucas Bartlett, promises to bring stability to a backline in urgent need of consistency.

The fact that he can play out from the back-a feature Mackay loved about him-creates value to a team wanting solidity in defence, yet one also needing the swift transitions into attack. Something vital in a system that is going to demand greater cohesion between defence and midfield.

Coming to MLS

Adapting to MLS will be a challenge. The league's physical intensity and fast-paced style will test whether Rowles is ready. Preseason will be critical to get him used to the style of play and for him to develop chemistry with his new teammates.