The offseason gives players a chance to recover after a long year, but it is also when the foundation for the next season is built. This time of year lets players reset physically, sharpen up individually, and prepare for another demanding MLS campaign.
Through our Offseason Check-Ins series, we are catching up with D.C. United players around the world to hear how they are approaching the break, from training plans and personal goals to life off the field. Some remain in Leesburg working at the Inova Performance Complex, while others are spending time abroad as they gear up for the 2026 season.
This week, we checked in with center back Kye Rowles, who just completed his first season in Major League Soccer after being acquired from Hearts of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership on January 15, 2025.
The Australia international quickly became a mainstay in the Black-and-Red back line in 2025, making 31 appearances (29 starts) and logging 2,685 minutes across all competitions.
Rowles is a modern center back, combining composure in possession with disciplined defending. His 86% passing accuracy on 1,550 total passes highlighted his comfort playing out of the back and helping United break the lines, while his 58 interceptions, 56 clearances, 101 duels won, and 24 blocked shots reflected his defensive intelligence, positioning, and willingness to put his body on the line.
After a season of adapting to a new league, a new country, and a different style of play, Rowles now heads into the offseason with a strong foundation and full comfort in his surroundings, looking to take another step forward in his second year in MLS both as a defender and as a leader.
On the international stage, Rowles continues to be an important figure for the Australian National Team, who have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A veteran of the 2022 tournament, he currently stands as the only player on D.C. United’s roster with World Cup experience, having earned 28 international caps to date.
During the November international window, Rowles featured in one of Australia’s two friendlies. He was not selected for the Nov. 15 match against Venezuela but started and played 60 minutes in the Socceroos’ Nov. 19 match against Colombia, which ended in a 3–0 loss.
With the World Cup approaching and competition for places growing, this offseason is a pivotal one for Rowles as he pushes to ensure his name is on Australia’s final roster next January.
Tell us about your plans for the offseason. What does your training look like and how are you resetting personally?
“I’ve just been spending a lot of time with family and friends, getting down to the beach and really trying to switch off for a bit. It’s been a long year and a half without a proper break, so resetting mentally has been a big focus for me.
Training wise, I’ve been back at my old club, the Central Coast Mariners, which has been great. Training by yourself is tough, so being back in a proper team environment helps a lot. I’m staying fit and sharp and also working through the individual program that René [Weiler] and the staff have given us, focusing on the areas they want me to improve in while still keeping everything else ticking over.
Being back in Australia after time in Scotland and now the U.S., how special has it been and what did you miss most while you were away?
“It’s been really special. The biggest thing I missed was being around family and friends and just enjoying the weather. Being able to properly relax and unwind with them again is something I haven’t had in a long time. Just having time to catch up and feel normal again means a lot.”
Where do you train while you’re back home, and what makes it the right environment for you?
I’ve been training back at my old club. They’ve been great with me, welcoming me back into the group. It makes a big difference compared to training on your own. You stay sharper, you’re more competitive, and it helps you maintain that match mentality even during the break.
Australia is already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. How exciting is that for you, and does it change how you approach this offseason?
“It’s incredibly exciting. Playing at a World Cup is what every player dreams of, and for it to be in North America where I’m playing my club football makes it even more special.
It definitely changes my mindset. This year is a massive one for me. I want to have a big preseason and one of the best seasons of my career so far to give myself a real chance to be involved come next June.”
Looking back on your first year in MLS, what did you take from the experience?
“It was tough, no doubt. But I think it was important for me to get over here, adapt to a new league, new travel, different stadiums and different conditions. Every week was a new challenge.
There’s a lot I’ve learned from that first year, and I want to take those lessons into next season and be better.”
What are your goals heading into your second season, individually and collectively?
“Personally, I know I can perform at a higher level and contribute more. I want to be more consistent and continue growing into a leadership role at the back.
As a team, we’re all disappointed with how this season went. We know we can do a lot better. The goal is to come back stronger, push for the playoffs, and put together a winning season for the club and the fans.”
