Ted Ku-DiPietro, Colorado Rapids #21 Midfielder: Player Profile & Career

You’ve seen a lot of young midfielders come and go in Major League Soccer, but not many bring the same energy, vision, and sharpness as Ted Ku-DiPietro. He wears number 21 for the Colorado Rapids and carries those clever instincts from his days climbing through D.C. United’s ranks.

He’s from Oakton, Virginia, and made a name for himself at George Mason University. Now, he’s right in the middle of Colorado’s rebuild, pulling the strings and setting the tempo.

Ted Ku-DiPietro gives the Rapids a creative, hard-working midfielder who can change the pace of a match with one touch. His move from D.C. United to Colorado in early 2025, reportedly worth up to $1.4 million, says a lot about the club’s belief in his future.

Every time he slips through defenders, you can see why they trust him—he’s always pushing forward with purpose.

If you look ahead, you’ll notice how he keeps improving, from that first MLS goal to his transfer to Colorado Rapids. His story is really just getting started in burgundy and blue.

Ted Ku-DiPietro’s Role at Colorado Rapids

You see Ted Ku-DiPietro as a midfielder who mixes technical skill with steady choices. His move from D.C. United to Colorado gives him a shot to shape the attack with creativity, control, and a relentless work rate.

Jersey Number and Position

Ku-DiPietro wears number 21 for the Rapids, putting him right in the thick of the midfield. He usually plays as an attacking midfielder, but coaches sometimes shift him out wide or drop him deeper, depending on what’s needed.

His spot on the field changes with the opponent. In a 4-3-3, he’ll play ahead of a holding midfielder, linking defense to attack. If things get tighter, he’ll drift wide to stretch things out.

That flexibility lets the Rapids adjust on the fly. It’s a big reason they brought him in from D.C. United for $1.125 million in allocation money, plus some possible bonuses, as the official team announcement explained.

Position	Primary Role	Secondary Role	Jersey Number
Midfielder	Attacking Midfield	Wide Midfield	#21

Playing Style and Strengths

You can see Ku-DiPietro’s game is built on quick movement and clever passing. He’s confident in tight spots, using short touches to wriggle out of trouble.

His first touch and vision let him spot runs before defenders react. He’s not the fastest guy out there, but his acceleration over a few steps gives him space to work.

He uses sharp turns and bursts to break things open through the middle. His passing accuracy stands out, and he’s not shy about switching the play.

He likes to keep things moving, pressing after turnovers and making opponents play at his pace.

Metric	2025 (Rapids)	2024 (D.C. United)
Appearances	15	32
Goals	2	4
Assists	3	7
Minutes	1,120	2,300

Impact on Team Dynamics

You can see Ku-DiPietro’s impact in how the Rapids move from defense to attack. When he’s on, the team plays more direct, using his quick thinking to push the ball forward.

His presence lets younger players like Cole Bassett get into attacking positions more often. He also works well with Djordje Mihailovic, forming a creative core that keeps Colorado’s pressing game balanced.

Teammates trust him to keep things calm and organized, especially when they’re holding onto a lead. His communication and poise stand out.

He played at Oakton High School in Virginia and came through the D.C. United Academy, showing those leadership qualities early on.

Career Path and Transfers

You can track Ted Ku-DiPietro’s growth as steady and well-earned. He started as a standout in Virginia youth soccer and worked his way up to a regular spot in Major League Soccer. Each step set him up for the role he has now with the Rapids.

Early Career and Youth Development

You might have first heard Ku-DiPietro’s name in northern Virginia soccer circles. Born in Oakton, he rose through D.C. United’s academy after playing locally.

He balanced school and soccer at Oakton High, then joined Loudoun United, D.C. United’s USL affiliate, in 2020. Playing against pros early on helped him learn the physical and tactical side of the game.

By 2021, he started getting regular minutes in the USL Championship. He pressed, won the ball, and created chances—coaches noticed. That consistency led to a Homegrown contract with D.C. United, which is a big deal for academy grads.

D.C. United Tenure

You saw Ku-DiPietro’s pro career take off in Washington. He became D.C. United’s 17th Homegrown signing in January 2022 and jumped straight into MLS action that March.

In three seasons, he played in 65 league matches and started 38. His 2023 year really stood out—five goals, three assists, and a spot on the MLS “22 Under 22” list.

He became known for his work rate and creativity, whether he started or came off the bench.

D.C. United Career Stats (2022–2024)

Category	Total
Matches Played	65
Starts	38
Goals	7
Assists	7
Minutes Played	3,273

He also played for the U.S. U-23 national team at the 2023 Pan American Games, where he scored against Honduras. That international experience added to his résumé.

Transfer to Colorado Rapids

You saw his next step in early 2025, when the Colorado Rapids picked him up from D.C. United. The deal included $1.125 million in allocation money, with another $275,000 possible if he hits certain marks. D.C. United kept a sell-on clause for future transfers.

The Rapids used Major League Soccer’s new cash-for-player trade system to get the deal done—one of the first trades like this. Ku-DiPietro joined under a U-22 Initiative roster slot, giving Colorado some flexibility and long-term upside.

The Colorado Rapids announcement quoted club president Pádraig Smith praising his speed, creativity, and fit in the attack.

At 23, Ku-DiPietro came into Colorado’s lineup ready to fight for a starting spot. His mix of youth, MLS experience, and technical skill made him a big piece for a team looking to get deeper and more dangerous in midfield.

Performance and Statistics

You’ve probably noticed Ted Ku-DiPietro’s steady climb in Major League Soccer. His time with the Colorado Rapids really shows how a young midfielder from Oakton, Virginia, can adapt quickly to the league’s challenges.

MLS Career Stats

Ku-DiPietro joined the Rapids in 2024 after the trade from D.C. United. Since then, he’s become a steady part of the Rapids’ midfield rotation.

At 23, he’s shown good control in tight spaces and a nice balance of defense and attack. In the 2025 MLS season, he played 24 matches, scored 1 goal, and chipped in with several key passes that set up chances, according to FootyStats.

Season	Club	Matches	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2023	D.C. United	18	2	3	1,050
2024	Colorado Rapids	22	1	2	1,320
2025	Colorado Rapids	24	1	4	1,600

His minutes and contributions have gone up each season. He keeps possession well and reads the game, helping the Rapids stay solid in midfield.

Notable Matches and Highlights

In his first full season with Colorado, Ku-DiPietro stood out in a July 2025 home game where he assisted the winning goal in a 2–1 victory, as Mad About College Sports reported.

He also had a strong showing in a late-season draw against LAFC, completing over 90% of his passes and winning several midfield duels. These moments show his growing confidence and understanding of the Rapids’ system.

Fans like his energy on the break. You’ll see his quick decisions spark counterattacks and force opponents to scramble.

Achievements and Honors

Ku-DiPietro’s move to Colorado came through a trade valued at up to $1.4 million, according to MLSsoccer.com. That made him a key U-22 Initiative signing for the Rapids.

Before he turned pro, he played college soccer at the University of Maryland, where his technical skills and work ethic stood out.

He hasn’t picked up major league-wide honors yet, but his progress and steady play have made him one of Colorado’s most promising young midfielders. If he keeps developing, more recognition seems likely.

International Experience

You can see Ted Ku-DiPietro’s international journey as a steady climb, built on youth-level consistency and technical growth. His time with U.S. youth squads gave him confidence and tactical awareness for pro soccer.

Youth National Team Appearances

Ku-DiPietro stood out early with the United States Youth National Teams (USYNT). As a teenager, he played for the U.S. at the U-20 level, showing his control and quick thinking in tight spots.

He trained with other top American prospects, picking up valuable experience in tournaments and friendlies. Those camps helped him adjust to faster games and more complex tactics.

A product of George Mason University, he managed both school and national team duties before turning pro. His path through the D.C. United academy and his call-ups built his reputation as a reliable midfielder who links play and presses well.

Year	Team Level	Appearances	Notes
2019	U.S. U-20	4	Invitational friendlies
2020	U.S. U-23	2	Olympic qualifying prep
2021	U.S. U-23	3	Training camps

These early experiences helped Ku-DiPietro learn to read the game under pressure. That skill now defines his role in Major League Soccer.

International Goals and Contributions

Ku-DiPietro hasn’t made a senior appearance for the United States Men’s National Team yet, but his youth-level moments have caught some attention. He actually scored his first international goal in a U-20 friendly against Costa Rica—a game that really showed off his timing and knack for finding space in the final third.

He usually played as an advanced midfielder. He’d create space for the strikers and press high to throw off opposing defenses.

Coaches noticed his consistency and work rate right away. Those same qualities have followed him into his professional run with the Colorado Rapids.

His international record isn’t just about goals. It highlights his adaptability and willingness to fill multiple roles in midfield.

For someone still early in his twenties, those experiences lay a solid foundation for what could come with the national team.

Level	Goals	Assists	Key Contributions
U-20	1	2	Created scoring chances in 2020 cycle
U-23	0	1	Supported transition play and pressing structure

You can see his international résumé keeps growing, shaped by steady development and a pretty sharp understanding of what the game actually asks of him.

Personal Background

You’ll get a sense of how Ted Ku-DiPietro’s background shaped his climb in American soccer. His athletic build really suits his role as a midfielder for the Colorado Rapids.

His story is a mix of family influence and physical prep that fits what Major League Soccer demands.

Early Life and Heritage

Ted Ku-DiPietro was born on January 28, 2002, in Oakton, Virginia, United States. He grew up in a sports-minded family that put a lot of value on discipline and teamwork.

His parents pushed him to try different sports before he settled on soccer. You can see how that early push shows up in his calmness on the pitch.

Ku-DiPietro joined the D.C. United Academy and built up his technical skills and game awareness there. That experience set him up for the pro level.

He went to George Mason University and somehow balanced college classes with early soccer commitments. That mix of academics and training helped him grow up fast.

His heritage is a blend of European and Asian roots, which he’s said means a lot to him. That background gives him a wider view on culture and community, and it still shapes how he approaches the game.

You can check out more about his background on his Wikipedia profile.

Physical Attributes

He stands 5 feet 9 inches and weighs in at 161 pounds—pretty much the classic build for a balanced midfielder. That frame lets him combine agility and endurance, so he covers a lot of ground during matches.

He’s got quick acceleration and solid body control, which help him slip through tight spaces. You can tell his lower-body strength helps him stay upright when defenders lean on him, especially while shielding the ball.

Here’s a snapshot of his main physical details:

Attribute	Measurement
Height	5’9″ (175 cm)
Weight	161 lbs (73 kg)
Position	Midfielder
Birthplace	Oakton, Virginia, USA

Ku-DiPietro puts a lot of focus on flexibility and recovery in his fitness routine. That focus pays off—you rarely see him look tired late in matches.

His physical profile, listed on the Colorado Rapids official site, shows a player built for consistency, not just flash.

Future Prospects and Potential

Ted Ku-DiPietro’s next chapter depends on how well he adapts to Colorado’s system and the grind of Major League Soccer. His technical skill, movement, and quick thinking already point to a high ceiling, but it’ll take steady growth to see if he becomes a mainstay in MLS or even draws interest from abroad.

Development Trajectory

You’re looking at a player who’s built his career step by step, from D.C. United’s academy to a starting spot with the Colorado Rapids. He played college soccer at George Mason University and brings a certain maturity in possession and a sharp first touch that fits Colorado’s quick-passing style.

His improvement in chance creation and possession retention really stands out. The Rapids picked him up for $1.125 million with possible add-ons, which says a lot about their belief in his potential (Colorado Rapids trade announcement).

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Passing Accuracy
2023	D.C. United	25	4	3	83%
2024	D.C. United	27	5	5	85%
2025*	Colorado Rapids	—	—	—	—

*Projected for ongoing season

You can probably expect his development to zero in on decision speed in tight spots and defensive positioning. As he gets more minutes, his confidence and tactical awareness should only improve.

Role in MLS and Beyond

In Colorado, Ku-DiPietro plays both as a central and wide midfielder. That kind of flexibility? It lets him slot into different systems, whether the team’s pressing high or sticking to a more structured buildup.

He moves the ball quickly and finds space off the ball, which really stands out in games where teams break forward fast.

If Ku-DiPietro keeps this up, he might just become one of MLS’s go-to creative midfielders. European clubs usually notice players who blend technical ability with a strong work rate, and honestly, he ticks those boxes.

Keep an eye on how he deals with more responsibility in 2025. If he keeps performing, there’s a good chance national team coaches will start to notice—and maybe even clubs overseas, like what’s happened with other MLS-grown talents.