Five things to know about Sounders midfielder Kelyn Rowe

The Seattle Sounders announced the signing of former Federal Way and Washington State native Kelyn Rowe. After nine seasons in the MLS, the versatile midfielder is coming home. Eight of Rowe’s nine years in MLS wherewith the New England Revolution.

PROVEN  MLS TALENT

 The 29-year-old Rowe is a solid and reliable player amassing  252 career MLS appearances (including postseason play), tallying 30 goals and 44 assists.

He spent the 2019 season with Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake before returning to New England last season, starting 10 of 16 appearances. In all, Rowe has 240 career regular-season appearances (179 starts), with 29 goals and 42 assists, in addition to 12 appearances, one goal, and two assists in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

HOW HE GOT INTO MLS

The Revs took him third overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, where Rowe settled in and wound up making 206 appearances across seven seasons. No player from this region has ever been drafted higher than Rowe.

LOCAL TALENT

 Federal Way High School graduate, Rowe started for two seasons at UCLA, earning Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2010 and Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2011. Rowe was with Cross Premiere from 2007-2010

WHAT KIND OF A PLAYER IS HERE

Rowe is an attacking player who brings versatility and flexibility in the middle of the pitch. Rowe prides himself on his versatility and has played as a  wide attacker, slotted in all over the midfield, and even played some fullback. With decent offensive skills, Rowe is not shy about taking on defenders and shooting from distance.

NATIONAL TEAM EXPERIENCE

Rowe has four caps with the US men’s national team. A part of the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup squad and scored during the tournament on July 15, 2017, against Nicaragua. He has appeared with the U.S. Under-18, Under-20 and Under-23

HOW  WILL THE SOUNDERS USE HIM

There is a log jam and uncertainty regarding the Sounders midfield.  Captain Nicolas Lodeiro, Cristian Roldan, and Joao Paulo are the heart and soul of the team. Up next is underrated but effective Jordy Delem. A defensive midfielder who can disrupt any offense.

Rowe will battle Jordy Delem for playing time.  He is a holding midfielder with good ball-handling skills and an ability to defend.  Delem has the edge when playing it comes to the disruptor role while Rowe might have the edge on the offensive half of the field averaging  5.4 goals and 7.6 assists per year.