Transfer Tracker

D.C. United sign defender Kevin Ellis ahead of roster freeze deadline

Kevin Ellis - Chicago Fire - close-up

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signing


D.C. United have acquired former Chicago Fire and Sporting Kansas City defender Kevin Ellis ahead of the MLS roster freeze deadline on Sept. 14. Defender Taylor Kemp, who underwent hip surgery earlier in the year, was added to the Season Ending Injury List to accommodate the transaction.


Ellis' acquisition comes as D.C. are experiencing an injury crunch, with no healthy right backs currently on the roster.


"Kevin is a versatile defender who can play anywhere along the backline,” D.C. GM Dave Kasper said in a statement. "This is an important depth move for us, and we are pleased to be adding an experienced MLS player in the prime of his career."


Ellis began the 2018 season with Chicago, where he scored two goals and recorded four assists in 20 MLS appearances before being placed on waivers on Aug 9. Previously, he spent seven seasons with his hometown club of Kansas City, signing his first pro contract as a Homegrown Player before the 2011 season and making 68 league appearances in total for SKC.