Ted Ku-DiPietro Bio
Theodore “Ted” Ku-DiPietro (born January 28, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids. A product of the D.C. United youth system, he has built his early career through the club’s developmental ranks before moving into the first team and later transferring within MLS. Known for his energy in the middle of the pitch, Ku-DiPietro has represented the United States at the under-23 level.
Standing 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall, Ku-DiPietro wears the number 21 shirt for the Colorado Rapids organization. He is recognized as a homegrown talent who progressed from the youth academy to the professional game, and he continues to be viewed as a young midfielder with room to develop at the top level of American soccer.
Early Life and Background
Theodore Ku-DiPietro was born on January 28, 2002, in Oakton, Virginia, and grew up in the surrounding Northern Virginia community. He attended Oakton High School in nearby Vienna, Virginia, where he quickly stood out as a talented young soccer player. As a sophomore in 2018, he was named first-team all-state, a recognition that highlighted his status as one of the top high school players in the region.
Ku-DiPietro comes from a large, sports-oriented family. He is of Chinese descent through his mother and Polish and German descent through his father, while “DiPietro” is the last name of his adoptive Italian grandfather. He was born into a family of nine children, and six of the siblings, including him, have played soccer at least at the youth level, reflecting a strong family connection to the sport.
Path to Soccer
Ku-DiPietro’s progression into organized soccer ran through the D.C. United youth academy, where he developed from a young age and remained a member of the system through 2019. The D.C. United academy is well known for producing homegrown talent, and Ku-DiPietro became the latest in a line of academy products to make the jump to the professional ranks. His time in the academy gave him exposure to high-level coaching, competitive matches, and the tactical demands required to play in Major League Soccer.
His standout high school performances and steady development within the D.C. United setup earned him a clear path toward a professional contract. That combination of school and club play established him as a prospect ready for senior-level opportunities by the time he turned 17.
Ted Ku-DiPietro Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Ku-DiPietro made his professional debut with Loudoun United FC, the USL Championship affiliate of D.C. United, on June 28, 2019, in a 2–1 win over Atlanta United 2. Later that same season, on September 25, 2019, he scored his first professional goal in the 68th minute of a 4–1 win over the Swope Park Rangers, although he also received his first red card in the same match. Those appearances marked him as one of the youngest players in the Loudoun squad.
On January 7, 2020, Ku-DiPietro signed his first professional contract with Loudoun United, formalizing his commitment to the D.C. United organization. Over three seasons with Loudoun, he gained valuable experience in a professional environment, developing the consistency and physicality needed for the next step in his career.
D.C. United Breakthrough (2022–2024)
After three seasons with Loudoun, Ku-DiPietro became the 17th homegrown player to sign for D.C. United, completing a long-term goal of reaching the senior team. His transition to the first team came with heightened expectations, but he delivered an immediate impact. In the opening match of the 2023 MLS season, he scored his first goal for D.C. United, a game-winning goal in a 3–2 comeback victory over Toronto. After entering as a second-half substitute, he assisted on Christian Benteke’s equalizer in the 90th minute before scoring the winner himself.
That performance earned him a place on Major League Soccer’s Team of the Matchday for week one, signaling his arrival as a contributor at the MLS level. He spent two seasons as part of the D.C. United first team, gaining experience in one of the league’s most established environments before moving on.
Colorado Rapids Era (2025–Present)
In 2025, Ku-DiPietro joined the Colorado Rapids organization, linking up with the club’s developmental side, Colorado Rapids 2, as he transitions into a new environment. The move marked the next stage of his professional journey, placing him within a different MLS structure and offering a fresh opportunity to establish himself.
Wearing the number 21 shirt, Ku-DiPietro continues to develop his game within the Rapids setup. His progress with the club will be closely watched, as the organization evaluates his role both with Rapids 2 and within the broader plans of the senior team.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a midfielder, Ku-DiPietro is recognized for his energy, late runs into the attacking third, and ability to influence matches in key moments. His first MLS goal, which decided the season opener against Toronto, highlighted his composure in front of goal and his willingness to arrive in dangerous areas. His development within the D.C. United system also gave him a strong understanding of positional play and pressing responsibilities expected of central midfielders in MLS.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Ku-DiPietro’s career came in the opening match of the 2023 season, when he scored the game-winning goal against Toronto and was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday. On the international stage, he was called up to the United States U-23 team for the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile, where he scored his first international goal in a 2–1 comeback victory over Honduras, underlining his knack for delivering in important fixtures.
Ted Ku-DiPietro Career Wins
Across his time with Loudoun United, D.C. United, and the Colorado Rapids organization, Ku-DiPietro has accumulated a growing list of professional appearances and contributions. While detailed win totals are not fully verified, his most celebrated performances have come in matches that shaped seasons, including his debut for Loudoun in 2019, his first D.C. United goal in 2023, and his first international goal at the 2023 Pan American Games.
Club Highlights
Ku-DiPietro’s club journey began at Loudoun United, where he made his professional debut and scored his first senior goal in 2019. He progressed to D.C. United, becoming the 17th homegrown signing in club history, and announced himself with a match-winning goal against Toronto in the 2023 MLS opener. In 2025, he moved to the Colorado Rapids organization, where he continues his development with Rapids 2.
International Highlights
On the international stage, Ku-DiPietro represented the United States U-23 team at the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. He scored his first international goal in a comeback 2–1 win over Honduras, a result that gave the U.S. team a strong start in the tournament.
Ted Ku-DiPietro Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Ku-DiPietro was born into a family of nine children, six of whom have played soccer at the youth level or higher, making soccer a central part of family life. His mother is of Chinese descent, while his father is of Polish and German descent, and his adoptive Italian grandfather carries the DiPietro surname that he bears. This diverse heritage has shaped both his identity and his connection to the sport.
Personal Life
His older brother, Michael, played for the Marymount Saints men’s soccer team before graduating with a Business Administration degree. His younger sister, Hope, signed a letter of intent to play for the George Washington Colonials women’s soccer team beginning in the Fall 2023 season. The family’s involvement in soccer reflects a shared passion for the game that has clearly influenced Ku-DiPietro’s path to the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Ku-DiPietro after his move to the Colorado Rapids organization. He has linked up with Colorado Rapids 2, where he is expected to play a significant role in the team’s campaign and continue building match sharpness. The transition gives him the chance to settle into a new club environment while remaining connected to the broader MLS structure of the Colorado Rapids.
His progress during the 2025 season will likely shape conversations about his long-term role within the senior team setup. With his prior experience at D.C. United and his international exposure at the 2023 Pan American Games, Ku-DiPietro enters the year as a young midfielder aiming to establish consistency and push for further opportunities at the top level of American soccer.
Outlook for the remainder of 2025 centers on his adaptation to the Rapids organization and his ability to translate his experience into regular performances. Continued development with Rapids 2 could position him for an expanded role in future MLS seasons as the club evaluates its long-term plans for the midfielder.