D.C. United acquired center back Brendan Hines-Ike in March 2021 on a one-year loan from K.V. Kortrijk in the Belgian first division (Juniper Pro League). The American-born defender will join the Black-and-Red pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“Brendan joins the club after making over 100 professional appearances in Europe with Örebro SK in Sweden and K.V. Kortrijk in Belgium,” Dave Kasper, D.C. United General Manager and VP of Soccer Operation, said. “His defensive instincts and technical ability have been on display since he first became a professional in 2016 and we’re excited to add his experience and skillset to our backline as we continue to build our roster.”

Hines-Ike joins D.C. United after spending the previous two seasons with K.V. Kortrijk in the Belgian first division. The Denver, Colorado native joined the Belgian side on July 26, 2018 from Örebro SK in the Swedish first division. Hines-Ike made his professional debut for K.V. Kortrijk two days after joining the side on July 28, 2018 in a 4-1 loss against RSC Anderlecht. The 26-year-old went on to score one goal and record three assists in 51 appearances across all competitions for K.V. Kortrijk. His first goal for the club came in a 3-2 win against Waasland-Beveren on April 2, 2019 in the Juniper Pro League Playoff. 

Before joining K.V. Kortrijk, Hines-Ike started his professional career with Örebro SK in the Swedish first division (Allsvenskan) after signing a contract on Jan. 1, 2016. He made his debut for the side on April 3, 2016 in a 2-0 loss against Djurgardens IF in league play. In two years with Örebro SK, Hines-Ike scored four goals and recorded three assists in 70 appearances across all competitions. He scored his first professional goal on May 9, 2016 against Hammarby in a 3-2 win; his goal was the 69th minute game-winner in the match. 

Before Hines-Ike turned professional, he played four years of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I soccer with Creighton University and the University of South Florida. Hines-Ike played his first three collegiate seasons with the Creighton Bluejays where he scored two goals in 50 appearances and helped Creighton reach the College Cup semifinals in 2012. In 2015, Hines-Ike transferred to the University of South Florida to play his final collegiate season. He scored two goals in 20 appearances for the South Florida Bulls. 

Player: Brendan Hines-Ike
Position: Defender
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado
Country: United States
Birthdate: 11/30/1994
Age: 26
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 170
Previous Club: K.V. Kortrijk (Belgium)
Status: Domestic
Transaction: D.C. United Acquire Defender Brendan Hines-Ike from K.V. Kortrijk on a year-long loan.

COURTESY D.C. UNITED