“Lucas is a skilled defender who has a keen understanding of the game and has been crucial to our defense this season,” said Ally Mackay, General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer of D.C. United. “As a center back in the prime of his career, we are excited to extend his contract and keep him in the nation’s capital until 2027.”
Bartlett was acquired by D.C. United in a trade from St. Louis City SC on December 12, 2023. He made a strong impact immediately, starting most of the matches this season and featuring in 24 games (23 starts) for the Black-and-Red. He made his debut on February 24 in a 3-1 victory against the New England Revolution and scored his first goal for the team on May 15 in a 4-1 defeat to the New York Red Bulls. To date, Bartlett has one goal and two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions, leading the team in minutes played and ranking second in MLS with 84 aerials won.
“Lucas has consistently performed at a high level to earn this contract extension,” noted Troy Lesesne, Head Coach of D.C. United. “He represents our club’s values and is dedicated to continual improvement every day. His leading minutes played underscore his professionalism, and we are pleased to have him with us for the foreseeable future.”
A Missouri native, Bartlett was drafted sixth overall by FC Dallas in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft on January 11, 2022. In his rookie year, he was loaned to North Texas SC, the MLS Next Pro affiliate of FC Dallas, where he made 13 appearances. After FC Dallas declined his contract option, Bartlett signed with St. Louis City SC on March 8, 2023. At St. Louis City SC, he registered one assist, 25 interceptions, and won 48.7% of his duels in 14 appearances (12 starts) before joining D.C. United.
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