FC Cincinnati 2 did not walk away with its second MLS NEXT Pro victory of the season on Friday night but did receive a promising performance from one of its young academy players.
Ryder Mills scored his first MLS NEXT Pro goal on Friday in FCC2’s 2-1 road loss to Crown Legacy FC. The 18-year-old made his MLS NEXT Pro debut off the bench for Tyrone Marshall’s squad and celebrated his first goal in the process.
After coming onto the pitch in the 68th minute, Mills needed only three minutes to cut FCC2’s deficit in half. Jesus Castellano’s low drive towards goal forced a save in the box before Mills pounced on the rebound to make it 2-1.
Although FCC2 could not find a tying goal, Mills did walk away with an early boost of confidence to take with him this season. Mills finished the match with one foul drawn and one interception in his 22-minute substitute performance.
Mills previously featured in the Columbus Crew’s academy before joining FC Cincinnati in 2019. He scored ten goals in 10 appearances for the Developmental Academy during the 2019-20 season.
FCC2 will next host Huntsville City FC on Sunday, April 9, in Matchday 3 action.
