CINCINNATI, OH --- Irishman Richie Ryan has signed a contract with FC Cincinnati and is due to join the club this week, pending USL and federation approval.
“Richie is an incredibly talented midfielder who has the skill-set to connect all players on the pitch through his vision and play-making ability,” Head Coach Alan Koch commented. “His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the group as we enter the 2018 season. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to Cincinnati.”
The midfielder transfers to the Orange and Blue from Miami FC, where he played two seasons with the club. An NASL Best XI choice in 2017, Ryan helped the club capture a Spring Championship and started in 29 matches while totaling a pair of assists in a win over New York Cosmos. With 39 clearances and 11 blocks, he was voted to the NASL Team of the Week three times and earned a league Team of the Month accolade. Ryan made 18 appearances in 2016, posting an 87 percent pass accuracy while creating 28 scoring chances.
Ryan had a short stint with Jacksonville Armada in 2015 and was with Ottawa Fury for two seasons. He scored three goals and an assist in 20 appearances for the Fury while claiming an NASL Fall Championship and being voted the team’s Player of the Season. Before making the move to the United States, Ryan competed in the League of Ireland with Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers, winning league titles in 2013 and 2010, respectively. With Shamrock Rovers, he played in nine fixtures in 2013 after logging 115 appearances with Sligo Rovers while sprinkling five goals from 2008-12. During his tenure with Sligo Rovers, Ryan played on FAI Cup winning teams in 2010 and 2011 and was the league’s Player of the Year in 2010. He competed a year with Dundee United in Scotland’s Championship League and a year in Belgium, playing for Royal Antwerp.
Ryan competed professionally throughout England from 2003 to 2007, seeing the pitch with Boston United (2006), Scunthorpe United (2006) and debuting as a professional with Sunderland in 2003.
Name: Richie Ryan
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 164
Date of birth: January 6, 1985
Age: 33
Hometown: Tipperary
Country: Ireland
Last club: Miami FC
How acquired: Signed on Feb. 19, 2018
