As a homegrown player, FC Cincinnati has signed forward Stefan Chirila [stef-ON chur-ILL-uh] from the FC Cincinnati Academy U17. Before being signed to the first team roster in 2025, Chirila will sign an MLS NEXT Pro contract with FC Cincinnati 2 for the balance of the 2024 season.
Chirila agrees to a deal that runs through 2028 with a 2029 option. Chirila, 17, is the eighth youngster to go from the FC Cincinnati Academy to the first squad and the second youngest player to sign a contract with the main team. The Philadelphia Union previously gave Chirila’s MLS Homegrown Priority to Cincinnati.
Chirila excelled in the FC Cincinnati Academy system, scoring 41 goals in the 2023–24 season across all youth categories. Chirila guided the U17 team to an impeccable 3-0-0 group stage record and, for the first time in FC Cincinnati Academy history, advanced to the competition’s knockout stages at the 2024 Generation adidas Cup held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
At the Generation adidas Cup, Chirila scored five goals for the U17 team and won the Golden Boot for the U17 age group. Chirila was also selected for the Generation adidas Cup Best XI, which included of the top young players from the competition, including players from the U15 and U17 age categories.
Chirila has played for the Orange and Blue in seven MLS NEXT Pro games, making his professional debut in the team’s 2024 season opener. Chirila has scored four goals, including game-winning goals against Columbus Crew 2 and New York Red Bulls II, since making his debut on March 17 against Chicago Fire FC II. He has also contributed two assists.
Due to his recent success at the MLS NEXT Pro level, Chirila has been named an MLS NEXT Rising Star for two weeks running (Matchweek 9, Matchweek 10). FC Cincinnati 2 is now one point behind Philadelphia Union II for the top slot in the Eastern Conference thanks to goals from Chirila against Crew 2 and Red Bulls II.
