FC Cincinnati 2 have signed midfielder Ben Stitz to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for the 2023 season with an option for 2024. Stitz joins the Orange and Blue following a successful trial with the club that saw Stitz play in FC Cincinnati 2’s first three preseason matches. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Stitz, 22, was selected by D.C. United in the second round (31st overall) of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft out of Pennsylvania University. The Baltimore native scored 14 goals and added 18 assists in four seasons with the Quakers.
Stitz played 16 matches as a freshman, making his collegiate debut against Monmouth, and earning his first start against UMBC. He totaled 697 minutes and registered a season-high four shot attempts against Lehigh in just 51 minutes.
Stitz enjoyed a breakout senior season scoring 11 goals, adding eight assists and finishing with a team-high 30 points. His first goal of the season against Colgate sparked a seven-match scoring run including two multi-goal performances against DePaul and Monmouth.
Stitz led the Quakers to a first-round win in the NCAA tournament, scoring twice against Rutgers, and earned Second-team All-Region and Second-team All-Ivy honors after setting career highs in goals, shots and shots on goal.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati 2 sign Ben Stitz to a MLS NEXT Pro contract.
Name: Ben Stitz
Position: Midfield
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Nationality: American
