Dylan Lacy(#14 CT United FC)
Updated: 2 hours ago
Bridgeport, CT - In early March 2026, MLS Next Pro newcomer CT United FC announced the signing of former North Texas SC central midfielder Dylan Lacy. We sat down with the 21 year-old New York City native to discuss his career, his move to CT United, the team's playoff qualification, as well as his future aspirations.
The 21-year-old American is a highly regarded young central midfielder who has plied his trade at arguably the best three MLS Academies in the United States. Dylan is known for being a versatile, technically gifted central midfielder, with a strong balance of playmaking and defensive work rate.
Dylan comes across as a focused individual, a player who looks to continue to grow as he moves up the footballing world.
Beginnings:
We discussed how Dylan got into the sport of football, and he recalled his parents' influences from a very young age. He mentioned his parents' strong interest in sports, as they were both tennis players. His father also had some background in soccer, while his mother, being Russian, also had an interest in the sport. Dylan also fondly remembers a trip to France at a young age and the experience of watching Olympique de Marseille as a moment that impacted him in his dreams to play the sport professionally.
Dylan recalls playing for his first club, Ironbound SC, at the age of 5, while the family was living in Jersey City. From that age, he grew in love with the sport and played for other local New Jersey clubs, SDFC and First Touch Football Club.
MLS Academy Soccer:
As Dylan progressed in the sport, he realized he wanted to make a career out of it. As a 10-year-old, he was discovered by Philadelphia Union, one of the top soccer academies in the country, and went on trial with the Union Academy. Dylan impressed during the trial and was offered a spot to play with the Philadelphia Union U-12 academy side in 2016. Dylan credits his parents for their willingness to sacrifice their careers and make the move to Philadelphia as he pursued his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Dylan remained with Philadelphia Union through the 2021 season and fondly recalls the culture of the club and the connections he made during his stay in Philadelphia.
Dylan moved back to New Jersey in 2021 joining another top MLS Academy, New York Red Bull Academy. He credits his time with New York for allowing him to adapt to another style of football, as Red Bulls are noted for an incredibly direct style of football. Although, he had a short stay with Red Bulls, Dylan recalls having a great experience with the club.
Looking to advance in his pursuit of a professional career Dylan moved to the FC Dallas Academy in 2022. He recalls having to adjust to yet another brand of football as FC Dallas employed a transition-focused, and vertical style of play. Being integrated into training with the first team Dylan's game continued to mature. In 2022 he began to train with the MLS Next Pro squad North Texas SC, alternating between the FC Dallas Academy and North Texas. In 2023 he signed an MLS Next Pro contract with the Dallas affiliate. Dylan recalled the 2024 North Texas SC campaign as a frustrating season in which he did not play as much as he would like, but also an exciting season as he was part of the squad that captured the MLS Next Pro Cup.
Dylan spoke fondly on his time with the three MLS academies as he learned to play three different styles of football, and credited those seasons with helping him to continue to grow as a footballer.
Fresh Start:
Having the dreams of playing professionally in Europe, once his contract with North Texas SC ended, Dylan went on trial with Portuguese side S.C. Braga in the off-season. The move did not materialize as Dylan faced some injury problems.
Looking to reestablish himself and return to the professional game, at a time he recalled as the lowest point of his career, Dylan joined West Chester United FC in West Chester, PA in 2025. Dylan was familiar with the club having spent five years with the Philadelphia Union academy. During this time, he played the most football of his career, playing in various amateur leagues, USL2, APSL, NAC, and USASA.
Dylan credits the club for helping him to enjoy football again. He recalls playing two to three matches a week for the club and being able to refine his skills on the pitch. He credits Blaise Santangelo, Tom Brooks, and Harry Ischiropoulos as helping him greatly during this important time in his career.
CT United FC:
After a productive stay with amateur side West Chester FC, Dylan was ready to pursue his professional career.
Dylan credits his representative, Matt Neidl of VMG Sports, for helping him land a contract with MLS Next Pro expansion side CT United FC for the 2026 season. His representative explored various opportunities for Dylan before finding the opportunity with CT United FC. After a brief trial with the club Dylan put pen to paper and signed with the Connecticut side.
We discussed the difference between playing for an MLS affiliate team and an independent club like Connecticut United. Dylan initially acknowledged the previous clubs he played with for providing him with exposure to various footballing styles, which ultimately helped him become a more well-rounded player capable of adapting to different styles. He went on to explain that, unlike MLS affiliate clubs, which concentrate on mirroring the first team's style of play, the team can focus on the 24 players on the side and play in a way that best suits the squad.
For the first time in his young professional career, Dylan has been a key player for his team. So far in the season he has appeared in 25 matches, scoring 7 goals and assisting on 4. We discussed his importance with the club and discussed what he brings to the table for CT United.
Dylan described himself as a player who wants to make his presence felt on the pitch. He likes to be a vocal player who shows his emotions and passion for the game on the pitch. He also cites his consistent play during the year, both from an attacking and defensive perspective. Regarded for his technical play and distribution in the middle of the pitch, Dylan also prides himself on his ability to be a threat in the final third.
Playing for Shavar Thomas:
We discussed what it has been like for Dylan to play for CT United FC under a coach like Shavar Thomas, who has experienced a long career in MLS and has represented Jamaica over 50 times.
Dylan expressed that playing under Thomas has been great, as he is a coach who understands what it takes to reach the level Dylan aims for, Major League Soccer. He said his experiences at all levels of the game have contributed greatly in him becoming a better player. He also cited that Thomas's style of play, which is based on high energy pressing, quick transitions, and a disciplined defensive structure, suits his game perfectly.
Biggest Improvements to his game:
Dylan mentioned that throughout his career, he consistently concentrated on his offensive capabilities, as he was always recognized for his technical skills, which enabled him to become a professional. This year, his focus was on becoming a more complete player, a player who could contribute both offensively and defensively. He cited his biggest improvements as being his off-ball defending, his ability to close down opponents, and winning individual duels.
Playoff Qualification:
CT United FC has had a very successful first season in professional soccer, becoming the first independent MLS Next Pro club to secure a playoff berth in its inaugural expansion season. We discussed what the team's early success means to Dylan and if playoff qualification was a goal at the beginning of the season.
Dylan stated that qualifying for the playoffs and securing the championship has always been the objective. He conveyed his confidence that the team's quality, along with the efforts of the players and coaches throughout the season, justifies these expectations.
He mentioned his experience of being a part of the North Texas SC squad, which captured the title in 2024, and assistant coach Daniel Gutierrez, who was a part of the 2025 championship team with New York Red Bulls, as factors that can help the team during the playoffs.
We discussed the upcoming playoff match on October 16th against Atlanta United 2 and recalled the last time the two teams met. During the last match CT United struggled to find its rhythm and made several costly mistakes, including two own goals and a red card, resulting in a 4-1 loss.
Dylan recalled that during that match, CT United failed to capitalize on some clear early chances, which affected the match. He said that if they impose their will and avoid mistakes, he is confident they will win the match. He expects himself to give a better performance and is confident CT United can perform at a high level in the playoffs and is confident they can be the last team standing.
Career Aspirations:
We discussed Dylan's future in the sport and his career aspirations after this season.
Dylan confirmed that he is under contract with CT United FC for 2027 and expects to return for a second season. As for future goals, Dylan looks to continue to progress and become the best player he can be. He also said that playing in Europe is something he aspires to do. He mentioned being a big fan of Juventus in Italy, and that it would be a dream come true if he could play for them.
Biggest Influences:
Dylan credited his mother and father as being the most influential people in his life. He mentioned that he speaks to his father every day about the sport for guidance. He also recalled how his father was the one who taught him the game from an early age and that both his parents sacrificed on their part to allow him to pursue his goal of becoming a professional footballer.
Players he looked up to:
We discussed players that influenced his game or players he looked up to from a young age.
Dylan instantly mentioned Messi, who he says is the best player of all time. But he said a player he looked up to was Paulo Dybala, whom he admired for his technical skill, ball control, and playmaking abilities. He then mentioned Ariel "Burrito" Ortega as another player he admired, remembering his dribbling abilities and ball control in tight spaces. Finally, he talked about Zinedine Zidane, recalling his tremendous technique and grace on the pitch.
Dylan Lacy off the pitch:
We discussed who Dylan is off the pitch and how he occupies his time when he is not playing.
Dylan described himself as a relaxed and chill individual who enjoys family time and is also a very energetic person. He is a fan of fashion and takes pride in how he dresses. He also mentioned that he enjoys playing video games during his free time.
Message to CT United FC supporters:
Dylan had a message for the CT United FC supporters as the team looks for a long post-season run. Dylan wanted the fans to know that the team is confident they can compete with any team in MLS Next Pro and if they play their game, they can impose their will on any opponent. He says the goal is a title in this first season and is something the players expect.
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