CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati announced on Monday it had signed Irish midfielder Richie Ryan ahead of the 2018 USL season, pending league and federation approval. Ryan, formerly of Miami FC, is set to join the club in training camp this week.

“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,” said FCC Head Coach Alan Koch. “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.”

Ryan was a 2017 Best XI selection as he led Miami to both Spring and Fall Championships, playing a crucial role in the heart of the club’s midfield. Ryan recorded 90.6 percent accuracy rate on 1,722 passes across the 2017 season, a rate of 63.7 passes per 90 minutes, and recorded two assists and 24 key passes over the season. In addition, he won 32 of 48 tackles and 119 of 188 duels over the season.

The 33-year-old previously competed for both Jacksonville Armada FC and Ottawa Fury FC in North America, having previously played in the League of Ireland for both Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers.

In Ireland, he claimed the FAI Cup twice with Sligo Rovers in 2010 and 2011, earning the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland Players' Player of the Year award in 2010, and the League of Ireland Cup with Shamrock Rovers in 2013.