Philadelphia Union
Dylan Lacy finds new home at CT United FC
CT United FC found themselves level with Union II in the 66 th minute on Sunday, playing up a man due to a Union II red card. Despite dominating possession, CT couldn’t manufacture a breakthrough chance to the lead.
Then, on came Dylan Lacy.
Lacy’s path to stepping on to the field at Subaru Park as a professional was a long and windy one. A New York City native, Lacy joined the Philadelphia Union academy at the age of 11 in 2016. The young midfielder spent six years with Philadelphia before returning home to the New York Red Bulls Academy in 2021.
“I have a chip on my shoulder, and that’s how I roll. I was here for six years, and they treated me the best. They helped me get to where I am today, so I’m thankful,” Lacy remarked on his time with the Union youth setup.
After a short season with the Red Bulls, Lacy joined the FC Dallas U-19 team for the Generation Adidas Cup. Afterwards, in 2023, Lacy would sign an MLS Next Pro contract with Dallas affiliate North Texas FC. Lacy played for North Texas through the end of the 2024 MLS Next Pro season, but his contract was not renewed. He ended up a free agent at the young age of 19, searching for his next opportunity.
Enter West Chester United. Known for their recent dominance in amateur competition, West Chester offered Lacy an opportunity to join the team until his next shot at the professional ranks presented itself. West Chester was coming off a 2023 Hank Steinbrecher National Cup, sporting a squad featuring local amateur players as well as elite college players staying sharp over the summer.
“I have to just give a huge shoutout to West Chester Soccer Club,” Lacy remarked postgame. “They provided me games and everything like that. Thanks to Blaise [Santangelo], Tom [Brooks], Harry [Ischiropoulos]. They were there in the stands tonight. I’m just grateful for them because they gave me the opportunity to play and refine my skills, so when I’m here on the field, I’m ready.”
Lacy’s time with West Chester was a mutually beneficial relationship; Lacy played two to three games a week, staying sharp and ready for another chance at the next level, and West Chester’s program ascended to new heights with Lacy’s performances. The Predators won the National Amateur Cup for the first time in the summer of 2025 against RWB Adria of Chicago. A chaotic, back-and-forth match, Lacy missed a penalty before assisting a late go-ahead goal and the eventual extra-time winner, playing a precise cross from the left side that was headed in by Joe McDaid.
On March 8, Lacy returned to the MLS Next Pro level, appearing in the starting lineup for new MLS Next Pro side CT United FC. CT United are a new independent MLS Next Pro team in 2026, playing their first team in the competition and providing an opportunity for players like Lacy to play without competing against younger MLS academy talent for minutes. Lacy scored a curling goal from outside of the box, but it was not enough to propel CT United to a
win. The Connecticut side dropped the match 4-2 to Chattanooga.
For Lacy’s second match, he returned to face the Union, the club that developed him for six years.
With the match knotted at a goal apiece, CT coach Shavar Thomas went to Lacy off the bench. With just minutes to go before stoppage time, Lacy picked up the ball deep in the center of midfield before spraying a brilliant ball in behind the Union II back line. Striker Barnabás Tanyi did not need to take a touch, setting up perfectly for a first time shot into the bottom left corner.
Lacy’s assist was the difference in the match, delivering for his new club in his return to Chester. The match ended 2-1 in favor of CT United.
“It just feels amazing to be able to provide for the team. The coaches told me when I came in, I have to make a difference, and I’m glad I did,” Lacy mentioned postgame, thankful to be given another shot. “I just have a huge smile on my face. I just want to thank all of the staff at CT United for giving me this opportunity.”
