SEASIDE, Calif. – Monterey Bay F.C. announced on Wednesday it had signed midfielder Ethan Bryant to a two-year contract ahead of the 2025 USL Championship campaign. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Bryant joins Monterey Bay after spending the past two seasons with Sporting Kansas City II in MLS NEXT Pro where he recorded 13 goals and eight assists in 2,945 minutes across 52 appearances, including the playoffs. In his final match with Sporting Kansas City II this past October, Bryant put together an impressive two-goal performance in a 4-3 win against Los Angeles FC II.

Prior to joining the Sporting Kansas City organization, Bryant was named the 2022 USL League One Young Player of the Year following a standout campaign with the Richmond Kickers in which he scored three goals and added six assists in just over 2,000 minutes across 28 appearances in all competitions.

“Ethan is a versatile midfielder with excellent vision, passing range, and tactical awareness,” explained Monterey Bay F.C. Head Coach Jordan Stewart. “He can dictate play, break lines, and contribute both defensively and offensively. His adaptability allows him to thrive in different midfield roles, and his work rate and creativity will help in our game model.

“Fans can expect him to bring energy, goal contributions and a dynamic presence this season, helping to drive the team forward on both sides of the ball.”

The 23-year-old began his career after coming through San Antonio FC’s youth academy before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2018. From there, Bryant made his pro debut in a U.S. Open Cup match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in May 2018. A few months later, Bryant became the youngest goalscorer in San Antonio FC history on September 29, 2018 with a goal against Seattle Sounders FC 2 – the first of his professional career.

Outside of a brief loan stint to Belgian side K.S.V. Roeselare in 2019, Bryant spent the majority of the next two seasons with the Texas-based USL Championship squad before his move to Richmond, Virginia. On the international stage, Bryant represented the United States U-18 National Team in 2019.

“I am so excited to be joining Monterey Bay,” said Bryant. “I am super excited about the vision that Jordan [Stewart] and Simon [Dawkins] have for the club and I am honored to be a part of it. I’ve only heard positive things in regards to the stadium, fans, and club culture and I look forward to feeling it for myself. To work under professionals with the pedigree of Jordan, Simon, and the rest of the staff, it was an opportunity I could not pass up. I am eager to learn from their experiences and knowledge of the game to improve me as a player and person. Being able to watch some games last year has only increased my excitement to play at Cardinale Stadium.”