SEASIDE, Calif. – Monterey Bay FC announced on Friday it had signed defender Stuart Ritchie to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The attack-minded left back arrives at Cardinale Stadium with aspirations to contribute on both sides of the ball after helping One Knoxville SC claim both the USL League One title and Players’ Shield in the 2025 campaign.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining Monterey Bay FC both professionally and personally,” said Ritchie. “It’s a great step for me in my career and another opportunity for me to prove myself. It’s also an opportunity for me to play professional soccer in my home state which means a lot to me.

“When I heard about the potential for me to come here, it is something that I jumped on right away. After talking with the coaching staff and front office I could see how much ambition they have for the club and that was a perfect match. I have no doubt this is the right move for me in the next step of my career.”

Over the past two seasons with One Knoxville SC, Ritchie scored three goals and added nine assists in nearly 5,600 minutes across all competitions, including two assists in four League One playoff appearances.

“Bringing Stuart Ritchie into our group here at Monterey Bay FC is an exciting moment for the club,” said Monterey Bay FC Manager Jordan Stewart. “He’s a Northern California kid who gained valuable experience overseas and then proved himself in USL League One with One Knoxville, helping them win the playoff final.

“Having played left back myself, I understand how demanding the position is, and Stuart has consistently shown the qualities needed to excel there. He’s a competitor, a dynamic defender, and exactly the type of player who fits the identity we’re building. I can’t wait to see him step onto the field for us.”

After developing within the San Jose Earthquakes academy, Ritchie moved to Europe at the age of 16 to join Dutch side FC Groningen. He progressed through the U-17s, U-19s, and U-23s, and even earned training opportunities with the first team before signing with Hannover 96 in Germany, where he started all 15 of his matches and led the U-19s in minutes with 1,278.

He returned to the United States in 2022 with the Richmond Kickers, where Ritchie earned 24 starts in 25 appearances in USL League One, helping the Kickers win the Players’ Shield. The following year, he played 1,009 minutes in MLS NEXT Pro with Columbus Crew 2 before joining One Knoxville SC.

“I know a lot about Monterey as it’s only an hour and half from where I grew up,” said Ritchie. “I remember coming here as a kid to visit because of how beautiful it is here. I am looking forward to moving back to California and being able to play in front of my friends and family.”