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Staying in MLS NEXT Pro, Michael Sullivan signs on with FC Cincinnati 2

FC Cincinnati 2 have signed Pittsburgh area native, former Pitt midfielder Michael Sullivan to an MLS NEXT Pro contract, the club announced today.

Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Sullivan scored four goals and added one assist in 24 MLS NEXT Pro appearances – 22 starts – for Toronto FC II in 2025.

Pitt’s Michael Sullivan selected by Toronto FC in MLS Superdraft

“I thought it was a great learning experience,” Sullivan said of his first year playing in Toronto.

“I think anytime you come into a new environment there’s always going to be a learning curve and getting to have my first year in Toronto and get challenged the way that I did there was huge for me both on and off the pitch.”

Sullivan was added to Toronto’s first-team roster on multiple occasions via short term agreements, and he made his MLS debut as a substitute on June 28 for TFC in a 3-0 win over Portland Timbers.

Sullivan, 22, was selected 39th overall (second round) by Toronto FC in MLS SuperDraft 2025.

Sullivan’s soccer journey has been well documented by Pittsburgh Soccer Now, for nearly a decade.

The Tarentum native helped led Deer Lakes boys soccer program to new heights then moving on to Pitt, where the Tarentum native contributed to the program from 2021-24, scoring six goals, adding two assists and becoming a versatile player who started in 41 of his 67 appearances, while being utilized in a number of positions at midfield and as a defender.

Sullivan also contributed to Steel City FC’s NPSL Great Lakes Division championship squads in 2022 and 2023.

“Mikey has undoubtedly been one of our leaders of the MFT for the past five years, but as you know, he was at Arsenal since 15,” Dan Brower, Steel City FC Head Coach said in January after Sullivan was drafted by TFC.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with and watch Mikey grow, lead, inspire over the past seven years. He’s performed extremely well at some of the highest levels of American soccer and we we look forward to seeing him continue on his pathway to the ‘next level’.”

Sullivan now heads to play a little bit closer to his Pittsburgh home in his second professional season.

“I think what I’m most excited for about playing in Cincinnati is getting to play in front of fans that are much like those in Pittsburgh. It’s a hard-working, blue-collar town and the way they support their sports teams is ‘almost’ on par with how Pittsburgh fans support theirs. So, having that type of community and commitment when it comes to their teams will be extremely exciting to play in front of!”

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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