CHICAGO (March 9, 2023) - Chicago Fire FC II today announced that the Club has signed midfielder Billy Hency to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. His contract runs through the 2023 season. Financial details were not disclosed.
“We followed Billy during this time at Loyola University and wwere excited he was available in the MLS SuperDraft because he is an excellent footballer,” said Chicago Fire FC II General Manager Alex Boler, “He’s a winger but his athleticism and game IQ allows him to play multiple positions. Being from St. Louis, Billy represents the hard-working, Midwest mindset that will allow him to feel right at home in Chicago.”
Hency, 23, hails from Fenton, Missouri, and joins Chicago Fire FC II having spent the last four seasons playing at the NCAA DI level with Loyola University Chicago. During his time with the Ramblers, Hency earned All-Conference honors on four occasions, and won the Missouri Valley Conference/Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Award three times. (Loyola University merged into the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2022.) In 80 appearances for the maroon and gold, he tallied 27 goals and 24 assists. His 24 assists are currently third best in school history.
“Billy has a very good soccer IQ and makes very good decisions on the ball” said Chicago Fire FC II Head Coach Ludovic Taillandier, “He’s a player who can help us create chances in many different ways given that he not only makes smart passes, but is also a quality finisher.”
Most recently, Hency was selected 67th overall in the third round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by Chicago Fire FC. He joins Chicago Fire FC II having spent time with the first team at the first preseason leg in Cancun, Mexico where he took part in a preseason friendly against Cancun FC.
At the Club level, he won three titles with Sporting STL, now known as St. Louis Development Academy. He also holds the records at Rockwood Summit High School for goals (81), assists (55), and was a key member of their Class 3 state championship in 2016.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC II signs midfielder Billy Hency to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2023 season.
Name: Billy Hency
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 150
Date of Birth: October 5, 1999
Hometown: Fenton, Missouri
Birthplace: Fenton, Missouri
Citizenship: USA
Last Club: Loyola University Chicago
