MORAGA, Calif. — When former Saint Mary’s College star Riley Lynch heard his name called in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft by the nearby San Jose Earthquakes, he knew he wouldn’t have to travel far to begin his professional career. 

But when the Quakes announced that The Town FC would become the franchise’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate and would play the majority of its home games at Saint Mary’s Stadium, Lynch immediately gained the opportunity to continue playing for the pride of the East Bay.

“It’s definitely a little bit weird, because I just left that pitch,” said Lynch. “But it’s an amazing feeling. All of the friends I developed through college, and the local families that followed me throughout my time at Saint Mary’s are still able to come watch me, so it’s definitely a surreal feeling.”

Lynch, a Chandler, Arizona native, has been one of The Town FC’s main catalysts through the first stretch of games. He’s registered two goals — including the club’s first in team history — and had a critical assist against Houston Dynamo 2 that left fans in awe of its precision.

Making an impressive impact right away is nothing new for Lynch, though. During his freshman season with the Gaels in 2021, he broke out with two game-winning goals and earned All West Coast Conference Second Team and All Freshman Team honors. He showed that he wasn’t afraid to be aggressive, as he led the team with 36 shots.

“From the beginning, Saint Mary’s had such a family feel,” said Lynch. “I really felt valued by the coaching staff, and they made me feel like someone who was going to make an impact, so that really stuck with me.” 

As a sophomore in 2022, he showcased his passing ability by recording a team-leading five assists and continued to rack up shot attempts. However, Lynch’s junior season, his last with Saint Mary’s, struck the attention of MLS scouts; he tallied a team-leading eight goals, including two game-winners, and also co-led the squad with five assists.

When Lynch was drafted on Dec. 19, 2023, his soccer career path changed forever, and embarked him on a new journey: the professional level.

“That was probably one of the best days of my life,” said Lynch. “I was sitting there with my family, and when we saw my name, we just started screaming and jumping up and down. It’s just so cool that it’s a local organization that believes in me and got to watch me develop.”

Lynch had also previously suited up in 12 games for USL League Two’s Fort Wayne FC and played for the Phoenix Rising FC Academy team in MLS NEXT before making his way to The Town FC. Growing up in Arizona, despite not having a local MLS team to cheer for, Lynch watched soccer grow vastly in the United States, inspiring him to pursue his dreams of going pro.

“It’s crazy, when I was a kid, MLS wasn’t too big, and now for it to be one of the top leagues in the world, it’s pretty unbelievable,” said Lynch. “It gives all of the young soccer players in America something to strive for.”

On Mar. 17, The Town FC introduced itself to the MLS NEXT Pro world, playing against Ventura County FC in the Bay Area side’s inaugural game. In the 54th minute, with the team trailing 1-0, Lynch displayed the “never give up” mentality that helped him get drafted; he forced a turnover inside Ventura County’s 18-yard box, hustled for the ball, and fired a shot to even the game. 

Although The Town FC narrowly lost the game, Lynch made personal history by scoring his first professional goal and cemented himself in the team’s history books by notching its first-ever score.

“Scoring the first goal means everything,” said Lynch. “Playing for The Town, it’s a community-based organization, we’re trying to bring people together. To be the first player to score a goal and to give the fans a bit of excitement, it’s a great feeling.”

Lynch would contribute to The Town FC’s surging momentum again just weeks later. On Apr. 14 against Real Monarchs, Lynch would make sure that The Town FC would leave Utah happy, as in the 21st minute, the 21-year-old scored an acrobatic goal to lead The Town FC to a huge shutout victory to end the road trip.

However, Lynch’s favorite moment came against Houston Dynamo 2, in The Town FC’s first game at Saint Mary’s Stadium. In the 53rd minute — Lynch picked up right where he left off in Moraga — and lobbed a perfect cross to forward Roka Tsunehara for the go-ahead score.

“That cross is something he works on almost every day after practice,” said head coach Daniel DeGeer. “He’s an example to the rest of the group, especially the young guys, that hard work pays off.”

With a handful of games remaining, The Town FC looks to make the playoffs in a stacked Western Conference. Crucial wins have already helped the team climb up the ladder and put The Town FC in the thick of the postseason conversation.

“It’s definitely a long season, and so I think that never getting too high or too low, and staying grounded will help us in the long run,” said Lynch. “Enjoying every single day out here and getting the chance to train and improve is such a wonderful opportunity.”

While playing professionally is new territory for Lynch, it’s only the beginning.

“My goal is to make my first team debut,” said Lynch. “The Town has given me the platform to showcase myself, and I hope to just keep developing.”

The transition from college to the professional level in any sport can be challenging, but for Lynch, staying consistent on the pitch and stepping up as a leader has helped him reach heights that many young soccer players dream of. With his whole career ahead of him, he’ll aim to continue shining with The Town FC and lead the team through a treacherous inaugural year.