CHICAGO (March 9, 2023) — Former Loyola University Chicago men's soccer standout Billy Hency has signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Chicago Fire FC II, the club officially announced on Thursday. Hency's contract runs through the 2023 season.

Hency, who was selected 67th overall by Chicago Fire FC in the third round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, 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.

Hency wrapped up his career at Loyola with a total of five All-American honors, four all-conference team selections, three all-region selections and three consecutive conference Player of the Year awards, including the 2022 Atlantic 10 Conference Midfielder of the Year.

With 78 career points, Hency tallied 27 goals and 24 assists in 80 career appearances with the Ramblers. He's ranked third all-time in program history in total shots (172) and tied for third in assists.

Last fall, Hency was the A-10 leader in points per game, second in points, tied for second in assists, tied for fourth in goals and tied for fourth in shots on goal. He helped guide Loyola to the A-10 Championship finals as a team captain, starting all 18 matches and leading the Ramblers in points (21), goals (7) and assists (7).

MLS Next Pro is a men's professional soccer league in the United States and Canada that is affiliated with Major League Soccer. It launched in 2022 with 21 teams and will expand to 28 in 2023. The Chicago Fire FC II club finished its inaugural campaign at 8-11-5 overall.