M. Joyner, St Louis City SC Midfielder #59: Player Profile & Impact

So, why does M. Joyner, St. Louis City SC’s midfielder wearing #59, matter right now? At just 18, he already signed a Homegrown deal through 2028. That’s a big sign the club believes in him for the long haul.

Joyner brings a ton of energy and skill. He’s proof that the club’s academy-to-first-team pipeline actually works. That alone makes him one of the most important young players in the squad.

You can see his impact in both MLS NEXT Pro with CITY2 and in his growing role with the senior team. With CITY2, he scored 13 goals in the 2025 season. That helped the team sit at the top of the Frontier Division in MLS NEXT Pro, according to The Stats Crew.

His production earned him several first-team call-ups, including appearances against Real Salt Lake and Nashville SC.

Joyner grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, and developed through the CITY Academy before turning pro. His path really fits St. Louis City SC’s philosophy: build through local talent and bring academy players into the first team.

By following his journey, you get a close look at how the club wants to shape its future with players like Joyner.

M. Joyner’s Background and Early Career

Here’s a player who rose quickly from the academy system into the professional ranks. His development has been steady, his performances consistent, and he’s kept a strong connection to his roots.

Youth Clubs and Development

You’ll notice M. Joyner’s early years in the St. Louis CITY SC Academy. Here, he sharpened his skills against top regional competition.

He joined the academy in 2022, gaining access to pro-level coaching and facilities. That helped him adapt to faster play and higher standards.

As an academy forward, Joyner stood out for scoring and creating chances. His breakout came in MLS NEXT Pro with St. Louis CITY2, where he scored regularly and handled older, stronger opponents.

In 2024, Joyner led CITY2 in scoring with nine goals across 14 appearances. That’s a big responsibility for someone so young.

His performances led to a short-term promotion to the first team. That showed you just how much the club values his potential.

Key Development Stats with CITY2 (2024)

Matches	Goals	Assists	Age
14	9	1	17

This foundation gave him the confidence and experience he needed to transition into the senior squad.

Personal Background and Hometown

Joyner’s story starts in Bloomington, Illinois, where he was born on August 30, 2006. Growing up in a smaller Midwestern city, he benefited from local youth leagues before moving into the academy system.

He stands 5’10” and weighs 150 pounds. With that build, he combines speed and balance, letting him play both on the wing and through the middle.

His hometown ties still matter a lot. His rise gives young players in Bloomington a real example of how to reach the pro level.

You can tell his background shaped his work ethic and discipline. Those traits carried him into higher levels of play.

Path to Professional Soccer

The turning point came in July 2024, when St. Louis CITY SC signed Joyner as a Homegrown Player. He became the fourth academy product to earn that status, joining guys like Caden Glover and Miguel Perez.

The club structured his deal with an MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2024, followed by a Homegrown contract running through 2028 with an option for 2029.

Joyner made his pro debut with CITY2 against Tacoma Defiance and scored his first goal in that match. He later added two goals and an assist against LAFC2, pushing himself into the Golden Boot race at just 17.

By the time he stepped onto the field for the senior team, you could see how his steady climb prepared him for MLS. His path shows both his progress and the club’s investment in developing academy talent.

For more details on his signing and progression, check out his St. Louis CITY SC player profile and his Transfermarkt profile.

St. Louis City SC and MLS Career

You see a young midfielder who climbed through the academy, earned a roster spot, and made an impression in both MLS NEXT Pro and with the senior team. His path fits St. Louis City SC’s focus on local development and building around homegrown players.

Joining St. Louis City SC

Joyner’s connection to St. Louis City SC started in 2022 when he entered the academy. The Bloomington native, born in 2006, wasted no time showing he could score and create.

By 2023, he was a regular for CITY2 in MLS NEXT Pro. His early years featured steady growth.

He scored his first pro goal against Tacoma Defiance in his debut season. He followed that up with solid production as a forward and midfielder.

His technical ability and movement off the ball stood out. That gave him a clear role in the club’s long-term plans.

The front office, led by Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel, emphasized academy development. Joyner’s rise fit their strategy.

He joined a group of young players—like Caden Glover and Miguel Perez—who made the jump from academy to pro contracts.

Debut and First Team Appearances

Joyner moved into the senior roster through a short-term loan in July 2024. His first MLS appearance came against the Seattle Sounders on July 17.

At just 17, he became one of the youngest players on the roster.

He followed that debut with more minutes against Real Salt Lake and Nashville SC. The coaching staff used him mainly as a winger or attacking midfielder.

His MLS NEXT Pro numbers made his case clear. In 2024, he scored 16 goals in league play, finishing second in the golden boot race.

He also had three multi-goal games, proving his consistency in front of goal.

MLS NEXT Pro 2024 Stats

Matches	Goals	Assists	Goals per 90	Braces
20	16	2	0.81	3

MLS Homegrown Player Status

St. Louis City SC signed him as a Homegrown Player in July 2024. The deal runs through 2028, with a club option for 2029.

The Homegrown tag matters. It rewards the academy system and gives the team roster flexibility under MLS rules.

Pfannenstiel called the signing a proud moment for the organization. Joyner’s rise from academy to MLS contract showed the club’s development pipeline really works.

By signing as a Homegrown, Joyner joined a growing list of players shaping the club’s identity. For a teenager who started in the academy, the contract confirmed his place in MLS and set up more appearances ahead.

For more on his signing details, check out the official St. Louis City SC announcement.

Role and Performance as Midfielder #59

M. Joyner defines his role by growing from St. Louis CITY’s academy into the senior squad. His game shows both technical skill and steady development, with a focus on attacking contributions and consistent midfield play.

He’s shown how a young player can adapt quickly to the pro level.

Playing Style and Position

Joyner lines up mostly as a left-sided midfielder, though coaches sometimes use him as a forward. At 5’10” and 150 pounds, he relies on quickness and balance more than brute strength.

He drifts between lines and becomes a versatile option in CITY SC’s system.

He loves attacking transitions, often pushing wide to stretch defenders. You’ll notice he isn’t shy about taking on opponents one-on-one.

His pace lets him recover defensively, but he really shines when breaking into the final third.

Joyner does more than just score. He tracks back to help the back line and presses high when CITY SC tries to regain possession.

His energy and positioning let him influence both sides of the ball. That gives the team real flexibility in midfield.

Key Matches and Highlights

His breakout moments came with CITY2, where he scored in his pro debut against Tacoma Defiance. That early goal set the tone for his rise in MLS NEXT Pro.

His best performance? Two goals and one assist against LAFC2. That game pushed him into the golden boot conversation.

When CITY SC called him up on a short-term deal, he stepped into MLS action with confidence. His minutes against Seattle Sounders FC showed composure, even in a tough environment at Lumen Field.

Recent matches highlight his ability to impact games off the bench. Whether he’s stretching the field late or pressing defenders into mistakes, you notice his influence goes beyond just stats.

Video reviews of his play show a midfielder who reads the game well and adapts quickly to tactics.

Notable Achievements

Joyner’s progress shows up in both personal and team milestones. He signed an MLS Homegrown contract through 2028, with a club option for 2029. That’s a sign the organization believes in his potential.

In 2024, he led CITY2 in scoring with nine goals in 14 appearances and added an assist. That helped CITY2 climb to the top of the Western Conference standings.

His consistency at just 17 showed maturity beyond his years.

Career Stats (as of 2025):

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
MLS NEXT Pro	27	10	1
MLS (First Team)	Limited	0	0

Joyner, a Bloomington, Illinois native, has become one of CITY SC’s most promising academy graduates. His development reflects the club’s investment in youth. His achievements already put him alongside other homegrown signings like Miguel Perez and Caden Glover.

CITY2 and MLS NEXT Pro Contributions

You can see how Mykhi Joyner’s time with CITY2 shaped both his individual growth and the team’s success. His performances in MLS NEXT Pro highlight his scoring ability, consistency, and readiness for the jump to the first team.

Stats and Records with CITY2

Joyner, a Homegrown signing out of St. Louis University High School, wasted no time becoming one of CITY2’s most reliable attacking threats. His numbers tell the story of a player who really lives for high-pressure moments.

In May 2024, he bagged six goals in back-to-back matches. He exploded for a historic four-goal outing against Portland Timbers2. That night, he became the first in club history to hit four in a single game—only the fifth ever in MLS NEXT Pro.

Here’s a quick look at his key CITY2 stats:

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Honors
2024	22	11	4	MLS NEXT Pro Best XI
2025	17	12	5	Player of the Month (May)

These numbers highlight his finishing and his ability to create chances. He’s delivered in regular season and playoff matches alike.

Impact in MLS NEXT Pro

Joyner’s rise has matched CITY2’s growth in MLS NEXT Pro. In 2025, the club hit new heights by winning eight straight matches. That run included Joyner’s brace against Austin FC II and a game-winning penalty against Rapids 2.

You can see his impact in the standings, too. The team climbed to first in the Frontier Division with a 14-4-3 record.

Recognition came quickly. He picked up MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month, Player of the Matchweek, and Goal of the Week awards. In 2024, he made the Best XI alongside Michael Wentzel, showing his league-wide influence.

He’s become a player you just expect to change matches. Whether he’s scoring in open play, converting from the spot, or setting up teammates, Joyner finds a way to make a difference in the attack.

Transition Between CITY2 and First Team

The path from CITY2 to the first team has defined his career so far. Joyner signed a Homegrown deal with St. Louis CITY SC, then in 2025 earned a short-term loan call-up for an MLS match against Seattle Sounders FC. That move showed the club trusts him.

His MLS NEXT Pro performances haven’t gone unnoticed. In June 2024, the U.S. U-19 Men’s National Team called him up, which underlined his status as a rising talent.

The transition is still ongoing. CITY2 has given him a platform to sharpen his skills and build confidence for MLS. Each first-team appearance brings him closer to making a real top-flight impact.

Development Pathway and Club Philosophy

St. Louis City SC really commits to a long-term view, building with young players and giving them a direct shot at the first team. The club’s academy, homegrown contracts, and leadership under Lutz Pfannenstiel shape how players like M. Joyner move from prospects to contributors.

St. Louis City SC Academy System

The academy anchors the club’s player development model. They recruit from all over the region and beyond, offering professional-level training and a clear path to MLS.

It’s all about structure here. The academy doesn’t just drill technical skills. They create an environment for players to learn tactical awareness and physical prep. Training sessions match the intensity of first-team practices, so when players move up, it feels natural.

The program has already produced several signings who moved from the academy to CITY2 in MLS NEXT Pro. For Joyner, that meant real experience against pros before stepping into the senior squad. The philosophy is straightforward: prepare players for the league by exposing them to those demands early.

Homegrown Talent Development

You can trace Joyner’s rise through the homegrown system. He signed a deal through 2028, with an option for 2029. That kind of commitment shows the club sees him as a long-term piece, not just a quick fix.

The homegrown pathway matters because it offers stability and opportunity. Instead of bouncing around lower leagues, you play in MLS NEXT Pro, then get short-term first-team call-ups. Joyner followed that route, debuting against Seattle after leading CITY2 in goals.

Key 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Stats (CITY2)

Category	Number
Appearances	14
Goals	9
Assists	1
Goals per 90	0.81

Those stats show why the club trusted him with a homegrown contract. You see production, consistency, and growth in his game.

Influence of Lutz Pfannenstiel

Pfannenstiel, the sporting director, really drives this philosophy. He’s emphasized developing local players since the club started. When Joyner signed, Pfannenstiel called it a proud moment and made it clear he believes in building from within.

His global experience stands out. Pfannenstiel has worked on several continents, and he brings that perspective to St. Louis by blending international standards with a local touch.

He doesn’t chase quick fixes. Instead, he invests in players who can grow with the club. That’s why you see academy players like Joyner, Caden Glover, and Miguel Perez already on the senior roster. The message is pretty clear: build a sustainable future by trusting your own pipeline.

For Joyner, it’s more than a contract. It’s a real role in a system designed to maximize his potential. You can see how Pfannenstiel’s influence keeps development and opportunity at the heart of St. Louis City SC’s identity.

Notable Homegrown Players and Teammates

St. Louis CITY SC has gone all-in on its academy pipeline, producing players who already contribute at the pro level. Each signing fits the club’s strategy of turning young talent into long-term first-team pieces.

Caden Glover

Caden Glover stands out as one of the most recognizable names from the academy. He became the first Homegrown signing in club history, setting the tone for everyone who followed. Glover, a forward from Columbia, Illinois, joined in 2021 and quickly earned minutes with CITY2 before stepping into the senior side.

At just 16, he made his MLS debut in 2023. That made him the youngest player to appear for St. Louis CITY SC. His athleticism and finishing give him an edge up front, even against older defenders.

Key Stats:

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	CITY SC	6	0	0
2023	CITY2	15	5	2

Glover left Columbia High School soccer behind to focus on his pro development. His rise shows how quickly the club is willing to trust its youth.

Miguel Perez

Miguel Perez brings something different. He’s a central midfielder from St. Louis and became the second Homegrown player in 2023. Unlike Glover, Perez plays deeper, using his work rate and composure to control the tempo.

He earned regular minutes with the first team as a rookie. Perez started matches in both MLS and the U.S. Open Cup, showing the staff trusts him under pressure.

His defensive positioning and short passing make him a steady midfield option.

Key Stats:

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	CITY SC	19	1	0
2022	CITY2	10	0	1

Perez attended Pattonville High School before joining the academy. His local roots and steady performances have made him a fan favorite with supporters who really value homegrown players.

Tyson Pearce

Tyson Pearce brings defensive depth straight from the academy system. He’s a versatile defender who’s already played for CITY2 and landed a Homegrown deal, which keeps his path to the first team wide open.

You’ll notice Pearce can slot in both centrally and out wide, giving the roster some welcome flexibility.

He really stands out for his physical strength and how well he wins balls in the air. Coaches talk a lot about his discipline in one-on-one defending, and he’s not shy about stepping forward with the ball.

He hasn’t racked up as many MLS minutes as Glover or Perez. Still, coaches keep a close eye on his progress.

Key Stats:

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	CITY2	12	0	0
2024	CITY2	14	1	0

Pearce went to Belleville West High School in Illinois before heading to the CITY academy.

His journey really shows the club’s patient approach to developing defenders—waiting until guys are truly ready before tossing them into MLS.