Birthday Brilliance: Mykhi Joyner Marks 19 with First MLS Goal

On a sultry August evening, as the scoreboard flickered with frustration, St. Louis City SC’s 19-year-old homegrown prodigy, Mykhi Joyner, gave himself the birthday present of a lifetime. Substituted in at the 59th minute, he swiftly turned the tide by planting his very first MLS goal into the net—a milestone that transformed the match and etched the night into memory. In his own words: “Definitely best birthday… best gift to myself and overall very very happy.” Despite the eventual loss to Houston, this moment was pure celebration.

From Bloomington, Illinois, this young midfielder has already packed a remarkable résumé: 68 professional appearances, over 40 goal contributions across MLS NEXT Pro and MLS with both St. Louis City 2 and the first team. He commands attention on the pitch—last night’s performance earned him the second‑best team rating of 7.3, signaling that his flourishes aren’t confined to sheer numbers alone.

Joyner’s rise has been meteoric yet grounded. In 2024, he ranked second in MLS NEXT Pro with 16 goals for St. Louis City 2 (Wikipedia, St. Louis CITY SC, mlsnextpro). This season, he’s poured in 14 goals and provided three assists, helping secure a playoff spot and placing him again among the league’s elite scorers (St. Louis CITY SC, Wikipedia). And yes—he even punched in a hat-trick that still feels like a tease of what's to come (LHStoday).

Internationally, the call has come. Joyner’s speed, technique, and audacious flair didn’t go unnoticed—he’s received multiple youth-national team call-ups. In June, he joined the U.S. youth national setup, and more recently, received his fourth invitation to the U.S. U-20 camp in West Palm Beach (St. Louis CITY SC). On Transfermarkt, he’s listed with two caps and two goals for the U.S. U-19 side—proof that he brings his scoring touch wherever he plays (Transfermarkt).

So, what makes Mykhi Joyner such a breath of fresh air in the MLS landscape? Let’s rewind a bit. As a youngster, he left Bloomington to chase his dreams in St. Louis, navigating the sacrifices of leaving home for a loftier pitch—as he told LHStoday: “Leaving my mom and friends was definitely the hardest part, but I knew I had to make sacrifices” (LHStoday). That risk has blossomed into a blossoming midfield maestro, comfortable with flair, daring with balance, and increasingly lethal in front of goal.

Last night was a checkpoint—not a destination. Though his goal didn’t snag the win, it signaled the arrival of a rising star. At a tender age and with already rich resume, Joyner’s story isn’t about promise—it’s about delivery. With youth camps lining up and MLS appearances stacking, his star is unmistakably ascending.

In the quiet moments of that birthday night, among the cheers and flashing lights, a young man found his moment—and it found him back. Ahead lies a career shimmering with possibility, and if last night was a glimpse of what’s next, it’s safe to say: Mykhi Joyner is just getting warmed up.

Quick Stats Snapshot:

• Age: 19 (born August 30, 2006) (St. Louis CITY SC)

• Club Appearances: 68 professional matches across MLS NEXT Pro & MLS

• Goals & Contributions: Over 40 total across City 2 and first team

• Notable MLS NEXT Pro Achievements: 16 goals in 2024 (2nd in league), 14 goals + 3 assists in 2025, playoff berth (Wikipedia, St. Louis CITY SC, Wikipedia)

• Youth National Team: U.S. U‑19 and U‑20 call-ups, goals at U‑19 level (Transfermarkt)

St. Louis fans—and beyond—should keep their eyes peeled. A birthday goal launchpad? Consider it done.