Seventeen and Scoring: Seymour Reid’s Historic Breakthrough With NYCFC

Some goals feel bigger than three points. For 17-year-old Seymour Reid, his stoppage-time strike in New York City FC’s 3-1 win over Chicago Fire last Saturday was more than just a clincher — it was history. In just his second MLS appearance, and with only 65 minutes of senior action behind him, the Jamaican forward became the youngest player ever to score for NYCFC. A debut goal, a record, and a signal that the “Boys in Blue” may have uncovered their next big star.

From Cedar Stars to City History

Reid’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Less than a year ago, he was still playing for Cedar Stars Bergen, a well-known hotbed for youth talent in New Jersey. As one of the standouts at the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup U16, he already had scouts circling. NYCFC pounced, bringing him into their academy that fall. It didn’t take long for him to leave his mark.

Within months, Reid was invited to first-team preseason in Santa Barbara, a rare honor for a newcomer. “Getting that call was unreal — like a dream come true!” he recalled. “Santa Barbara was incredible; I learned so much from the veterans who guided me well during this time. The biggest takeaway was how much I was able to adapt quickly to the level.”

He carried that momentum into MLS NEXT Pro with NYCFC II, where he was lethal: 11 goals and 1 assist in just 14 matches. For a player not even 17 at the time, it was an eye-opening display of composure and instincts that felt far older. “It felt amazing to contribute to the team’s success!” Reid said. “Playing with the 2s really boosted my confidence and showed the coaches my real talent, which helped me earn a spot in the first team.”

That form accelerated his promotion, and on March 23, 2025, Reid made his senior debut against Columbus Crew. Just months after joining the academy, he was wearing the NYCFC shirt in MLS. That leap alone was extraordinary. What followed in Chicago made it historic.

A Young Striker With Big Ambitions

Asked to describe this whirlwind, Reid compared it to a thrill ride: “Navigating this quick rise has been like riding a rollercoaster — exhilarating but also pretty intense! The toughest part has definitely been learning to balance everything and stay focused.”

That balance will be critical as he grows into his role with City. Many describe him as a “traditional number nine,” praised for his strength, technical control, and coolness in front of goal. Reid sees it a little differently: “I love to be in the box, make runs in behind, create chances, and finish them off. I’m always working on improving my overall game to become a more complete striker.”

It’s an outlook that mirrors his maturity. NYCFC has entrusted him with opportunities few 17-year-olds get, but he says the environment around him makes the pressure manageable. “The coaches and teammates constantly remind me to trust my instincts and play my game. They emphasize staying focused and not getting overwhelmed by the pressure, which really helps boost my confidence.”

Representing Jamaica and Looking Ahead

Reid has already pulled on the Jamaica shirt at U-17 level, scoring three times in four appearances in 2025. “Wearing that Jamaican jersey is a huge honor for me,” he said. “It means representing my heritage and making my country proud. My goal is to help the team reach new heights and compete on the world stage — like the FIFA World Cup.”

His ambitions extend beyond the immediate. “In the next 3–5 years, I see myself making a significant impact in MLS and hopefully catching the eye of some European clubs,” he said. “But for now, I’m focused on enjoying the journey and taking things one step at a time.”

Advice From a 17-Year-Old Pro

For kids dreaming of following in his footsteps, Reid’s message is straightforward. “Keep grinding, stay focused, and never stop believing in yourself! Also, listen to your coaches and always be open to learning. That’s what’s helped me get here.”

The Bigger Picture

What makes Reid’s story remarkable is not just the speed of his rise, but the impact he’s already had. He is the first striker to jump directly from NYCFC II to the first team and immediately deliver. A record-setting goal in Chicago was proof that the leap wasn’t premature — it was perfectly timed.

At 17, he’s already a history-maker for New York City FC and one of the brightest young forwards in Caribbean football. From Cedar Stars Bergen to Yankee Stadium, from Jamaica’s U-17s to MLS match-winner, Seymour Reid’s journey is a testament to how quickly talent can turn into legacy when belief meets opportunity.

Quick Stats Snapshot

Name: Seymour Reid
Age: 17 (born March 2008, Jamaica)
Position: Forward (traditional No. 9)
Youth Clubs: Cedar Stars Bergen, NYCFC Academy (joined Fall 2024)
NYCFC II (2025): 14 matches, 11 goals, 1 assist
MLS Debut: March 23, 2025 vs. Columbus Crew
Historic Goal: Youngest player to score for NYCFC — Sept. 2025 vs. Chicago Fire
International: Jamaica U-17, 3 goals in 4 appearances (2025)