Ayon’s signing adds depth to Monterey Bay FC – Monterey Herald

SEASIDE — Monterey Bay FC, off to its best start in three years, will add new members to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday.

Union, which has a 3-1-2 record in the United Soccer League Championship, has signed Alisal High School graduate Jerry Ayon to a one-year contract to strengthen the center of the attack.

Union, who host Irvine Zeta FC in the third round of the US Open Cup at Cardinale Stadium from 7:30pm, are expected to have Hayon available.

Last year, Monterey Bay FC won its first two games of the U.S. Open Cup, including a victory over the San Jose Earthquakes, but lost to 2022 Major League Soccer Champion Los Angeles FC.

Ayon, who played as a midfielder for the San Jose Earthquakes II team, becomes Union's fifth player with community ties.

Former CSU Monterey Bay snipers Walmer Martinez and Adrian Leboler are in their third seasons with the franchise, and Carmel native Pierce Garraway signed last month.

Additionally, Monterey Bay FC signed goaltender Fabian Nares to a 25-day contract last week. The former Hartnell College standout played for MBFC2 last season and helped them reach the postseason.

“Jerry has been well-coached from the academy to Quakes II,” said Monterey Bay FC head coach Frank Yallop. “Therefore, there is no question as to why his football IQ is so high. He is a good all-round player for a central midfield role.”

Hayon, 22, signed his first professional contract at the age of 15 with Liga MX side Morelia. He then played for both the U-16 and U-19 U.S. national teams before joining the Earthquakes' academy.