The Union transitioned into the most important offseason in recent memory earlier this week. With an expansion draft, free agency and waiver drafts to worry about, the Union looked to their current roster and made a move. Eric Ayuk has had his option picked up by the Union for the 2018 season. The young talented winger fits the mold of a Union player. It’s time for the return of Flip-adelphia.
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Ayuk has an interesting history as a Union player. During his rookie season back in 2015 the Union were a struggling team looking for a spark. That spark was Eric Ayuk. The then 18-year-old showed he had the pace to beat defenders, and the awareness to get into dangerous positions. Ayuk played in 28 games, starting 15 of them; he tallied four goals and two assists over all competitions. He became an instant fan favorite with his back-flip celebrations! However, as the Union moved forward Ayuk lost first team minutes.
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In 2016, Ayuk was relegated to Bethlehem Steel for most of the year. With the addition of Chris Pontius, and the emergence of Fabian Herbers, Ayuk lost a place in the Union’s starting 11. He also struggled to break the Union’s 18 with Sebastian Le Toux occupying that spot. The 19-year-old took up an important spot with the Union’s USL affiliate team, Bethlehem Steel. He played multiple positions across the attacking midfield for Steel, scoring three goals. Ayuk totaled 16 appearances for Steel, and one lone appearance for the Union in their last regular season game of 2016. As the Union built further they felt Ayuk needed consistent playing time.
As last season started Ayuk had made quite an impression for his U-20 national team. He featured for Cameron in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. He scored Cameron’s only goals in their first two games, and won man of the match honors in those games. As he returned from that competition, the 2017 season had already started for the Union. The Union thought it best to loan Ayuk out for the year, so he was off to Sweden to play for Jönköpings Södra IF. He made 12 appearances, scoring one goal and winning two man of the match honors. Now Ayuk is flipping his way back to Philadelphia after growing immensely.
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Ayuk is 20 years old, while he may not be a starter in 2018 he is a viable option for the Union. He fits the quintessential mold of a the future of the Union; He’s young, has a low price tag and has huge upside. The Union’s wingers now consist of Fafa Picault, Marcus Epps, Eric Ayuk, possibly Alejandro Bedoya if the Union add another central midfielder and likely Fabian Herbers if his contract gets reconstructed. The Union have youth, speed and talent out wide. Now it’s time to solidify the middle of the field with a star 10, and a strong box to box player.
Coming Soon:
Be sure to come back to Philly Sports Network for more on the Union’s off-season activities! Coming soon: Jeff Green recaps the first week of the MLS off season, and Tim Lovenguth takes a look how Earnie Stewart will try to rebuild the Union once again. Until then, peace out Union fans!
Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
