Salinas native Jerry Ayon signs one-year deal with Monterey Bay F.C.
SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV)- A Salinas native will have a chance to play professional soccer in front of his family and friends.
Monterey Bay F.C. announced that the team has signed midfielder Jerry Ayon to a one-year deal pending league approval.
Ayon spent the past two seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes II of the MLS Next Pro team.
Club officials said Ayon is the first signing from Salinas which Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop echoed in a statement.
"He’s what we’re all about on and off the field and adding another local player is massive for us – especially because he is the first from Salinas," Yallop said. "We’re happy to add him to the group.”
The 22-year-old Salinas native signed his first professional contract LigaMX side Morelia at 15 years old. When Ayon was a junior, he made the move to sign with Morelia. Ayon was also called up to play the U.S. Soccer U-16 and U-18 levels.
Ayon joined the San Jose Earthquakes academy and spent three years at the academy before joining Quakes II in 2022.
"“It feels great signing with a club so close to home, it makes me feel really connected with my community,” said Ayon. “Being able to have my friends and family here every weekend, I’m really looking forward to it."
The Crisp and Kelp will start their play in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup when they host Irvine Zeta FC of NISA at Cardinale Stadium on Wednesday night.
The game will be at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed on the U.S. Soccer website here.
