Photo: Earl Gardner
Philadelphia Union began putting the final touches on the opening day roster by signing 4th round SuperDraft pick Raymond Lee and Cameroonian teenager Eric Ayuk Mbu on Tuesday.
“Both Ray and Ayuk have worked hard during preseason and have earned this opportunity,” technical director Chris Albright said. “We’re excited to have them in our group and both should have bright futures here in Philadelphia.”
Lee, out of Saint Louis University, has played at both fullback positions during preseason and will provide depth behind Sheanon Williams and Ray Gaddis. Lee was a second team All-Atlantic 10 player in 2014 as a midfielder.
“I want to thank the Philadelphia Union for giving me this opportunity,” Lee said. “I will continue to work hard with teammates and the coaching staff to do everything I can to improve as a player.”
Ayuk, 18, earned a penalty kick during the Union’s preseason match against Columbus Crew, and spent most of his time in an advanced winger role. He will likely compete for time with Danny Cruz behind Sebastien Le Toux and Andrew Wenger.
Excellent!!
Agreed. All good stuff. Now get the CBA done so we can enjoy it all!!
Nice. I’d love to see Ayuk on the bench, but assume he goes to HBurg for some seasoning first
Keep in mind that Raymond Lee was a midfielder at St. Louis. I’d guess he’s a candidate for Harrisburg to get game experience as a flank back. He’s left-footed, making his preseason successes at right back that much more to his credit. I’d bet Lee is stage one of the new Left back development plan.
Well alright.
Well, you can’t teach fast, and both these guys are certainly that. Ayuk looks pretty raw but he’s only 18 (!) and with some polish could really be a dangerous player – I would bet on him taking some minutes away from Cruz at some point this season. I’m slightly less sure about Lee, as he’s older and learning a new position, but I’m not hugely worried about the 4th fullback on the depth chart being a bit of a novice there if he’s got talent and upside. Totally satisfactory signings in my view.
Ayuk will be fun to see develop, a lot of upside to his game. As for Lee, the left peg is a very valuable commodity in our league….I understand why they kept him, plus as stated above…………you can’t teach pace! The left back in the MLS has become the fastest way up the pyramid…….almost like being a catcher is the fastest way to the show in baseball…………..