MBFC Signs Salinas’ Own Jerry Ayon

April 15, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Monterey Bay FC News Release

SEASIDE, California – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) announced today that the Club has signed Salinas’ own Jerry Ayon to a one-year contract, pending league and federation approval. The former Quakes II midfielder’s addition to the squad comes just ahead of the Club’s third round match of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against NISA side Irvine Zeta FC on Wednesday, April 17. Officially the Club’s first full signing from Salinas, Ayon’s addition further highlights Monterey Bay Football Club’s commitment to bringing young, local talent into the fold.

“Jerry is a good all around player who plays in that central midfield role,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He’s a good passer, is tactically smart and has a very good engine. Jerry has been well-coached up there with the Earthquakes from their academy to Quakes II, so there’s no question as to why his football IQ is so high. 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. We’re happy to add him to the group.”

Ayon, 22, signed his first professional contract with LigaMX side Morelia at the age of 15. Just ahead of his junior year at Alisal High School in Salinas, Ayon made the move to join the under-20 team for the Michoacan, Mexico side. Not long after, Ayon was called to represent the United States internationally at both the U-16 and U-18 levels. In 2019, Ayon joined the San Jose Earthquakes academy in Major League Soccer (MLS) and spent three years at the academy level before signing a professional contract with the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side 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. I came in for preseason and training with the guys has been great. It was tough training with such a good, talented group. They really pushed me to better myself and I found some stuff that I didn’t know I had in me. Hopefully I can make my debut really soon, get on the score sheet and help the team with assists. But most importantly, I want to help this team make the playoffs.”

NAME: Jerry Ayon

PRONUNCIATION: i-OHN

POSITION: Midfielder

AGE: 22

HEIGHT: 5’9

DATE OF BIRTH: September 16, 2001

HOMETOWN: Salinas,…