Eric Ayuk Called Up To Cameroon U-20 National Team

Report From Philadelphia Union 

CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union midfielder Eric Ayuk has been called up to the Cameroon U-20 National Team for an upcoming 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe on May 20, the club announced Wednesday. Ayuk will return to First Team duties on May 22.

Ayuk, 19, joined the Union on March 3, 2015 and became the second youngest player in club history to score a goal, opening up his account in Columbus on April 25, 2015 at 18 years, 67 days. Ayuk is also the youngest player in Union history to complete a game (May 2, 2015 vs. Toronto FC) and record an assist (April 11, 2015 vs. NYCFC). In his Union career, he has played in 28 games, started 14 and scored two goals with two assists.

Ayuk played a key role in the Union’s run to the 2015 U.S. Open Cup Final, scoring two vital goals when the Union were already playing a man down in each game. Ayuk equalized in the 55th minute against D.C. United in the Round of 16, a game the Union won 2-1 in regulation. The following round, Ayuk put the Union ahead 1-0 in the 56th minute, on the road against New York Red Bulls. The Union went on to win in penalties.

In 2016, Ayuk has yet to appear in a game for the Union and has started seven games for Bethlehem Steel FC. He leads the team in shots (8), shots on target (4), goals (2) and assists (1) and is third in minutes played.

The Cameroonian U-20 National Team has a two-leg series with Zimbabwe, starting on May 20. The winner will advance into the final round of qualifying for the 2017 African U-20 Cup of Nations, to be held in Zambia in February.