SEASIDE — Signed 48 hours prior to making his debut on the pitch for Monterey Bay F.C., Jerry Ayon had a night to remember.
The former Alisal High player produced a pair of goals, including the game-winner Wednesday in the Union’s 2-1 win over Irvine Zeta FC in the first round of the 109th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Cardinale Stadium.
Ayon, who signed his first professional contract as a 15-year-old sophomore at Alisal, spent last year with the San Jose Earthquakes II team. He was signed to a one-year contract on Monday.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who had spent training camp with the Union, produced goals in the 32nd minute and in the 65th minute to break up a 1-1 game, moving them into the round of 32.
Monterey Bay F.C. will be reseeded Thursday in the U.S. Open Cup, where it could face conference rival Sacramento or a potential rematch from last year’s Open Cup with the San Jose Earthquakes.
Ayon’s first goal as a member of the Union was a header off an assist from veteran Rafael Baca. His second goal was unassisted as he came streaking down field before drilling it through the net in the second half.
Last year the Union won their first two Open Cup matches, including a decision over the San Jose Earthquakes before falling to 2022 Major League Soccer champion Los Angeles FC.
The Union, who return to United Soccer League Championship play on Saturday in Memphis, are off to their best start in the franchises’ three-year existence at 3-1-2, sitting just a point behind co-leaders Sacramento and Orange County.
Memphis has dropped four straight Western Conference matches after opening the USL Championship season with a win over Las Vegas.
With the win, Monterey Bay F.C. has won three consecutive games overall. After mustering just six goals in its first five matches, it has scored five in its last two.
Goalie Carlos Herrera earned his first win this season between the pipes.
