Philadelphia Union Academy midfielder commits to Duquesne

Philadelphia Union Academy midfielder Omar Ayala will be go to the opposite end of the state to play college next fall at Duquesne University.

The Union U18 midfielder announced his verbal commitment to the private Pittsburgh school on Instagram earlier this week.

I am extremely excited to announce that I have verbally committed to play D1 soccer at Duquesne University⚽️. I want to thank my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and God for having a huge impact in me reaching this next phase of my career. #GoDukes

A photo posted by Omar Ayala (@omarayala6) on Dec 14, 2016 at 5:03pm PST

The Norristown native has made eight appearances this season for the U18 team after making one appearance last year and 22 appearances for the U16s in 2015-16 and nine in 2014-15. He scored three goals in 26 appearances for the U14 team in 2013-14 after joining the Academy it is first full season from Continental FC.

As a holding midfielder, Ayala has a strong work rate and notable skill and confidence on the ball. He’ll join a Dukes team that had a productive year, going 8-5-5 overall with a 3-2-3 record in conference play, their fourth winning season over the last five years.

He’ll also be joining a team with a strong contingent of players from the region with Upper Darby native Jallal Acqui, Jamison native Austin Stout, York native Scott Rissler and former Continental FC Delco defender and YSC Academy graduate Peace Drevitch.

Ayala is the 12th player on the current U18 team with a verbal commitment to play college soccer next fall and the first to an Atlantic 10 program.