Union Omaha Signs Jaime Ponce to USL Academy Contract
August 20, 2021 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Union Omaha News Release
PAPILLION, Neb. - Union Omaha announced today it had signed Jaime Ponce to a USL Academy contract with the club for its 2021 campaign. Ponce, the 18-year-old Sioux City, Iowa native, joins the Owls immediately and will be available for this weekend's contest against Chattanooga.
"Jaime was our most consistent player when we brought the guys to the first ever USL Academy Cup last season," said Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims. "He has the right mix of confidence with humility and I am excited to see him learn and develop within our team."
Ponce had previously represented Union Omaha at the USL Academy Cup and becomes the second USL Academy signing in the club's history following the addition of Yoskar Galvan to the squad on August 12. USL Academy signings are eligible to compete in USL League One while retaining their NCAA eligibility to compete collegiately.
"It means a lot signing for such a great club and being surrounded by quality players," said Ponce. "Also being from a small town where these things don't happen just makes me more grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to improving as a player under Coach Mims and I'm also excited to learn from other guys on the squad."
Union Omaha continues to focus on youth development and cultivating the next generation of top-tier talent. This academy contract is the next step in not only helping the team be successful on the field this season but also proving that there is a path to professional soccer here for youth players from the surrounding area.
Phonetic pronunciation of name: HIGH-MAY PON-SAY
Position: Forward
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 175 lbs
Born: USA
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
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