Philadelphia Union sign Raymond Lee, Eric Ayuk Mbu

On Tuesday afternoon, the Philadelphia Union signed defender Raymond Lee and midfielder Eric Ayuk Mbu, with the terms of the deals not disclosed.

The 21-year-old Lee has been training since the beginning of preseason with the team after being selected in the fourth round of the most recent MLS SuperDraft, going 71st overall. A four-year starter at Saint Louis where he was positioned primarily in the midfield, he will be listed as a defender for Jim Curtin's side.

An 18-year-old midfielder from Cameroon, Mbu signed from Rainbow FC Bamenda, a club from the same country. In the Union's 1-1 tie versus the Colombus Crew in the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic, Mbu earned his team a penalty kick in the 71st minute to take the lead, but Conor Casey could not deliver, having his kick from the spot saved.

"Both Ray and Ayuk have worked hard during preseason and have earned this opportunity," technical director Chris Albright said. "We're excited to have them in our group and both should have bright futures in Philadelphia."

These two will clearly add depth to the side, with Mbu adding another body to the midfield, and Lee joining a defensive core that includes Ray Gaddis, Sheanon Williams and newcomer Steven Vitoria.

"I want to thank the Philadelphia Union for giving me this opportunity," Lee said. "I will continue to work hard with teammates and the coaching staff to do everything I can to improve as a player."

These two could be in the side for the Union's opener this Saturday at PPL Park, although the likelihood of this game happening continues to decrease due to the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.