FLINT, Mich. — Emeka Eneli has signed a first-team contract with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer after an incredible 2022 season with the Flint City Bucks of USL League Two.

Eneli was selected with the 25th overall pick in December’s MLS SuperDraft. The 24-year-old has now signed a first-team deal that includes options to extend the agreement through 2026. He debuted in the starting XI in RSL’s match Saturday night against St. Louis City SC.

Eneli impressed during preseason with RSL's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Real Monarchs. A dual-national with citizenship in the U.S. and Nigeria, he is highly athletic and highly versatile. RSL considers him a defender capable of fulfilling several midfield roles.

Eneli commented, “I am really excited that I have been able to sign my first professional contract with Real Salt Lake. It’s always tough to make the jump to the next level, and I am blessed to get this opportunity. The MLS season is long, with a lot of games, so I hope that throughout the season I am able to help contribute to our club winning games. My time with the Flint City Bucks last summer definitely helped me get to where I am today. The highly competitive training sessions and quality coaches and front office created a professional environment which helped me grow tremendously. Not to mention the amazing fans and River Rats who helped create great matchday environments every weekend!”

Bucks Chairman Dan Duggan remarked, “Emeka was a leader for us last season and one of the hardest-working players from the first time he stepped onto the Atwood Stadium pitch. He flew under the radar at Cornell University, but we knew we had something special with Emeka. When the season ended, [Bucks’ General Manager] Gary Parsons worked the phones with all the MLS teams to make them aware that Emeka was ready to step into the right MLS situation. Credit to former Bucks assistant coach Brett Jacobs (current RSL assistant coach) for doing his homework and helping provide Emeka a much-deserved MLS opportunity. We look forward to watching his progression at the highest level.”

With the Bucks, Eneli played a highly lucrative attacking role. His five goals were tied for second on the team. He was a consistent starter from beginning to end in a season that ended in a USL2 national semifinal — but only after a hard-fought Central Conference championship.

Eneli carried his Flint City form into a fifth season with Cornell University this past fall. With four goals and seven assists, Eneli earned one of just three unanimous picks to the All-Ivy League First Team. It was his second first-team selection in a row. Eneli notched an assist in the NCAA Tournament as the Big Reds advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in nearly three decades.

Playing as a forward, he finished his final collegiate season ranking in the top 10 in the Ivy League for both assists and total points. Eneli also earned second-team All-American honors.

Before college, Eneli was a longtime member of the Columbus Crew academy (2012-17).

In 2018, he was named to the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) All-American and All-Midwest teams. He also led his Ohio Premier side to an National Premier League (ENPL) title.

Flint City Bucks and Flint City AFC (women) season tickets are available for 2023, starting at $50 for kids and $100 for adults! Purchase at https://www.flintcitybucks.com/ticket. Join us this summer for elite men’s and women’s semi-pro soccer at Kettering University’s iconic Atwood Stadium.

To keep up with the four-time USL League Two national champion Bucks, visit www.flintcitybucks.com. Additionally, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.