Yann Ekra


Yann Ekra is a French footballer who plays for Tampa Bay Rowdies as a forward and a winger.

Career

Lyon

Ekra began his youth career with Lyon in 2002. His roommate for several years was Karim Benzema. Ekra played two games for Lyon's reserve team in the 2007–2008 season - playing two games and scoring one goal.

Hull City

He signed with Hull City at the beginning of the 2008–09 Premier League season. In the 2009–10 season, he played 7 games for the reserve team, but did not score. On 29 May 2010, Ekra was released by Hull.

Panionios

To further his career, the young striker, who also holds a French passport, joined Greek side Panionios on loan in the January transfer window until the end of the season. He played on the team's U21 team. He did not play any first team games although he made the gameday roster in the 26 April 2009 Greek Super League game in which Panionios beat Asteras Tripoli 4–3.

Berrichonne de Châteauroux

For the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons, Ekra played in France on the reserve team of Berrichonne de Châteauroux.

Harrisburg City Islanders

While visiting his in-laws in Washington D.C. in the Spring of 2012, Ekra attended an open tryout with Harrisburg City Islanders of USL Pro. Following a strong performance in preseason scrimmages in which Ekra scored three goals in three games, he signed with the team. He made his debut on 4 May 2012 in 2–1 loss to the Charlotte Eagles. In his first start on 19 May 2012 against Dayton Dutch Lions, Ekra scored a hat trick on his first three shots. In the 2012 regular season, he played 21 regular season games - scoring 6 goals and assisting on 1 goal. He also played 3 U.S. Open Cup games - scoring 1 goal and assisting on 3 goals. He also played in one playoff game. In the 2013 regular season, he played 24 regular season games - scoring 4 goals and assisting on 3 goals. He also played in one playoff game and one U.S. Open Cup game.
After the 2012 season, Ekra trialed with D.C. United of Major League Soccer.

Harrisburg Heat (Indoor)

In 2012–13, Ekra played his first season of indoor soccer with the Harrisburg Heat of the Professional Arena Soccer League. He made his debut on 3 November 2012 in a 6–2 loss to the Dallas Sidekicks. His most productive performance was a 2 goal, 3 assist performance in a 10–8 loss against the Chicago Mustangs. He finished the season playing 11 games, scoring 7 goals and assisting on 8 goals.

Philadelphia Union

On 13 September 2013, Ekra signed with Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. In 2012, Ekra had been productive against Philadelphia - scoring a goal in a 12 June 2012 friendly in which Harrisburg City Islanders won, getting 2 assists in a 26 June 2012 U.S. Open Cup 5–2 loss to the Union as well as playing as a guest player and assisting on the only goal in a D.C. United 1–0 reserve league win over the Union on 12 October 2012. He did not appear for the club and was released at the end of the 2013 season.

Harrisburg City Islanders, redux

In March 2014, Ekra returned to Harrisburg City Islanders.

Charlotte Independence

Ekra signed with Charlotte Independence of United Soccer League in December 2015.

Tampa Bay Rowdies

On 7 December 2018, Ekra moved to USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies ahead of their 2019 season.

International career

Ekra played on national youth teams for France at the U15, U16, U17 and U18 levels. He played on the U17 team that won the Disney Soccer Showcase in 2005.