Professional Neagle, Funicello Join IFK Marieheimn Join Trafford at Finnish Premier League Club

Published on September 10, 2010 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Real Maryland Monarchs News Release


After the acquisition of former Real Maryland Monarchs center back Mason Trafford, Finnish Premier League side IFK Mariehamn dipped back into the USL-2 well last week with the additions of the Charleston Battery's Lamar Neagle and former Real Maryland defender Joe Funicello.

Neagle, who was named USL-2 Most Valuable Player while leading the Battery to the league championship last month, scored 12 goals to lead the league in 2010. He'll be counted on to add some scoring punch to IFK, which is currently sitting in 13th place in the 14-team league.

Funicello played for the Monarchs last season before coming to Europe to play for Icelandic First Division side Thor Akureyri this spring. But with IFK looking to bolster itself defensively Funicello was transferred on August 31, the final day of the summer transfer window. When he arrived with his new club, he was encouraged to see some familiar faces already there.

"That makes training so much easier," Funicello said. "The first day was so much easier because those two were here. It's someone to talk to, everyone pretty much speaks English [on the team], but it's good having someone else from America, it makes you feel more comfortable on the pitch."

For Funicello and Neagle, joining a side that is battling to remain in the top flight is certainly a departure from their previous clubs. Neagle, of course, won the USL-2 with Charleston, but Funicello was also fighting for promotion to the Icelandic Premier League with Thor Akureyri, which currently sits in third place. To go from fighting for promotion to trying to stave off relegation is an interesting one, but a challenge that Funicello is eager to help his new teammates accomplish.

"It keeps you on your toes because every game means something and you know that," Funicello said. "You've got to be sharp, you've got to be sharp at every training session, you don't want to be part of a team that goes down. I think we've been brought in to help this team stay in the Premier League, so there's pressure on us, but I think we'll be alright."

For more information on Real Maryland FC or its Future Monarch Programs, please visit www.realmaryland.us.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 10, 2010


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