Mulgrew in action vs Philadelphia Union in the \3rd Round of the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Ocean City, NJ – The New England Revolution of Major League Soccer announced the signing of trialist and Ocean City Nor’easter alum, Timi Mulgrew to his first professional contract late last month after an impressive showing in preseason. Following the signing, Mulgrew was loaned to the Rochester Rhinos of the United Soccer League.

This young professional took the path less traveled. As an undrafted free agent out of George Mason University, Mulgrew headed into camp with New England.

“I wasn’t too concerned about going undrafted because it gave me a chance to realize there are some things you can't control,” said Mulgrew, a native of Sterling, Virginia. “I was going to keep working and training for when my chance came regardless.”

That chance arrived. New England kicked off their preseason against MLS counterparts, Real Salt Lake of Sandy, Utah. Mulgrew broke Salt Lake’s last line of defense, slipping forward Sean Okoli in behind for the finish and the eventual winner. Okoli and Mulgrew would link up again; during the 2015 installment of the Desert Diamond Cup, Mulgrew and the Revolution squared up against tournament hosts, FC Tucson of the PDL. Mulgrew forced a turnover from the Tucson defense at the top of box which was collected by Okoli and finished. Mulgrew saw time in all six of New England’s preseason matches.

Mulgrew trialed with New England prior to signing

“Timi’s work rate and character are of the highest quality,” said Ocean City Nor’easters Head Coach Tim Oswald. “His tireless effort and commitment on both sides of the ball is paramount.”

Mulgrew enjoyed similar success in his one season at Carey Stadium. In just seven games for the Nor’easters, Mulgrew compiled three goals off eleven shots, none more important than the game winner against the New Jersey Rangers in the latter stages of the Ocean City campaign. Early on in the first half, Mulgrew netted the decisive goal for the Nor’easters, pushing them a top the standings in a tightly contested Mid-Atlantic Division. The Mulgrew led Nor’easters would go on to win both the Mid-Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference Championship that same summer.

With Mulgrew at the helm, Ocean City mounted a U.S. Open Cup run to remember. After defeating both the New York Redbulls U23 side of the National Premier Soccer League and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL, the Nor’easters traveled to Chester, Pennsylvania to take on the Philadelphia Union of the MLS. Mulgrew led the charge for Ocean City and started up top for over 60 minutes before being replaced by eventual goal scorer, Emmanuel Kollie. The Nor’easters came out swinging but would reluctantly fall to the first division club, in the dying moments of the match.

“I loved my summer with the Nor’easters,” said Mulgrew. “Living by the beach and playing soccer was the dream. It gave me a clear perspective on what it was going to take to make it to the next level, that glimpse was all I needed. I can't thank the organization enough for my time there and wish the coaches and players all the best in the seasons to come.”

Mulgrew finished at George Mason tied for the ninth most goals all-time (26)

Following an impressive summer with the Nor’easters, Mulgrew went on to make his mark at George Mason. Over the course of Mulgrew’s, collegiate career, he appeared in a staggering 74 games collecting 64 points in the process. In his final two years with the Patriots, Mulgrew put together an exceptional résumé. After collecting an Atlantic 10 All-Tournament selection his junior year, Mulgrew was primed for a break out season. Senior year saw Mulgrew in the top five nationally for goals scored with 13, seven of which were game winners.

With production comes accolades. Mulgrew was named First Team All-Atlantic 10 as well as First Team All-Midwest in his final season with George Mason. To go along with his regional awards, Mulgrew was selected a College Soccer News Second Team All-American and Third Team NSCAA/Continental Tire All-American.

Mulgrew becomes the latest Nor’easter alum to make the jump to the MLS. But like many other young professionals before him trying to make it at the highest level in the United States, Mulgrew was loaned to New England’s USL affiliate, the Rochester Rhinos. With the loan to Rochester, Mulgrew essentially climbs the next rung on the ladder for the USL. After suiting up for Ocean City in the PDL, Mulgrew’s loan will signify the exact premise behind building the pyramid of PDL, USL and MLS. Timi’s budding career exemplifies the USL’s slogan, #Path2Pro

Rochester is coming off a 2-1 win on the road against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Up next for the Rhinos is a trip to Montreal on April 11th for a 2:30pm meeting with FC Montreal, USL affiliates to the Montreal Impact of the MLS.

As per league policy, New England may recall Mulgrew at any point during the season.

2015 Individual Match and Season ticket packages are on sale now. For more information, call (609) 432-8271 to speak with a Nor'easters ticket representative, email us at tickets@oceancityfc.com, or visit www.oceancityfc.com/tickets for ticket package information.

Text "TIMI" to (609) 432-8271 to receive an exclusive promo code, for ticket purchases made online via www.oceancityfc.com/tickets.

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