Murrell sigbns with Real Monarchs after being drafted by Real Salt Lake of the MLS

Ocean City, NJ – Just over a week ago, Ocean City Nor’easters alum, Jordan Murrell signed his first professional contract for the Real Monarchs of the United Soccer League. After being taken in the 3rd round of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake, Murrell headed to Utah to prove his worth.

Murrell spent part of preseason with the first team at Real Salt Lake, but was eventually sent to their USL affiliate where his childhood dreams would come to fruition.

“I love playing football and to get paid for doing what I love is a dream come true,” said Murrell, a native of Ontario, Canada. “I think this is a great step towards moving in the right direction in my footballing career.”

Murrell was influential in his one season in Ocean City tallying over 350 minutes off of seven games. The 2013, Murrell led Nor’easters made a run to remember advancing all the way to the PDL National Semi-Finals. Ocean City was crowned both Mid-Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference Champions with Murrell at left back.

Not only was Murrell a key contributor to the Nor’easters backline in the PDL, but in the U.S. Open Cup as well. With Murrell in the squad, the Nor'easters took down both the New York Redbulls U23’s of the National Premier Soccer League and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL at home. Following two historic wins in the U.S. Open Cup, Murrell and the Nor’easters traveled to Chester, Pennsylvania to take on the Philadelphia Union of the MLS in the next round. Ocean City kept it close with the score at 1-1 heading into the latter stages of the second half but the Union would eventually find the winner, knocking the resilient amateur squad out of the tournament.

“Ocean City definitely helped me develop my versatility with different coaching styles,” said Murrell, a product of Toronto FC Academy. “The Nor’easters have helped me become a professional on and off the field.”

Murrell was taken 57th by Real Salt Lake in the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft

As a member of the Canadian U18 National Team, Murrell caught the eye of the Syracuse University Coaching Staff. The talented left back would make his mark on the program over the next four years in upstate New York.

In his freshman year at Syracuse, Murrell walked right into a starting role for the Orange which culminated with a U20 Canadian National Team call up towards the end of the season. But adjusting to the pace of college soccer can be difficult for any freshman, Murrell finished with one goal and zero assists in his first year. With a year under his belt, the young defender began to produce, finishing the season with seven assists. Junior year saw Murrell continue his good form with six assists. Fittingly enough, his senior year would be one of his most productive. Murrell led the Orange in assists tallying seven over the campaign and two goals to top it off.

“Syracuse was amazing,” said Murrell. “I can't even express my feelings towards Syracuse. I will always be grateful for the coaching staff as well as the boys on the team.”

Possibly Murrell’s most important assist came in the 2014 NCAA Tournament. In the second round of the tournament, Syracuse matched up against Penn State. With the game knotted at one goal apiece late in the second half, Murrell found himself standing over a promising free kick. Murrell picked out a streaking Syracuse attacker giving the Orange the lead securing a place in the next round.

“He is a fabulous left sided player who can do a ton of positive things for you on both sides of the ball, but his ability to serve balls can be seen as his top attribute," said Nor'easters Head Coach, Tim Oswald.

In his first match with the club, Murrell featured in the starting XI of Monarch's last friendly vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks

As the USL affiliate to Major League Soccer’s, Real Salt Lake, the Real Monarchs will play all of their home games in Rio Tinto Stadium, the home of their parent club. The Monarchs are currently in the bottom half of the Western Conference standings with one draw and one loss in the early stages of the season.

Murrell will be competing for playing time alongside fellow Nor’easter alum, Leon Brown who signed earlier this year. The Monarchs will take on Portland Timbers II in their next league game at home in Rio Tinto Stadium, on April 8th at 9 p.m. in search of their first win in the USL.

“I want to use this opportunity to the fullest and use it as a stepping stone,” said Murrell. “I want to be able to adjust to any team I go on to play for as well as leave my mark on this team in a good way. I will give this my all and leave it all out there in training and in games.”

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

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