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Tottenham Product Manesio Joins Fury FC

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 01/25/17, 10:45AM EST

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Englishman formerly played for Spurs, West Brom academies, starred at Cleveland State


Photo courtesy of Cleveland State

League newcomer Ottawa Fury FC continued to shape its roster before next week’s start of training camp, announcing the addition of defensive midfielder Sergio Manesio. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Manesio recently starred at Cleveland State and he also is a product of both Tottenham’s and West Brom’s academy systems.

“Sergio was the [Horizon League] Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons with a great pedigree from Tottenham and West Brom,” said Fury FC Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “He’s a winner first and foremost. He has a great character, great determination to win and fits in the culture we’re trying to create here.”

Manesio joins Fury FC following an impressive four years with Cleveland State, where he started all 69 games and notched 16 goals including five game-winners. The 5-foot-10 defensive midfielder earned back-to-back Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year awards, while also being selected on the All-Horizon League Team in both years.

The London, England, native developed in the Tottenham Hotspurs Youth Academy from U11-U15 followed by a move to West Brom where he featured in their Youth squad from U16-U18. The Angola-born Englishman opted to take his game to North America to feature in the NCAA at Cleveland State where he majored in finance.

“I am very excited to be signing with Ottawa Fury FC,” Manesio said. “Becoming a professional soccer player is a dream come true for me. I am extremely grateful and thankful that the club and coaches are giving me this wonderful opportunity.

“The team plays an attractive style of soccer, which fits my style perfectly. This is very important for me, as it will allow me to smoothly adjust to the team's philosophy.”