Back-up goalkeeper AJ Marcucci has left the club on a loan in search of minutes with Finnish first division side IF Gnistan until the end of the 2024 season. The club is currently in a midseason push to avoid the relegation round of the Veikkausliiga, having already played 16 games and currently sitting in 10th place.
“This will be a great opportunity for him and we cannot wait to see him succeed,” said Sporting Director Julian de Guzman.
Marcucci was unable to crack the first team, despite joining the club as the 67th overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. Most of his time has been spent with MLS Next Pro side New York Red Bulls II where he logged over 50 appearances with 11 clean sheets. This year he has only made one appearance for Red Bulls II as his eyes have been set on more first team minutes. This move will give him that in a competitive league with a club that could surely use his help.
The push for playing time as a New York Red Bulls goalkeeper is difficult. There were opportunities earlier in the season when international call-ups led to a battle for the back-up role. However, veteran Ryan Meara acquitted himself quite well and locked down that position while starting keeper Carlos Coronel was away at Copa America. This left few options for Marcucci who saw his only opportunity as that of a third string goalkeeper.