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NASL Ticker: Scorpions name Marcina full-time head coach; FC Edmonton signs new striker; and more

AlenMarcinaSanAntonioScorpions1 (SanAntonioScorpions)

By MARC SERBER

After reportedly sifting through more than 200 candidates, the San Antonio Scorpions have decided to give Alen Marcina the head coaching job on a full-time basis.

Marcina took over for San Antonio on an interim basis following the sacking of Tim Hankinson on Aug. 27, and went 3-5-1 in the final eight games as the Scorpions finished the Fall Season in last place. Marcina was named full-time coach on Wednesday.

A striker in his playing days with 62 goals across five different countries, the Canadian has moved quickly up the coaching ranks since retiring in 2010.

Marcina was the assistant coach before being given the interim position, and now has his first full-time head coaching position after beating out candidates with MLS, national team, and international experience.

Here are some more notes from around NASL:

FC EDMONTON SIGNS A STRIKER, RE-SIGN KEEPER

FC Edmonton is looking to bolster its attack after scoring just 13 goals in 14 games over the Fall Season.

The Alberta-based side took a big step toward that goal this week with the signing of Frank Jonke. An Ontario native who made his national team debut against the U.S. this year, Jonke returns to Canada after four seasons in Finland, where he scored 33 goals in 110 matches with three different clubs. He finished his time in Finland on a high, scoring 13 times for FF Jaro, earning himself a spot on the Finnish Premier League’s Best XI.

The club also re-signed goalkeeper Lance Parker. An Oklahoma native who made a few appearances with Chivas USA during the 2008-2009 season, Parker will stay in Alberta for another season after joining the Edmonton in 2011. He made 20 appearances between the posts in 2013.

CARLOS SALAZAR WILL RETURN TO STRIKERS NEXT SEASON

After impressing in his first season with the club, Carlos Salazar has put pen to paper on a new contract with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, the club announced this week.

The 32-year-old recorded four goals (three of them penalties) and one assist in 17 games to end up second on the team’s goal chart. The Colombian midfielder finished the year by scoring in the club’s final three matches.

“Salazar’s emergence as a team leader and dominating presence in our midfield made him a high priority signing for 2014 and beyond,” said Strikers managing director Tim Robbie in a statement. “We’re pleased to have him coming back next year.”

Prior to joining the Strikers, Salazar has plied his trade in Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Iran, Panama, and Chile.

EXPANSION SIDE OTTAWA SIGNS ITS FIRST CANADIAN PLAYER

Carl Haworth will forever be known as the first Canadian to sign for the Ottawa Fury.

The striker has been pulled up by head coach Marc Dos Santos from the club’s Premier Development League squad and handed a one-year deal, the team announced Wednesday. Haworth was drafted by the Montreal Impact in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft following his time at Niagara University, but did not make the final roster.

The Barrie, Ontario, native also played for the Canadian U-23 squad in Olympic Qualifying.

The 24-year-old led the PDL in assists this season with 12, adding 18 goals in all competitions.

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What do you think of these notes? Do you feel Marcina is the right man for the Scorpions job? Do you see Jonke helping Edmonton’s fortunes next season? How important is Salazar to the Strikers’ success?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Love how the NASL continues to make news. Better coaches and stronger signings is what the league needs. San Antonion has a great fan base – they deserve better on the field!!

    Reply

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