By FRANCO PANIZO
Eric Hassli will be staying in Texas, after all. He just will not be with an MLS club.
The San Antonio Scorpions announced Tuesday that they have signed Hassli, 32, for the 2014 NASL season. Hassli, who recently parted ways with FC Dallas, reported to San Antonio on Tuesday and practiced with the club.
“Hassli is a landmark signing for our club,” said head coach Alen Marcina. “Hassli has been a Designated Player in MLS, has playing experience in French and Swiss top leagues in addition to Champions League. This is one more step to position ourselves to achieve our objective of competing for a NASL championship.”
The veteran French forward, who stands at 6-foot-4, joined MLS when he signed as a DP with the Vancouver Whitecaps ahead of the 2011 season. His debut campaign was a productive one, but he struggled in 2012 and was traded to Toronto FC midway through the season.
After a subpar few months with the Reds, Toronto traded Hassli to FC Dallas during the 2013 preseason. Hassli made just four starts in 15 appearances for an FC Dallas side that struggled last year, and failed to find the back of the net.
Prior to arriving in MLS, Hassli spent several years in Europe. He has played for Southampton, Valenciennes, Swiss outfit FC Zurich and other clubs on the continent.
“Eric is a tremendous talent and is obviously a major acquisition for the Scorpions; there is no question we will be expecting a lot out of him this season as the building of our 2014 team nears completion,” said Scorpions president and general manager Howard Cornfield. “Alen has done an outstanding job with the reconstruction of this team.”
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What do you think of Hassli signing with the Scorpions? Surprised he couldn’t find a suitor in MLS? How good is San Antonio after the Hassli addition?
Share your thoughts below.