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NASL Ticker: Raul named La Liga ambassador; Strikers add eight; and more

Raul Cosmos Strikers (NASL)

Spanish legend and former New York Cosmos striker Raul has taken the first step into his post-playing career.

After retiring following the Cosmos’s NASL final triumph, Raul has accepted a role as an ambassador for La Liga with a focus on the U.S. As such, the former Real Madrid striker will be tasked with promoting the game in the U.S. while increasing the league’s recognition and perception internationally.

“I do not see myself returning to Real Madrid as a coach or the president at the moment,” Raul said. “In the future maybe, but right now I’m very involved with my family and in a professional level in this project. I wish all the best to Real Madrid, but now my head and my work is for all the teams from La Liga.

“The easiest thing would have been to coach but this challenge is very important, I join one of the best brands in the world and I think I’m going to be enriched with the experience,” he added. “I’m happy to be part of the brand La Liga, my league for many years, and to participate in this project full of exciting challenges. My retirement from football has been gradual and my dream was to live in New York. La Liga has given me this opportunity and I want to bring my experience to make this league the best in the world.”

Here are some more of Tuesday’s NASL news and notes:

STRIKERS MAKE EIGHT SIGNINGS

With the NASL offseason in full swing, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers began to close 2015 with back-to-back massive days of additions.

The Strikers announced on Monday that the club has signed Peruvian international Aurelio Saco Vértiz, Colombian defender Luis Zapata, U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team midfielder Victor Pineda and veteran Brazilian forward Geison Moura.

“Each of these players brings a high quality set of skills and experiences,” said general manager and head coach Caio Zanardi. “This experience includes time with big teams and with their country’s national teams. Together, they give strength and balance to our team.”

On Tuesday, the Strikers followed that up with the signings of defenders Gale Agbossoumonde and Nana Attakora, and forwards Maicon Santos and Giuseppe Gentile.

“All four players bring a high level of experience and professionalism to the locker room,” said  Zanardi. “We are excited by the prospect of a young player like Giuseppe and the proven goalscoring record of Maicon Santos. At the back, Gale and Nana are two physically strong defenders with international experience at matches at the highest level.”

Saco Veritz, who was born in Miami to Peruvian parents, joins the Strikers from Peruvian Primera División side Cienciano. A Peruvian youth international at various levels, the left back was a part of the senior team for the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Pineda most recently featured for Indy Eleven and previously made history as the first Homegrown signing of the Chicago Fire. In total, Pineda made 17 starts in 20 league appearances for Indy Eleven in 2015 while scoring two goals.

The 35-year-old Zapata, meanwhile, previously featured for the Colorado Rapids, while Moura spent the past four seasons as a member of Minnesota United. Tuesday’s foursome also boast NASL experience, with Agbossoumonde and Santos most recently representing the Tampa Bay Rowdies while Attakora featured for the San Antonio Scorpions alongside Gentile.

ROWDIES ADD FORMER NO. 1 DRAFT PICK MWANGA

After a one-year stint with Orlando City, Danny Mwanga will remain in Florida with his latest move.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Monday that the club has signed Mwanga, the No.1 overall pick in the 2010 MLS Draft. Drafted by the Philadelphia Union, Mwanga has also featured for the Colorado Rapids, Orlando City and New York Cosmos in recent seasons.

With the addition of Mwanga, the Rowdies’ forward pool now features the 24-year-old striker, Georgi Hristov and fellow big offseason signing Tommy Heinemann.

ARMADA ADDS USL DEFENDER OF THE YEAR BURKE

Bryan Burke’s award-winning campaign with Louisville City has yielded a move to the Jacksonville Armada.

The Armada announced on Monday that the club has signed Burke, who claimed the 2015 USL Defender of the Year award. The 26-year-old fullback produced 10 assists for Louisville City in 2015.

“Brian had an outstanding season last year in the USL with Louisville,” said Armada head coach and technical director Tony Meola. “His work rate up and down the right side and his relentless passion to attack will be exciting to watch as he integrates himself into our group. We are excited to add his quality to our roster for the upcoming season.”

Comments

  1. The appointment of Raul to raise the visibility of laLiga in the US is a great step forward. Skill wise la Liga is far better than the EPL, top to bottom, as exemplified by performance in CL and Europa. In addition, field play is more skillful across the board. Good luck Raul!

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