San Antonio FC today announced the club has appointed Alen Marcina as the first team Assistant Coach. Marcina will transition from his previous role as an SAFC Pro Academy coach to join SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell ahead of the 2019 USL season.

“I’m honored and blessed to be provided this opportunity with such a prestigious club,” Marcina said. “I’m ecstatic to work alongside Coach Powell and helping to put together a roster that can compete for championships.”

Marcina will transition to the SAFC first team technical staff after joining the SAFC Pro Academy staff in August. The academy teams compete in the U.S. Soccer Boys’ Development Academy, which is the highest tier of youth soccer in the country.

The Canada native previously spent over five years as a head coach in the North American Soccer League and Premier Development League, leading the now-defunct San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) to a 2014 Championship. Marcina most recently spent the 2018 season with the Des Moines Menace (PDL), during which he led the club to a regular season title with an unbeaten 13-0-1 record. Marcina also previously served as head coach for Rayo OKC during the 2016 NASL season.

“We’re excited to have Alen transition into the first team from our Academy,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “We’ve been working together for the past year on several projects, and his professionalism and attention to detail are impressive. We’re looking forward to finalizing the roster for 2019 together and getting ready for preseason camp.”

In addition to his head coaching experience, Marcina spent the 2012 NASL season as an assistant coach with the Scorpions, helping to lead the team to a first-place finish in the regular season before bowing out of the playoffs in the semifinals.

Prior to his coaching career, Marcina enjoyed a successful playing career in which he featured for 13 clubs across seven countries in the span of seven years, scoring 73 goals in 185 professional appearances.

San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the 2019 USL season. Fans interested in season tickets can call 210-444-5657 or visit SanAntonioFC.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (SanAntonioFC).