Alen Marcina
Alen Marcina | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 30, 1979 Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Soccer player, coach |
| Years active | 2002–2010 (player), 2012–2024 (coach) |
| Known for | Winning NASL championships with San Antonio Scorpions and Rayo OKC; winning 2022 USL Championship |
Alen Marcina (born July 30, 1979) is a Canadian former professional soccer player and current coach. He has won the NASL championship three times during his tenure with the San Antonio Scorpions and Rayo OKC.
Club career
Marcina’s collegiate soccer experience includes playing for Barry University and competing with New Westminster Khalsa in the Pacific Coast Soccer League. He then joined the Ottawa Wizards for the 2002–03 season of the CPSL, where he scored nine goals across ten appearances. Following the loss of the Wizards’ CPSL license, Marcina signed with Greek UEFA Cup contender PAOK Thessaloniki in January 2004. His career subsequently took him to clubs such as ÍA Akranes in Iceland, Schweinfurt in Germany, and Herfølge Boldklub in Denmark.
In 2006, Marcina joined the Puerto Rico Islanders, competing in the USL First Division—then the second tier beneath Major League Soccer. He recorded 13 goals in 27 matches and was honored with All-League recognition. Afterward, he transferred to the New Zealand Knights, where he scored against both the Newcastle Jets and Queensland Roar. Returning to USL and Puerto Rico in 2007, he signed with Canadian side Montreal Impact in June before being traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps the following month.
In February 2008, Marcina secured a contract with Minnesota Thunder; however, his rights were sold to the Rochester Rhinos by August. The next year, April 2009, saw him join Miami FC, where he led the squad in goals, appearances, and minutes played. He decided to retire from professional play in 2010 after turning down offers from teams in both the United States and Vietnam.
International career
Marcina received a call-up to represent the Canada national team. Notably, he was absent for New Zealand’s round 21 fixture against Perth Glory at North Harbour Stadium.
Managerial career
- Secured the 2012 NASL Championship—clinching the North American Supporters' Trophy—with a league-leading 46 goals scored and only 27 conceded
- Achieved third place in the 2013 NASL Spring season, finishing just one point behind first place
- Crowned NASL Fall Champion in 2014
- Won the 2014 NASL Soccer Bowl Championship, boasting the fewest goals allowed (24) and second-highest scoring tally (43)
- Finished seventh during the 2015 NASL Spring season; note that San Antonio Scorpions ceased operations in November 2015
- Attained second place in the 2016 NASL Fall season, narrowly missing first by one point
- Ranked within NASL’s top five overall standings before resigning on August 1, 2016
- Led a team to capture the USL Championship title in 2022
On October 31, 2024, Marcina and San Antonio FC mutually agreed to part ways.
Personal life
Marcina’s heritage traces back to Croatia; his family originates from Dugi Otok, Croatia.