The San Antonio Scorpions search through Eastern Europe has continued as they announced the signing of Croatian Striker, Ivan Milicevic on Tuesday.
“Ivan is a tremendous talent who should help us put relentless pressure on our opponent’s goal,” said Head Coach Tim Hankinson in a press release. “This will be his first taste of American soccer, but he comes well-equipped after strong performances in Europe..."
Indeed Milicevic's statistics are very impressive for a 25 year-old, he has made 122 appearances for Osijek and has scored 23 goals for the club.
This year has been a career best year for Milicevic, following Osijek's runner-up performance in the 2012 HNL Cup the club qualified for the Europa League qualifying rounds, Milicevic scored Osijek's only goal in their loss in the second round to Kalmar, while also managing a goal in the first round against FC Santa Coloma.
Milicevic’s was the star in Europe for Osijek, having played all four games and leading his club’s scoring charts and that experience will be vital for the Scorpions.
With such experience at such a young age Milicevic will be a vital part of the Scorpions for 2013, Milicevic will be a different style of forward to Pablo Campos who has moved to Minnesota United.
Milicevic has also managed appearances at youth level for Croatia with seven appearances and two goals for the Under 20 side.
It is clear that San Antonio will need a significant switch in tactics to their play in 2013 with so many players from a fluid Eastern European clubs.
San Antonio played a more direct style in 2012 with Campos as a target man it would seem that in 2013 the Scorpions will play a much more flowing style.
For all the latest San Antonio Soccer News please subscribe and follow the writer on twitter.
Comments