As 2013 drew to a close, Scorpions fans were relieved to see the back of a season that was the absolute epitome of a roller coaster. San Antonio stumbled out of the gate in the spring, rebounded to finish just behind Atlanta, started poorly again in the fall, fired Tim Hankinson, and finally began to show signs of life again to end on a high note.
Alen Marcina deserved ample credit in leading the late turnaround, and it was this performance as interim manager that saw him appointed on a full-time basis last winter. Now with San Antonio having spent copious amounts of money in the offseason, Marcina's challenge is no longer one of achieving consisteny; it is one of meeting lofty expectations and bringing home a trophy or two.
Goalkeepers
David Bingham has arrived on loan from San Jose and will start as San Antonio's #1. Though he is young, San Jose is very high on him and views him as a potential replacement for Jon Busch in the future. As such, the chance to play in the high-pressure setting a contending team provides will do his development wonders. Jeremy Vuolo, who split time with Patrick Hannigan last season, is a solid second option and will be ready to step in should Bingham struggle.
Defenders
As if a microcosm of San Antonio's struggles last season, this was a unit that was often leaky and resembled a revolving door. Stability is the goal, and new signings should go a long way in providing that.
Former Red Bull Jonathan Borrajo is an upgrade at right back and will give San Antonio extra width on his forays forward. The returning Stephen DeRoux is a good left back at this level, and like Borrajo, doesn't hesitate to join the attack. Part-time right back Jeff Jennings is back to provide cover.
The signing of Julius James instantly made the Scorpions' defensive core markedly better. James performed well with Carolina last season before falling out with Colin Clarke and has always been a physically imposing figure, whether in the NASL or MLS. Fellow new addition Adrian Cann or the incumbent Greg Janicki will partner James at center back over the course of the season.
Midfielders
After the way this offseason shaped up for San Antonio, it is not hyperbole to say that this is potentially the best and most dangerous midfield in the league.
Richard Menjivar comes over from Atlanta, where he was an ever-present for the trophy winning side. Menjivar's stellar defensive midfield performances in the spring last year had him on MLS radars during the summer break, and he was on trial with Portland early this year before making his way to Texas. Fellow holding midfielder Freddie Braun has recently arrived as well from Orlando City, where he was a consistent starter. Braun may not be in the starting eleven on a regular basis this season, but the former Portland man will still get his fair share of minutes in a crowded midfield.
While the engine room of the midfield is in great shape, it is the attacking options in the middle of the park that have fans salivating. Walter Restrepo, formerly of Ft. Lauderdale, and Shaun Saiko, formerly of Edmonton, will be starting on the right and left respectively. The parallels between these two are striking: both were fantastic with their former clubs in 2012, but both struggled with injuries and a loss of form in 2013. In joining the San Antonio revolution and playing in a system that will allow them to largely operate as they please, the signs point to these two returning to their formerly dangerous levels. San Jose loanee Sam Garza provides capable depth out wide.
The hub of the midfield attack will be former Silverback Danny Barerra, who was easily Atlanta's most creative and influential force when he was in the lineup--red cards were a bit of a problem last season, however. Barrera, blessed with the capacity for the sublime, a cultured left foot, and the ability to score from anywhere, will stand a chance to be the best player in the league if he continues to develop his discipline and maturity this season. Having seen him play all season in 2013, I can assure you that this lofty praise is not out of place.
Javier Saavedra returns to Toyota Field, and though he is 41 years old as the new season begins, he can still be a calming influence when he appears this season.
Strikers
The loss of Hans Denissen should be more problematic than it is for San Antonio, but in staying true to form to their highly acclaimed offseason, the Scorpions are still in great shape up top.
Tomasz Zahorski quickly became a fan favorite after arriving last fall, and after learning the lay of the NASL land last year, he should be in a perfect position to score with an even greater regularity this term. His stature immediately suggests his aerial presence, but he has demonstrated his aptitude for the clinical finish as well.
The signing of former Vancouver and FC Dallas striker Eric Hassli shocked many, but his move to the other side of Texas is a great opportunity for redemption and proving his worth. Hassli's MLS career fell flat last year thanks to a back injury that never allowed him to be 100% fit, but the indications are that this fitness is not far away as the season dawns. If Hassli is back to anywhere near his former best, look for him to get back to getting on the end of crosses, bullying center backs, and scoring from range with regularity.
When Alen Marcina is quite literally looking for a change of pace in the front, two quick options will be at his disposal. Jonathan Faña has had previous success in the NASL with the Puerto Rico Islanders. Sainey Touray impressed last fall after arriving on loan from the USL's Harrisburg City and rightfully earned a permanent deal for this season.
Verdict
Anything less than winning one of the NASL's trophies this season would be a disappointment, and anything less than being one of the final four teams playing in November would be seen as a disaster by many around the league.
The stage is set for San Antonio to take the league by storm. If Marcina plays his cards correctly and keeps his collection of personalities on the same page, his side has a great chance to be the toast of the league and could even make a deep run in the US Open Cup.
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