Thunder sign veteran striker Alen Marcina

The Minnesota Thunder have signed Canadian forward Alen Marcina. The 28-year-old striker split time with three USL First Division clubs last season, scoring three goals. In 2006 he struck the back of the net 13 times (including three tallies against the Thunder) for the Puerto Rico Islanders, earning him second team All-League honors.

Marcina is the Thunder's second significant off-season signing. Last month the club announced that it had finalized a three-year deal with playmaker Luchi Gonzalez. The former MLS first-round pick spent last season with Miami FC, notching four goals and two assists.

The team's new ownership group, headed by Belgium-based developers Dean Johnson and Henk Habers, has promised to significantly increase Coach Amos Magee's player budget. The Thunder have missed the playoffs for three straight seasons.