MLS Sporting Kansas City

Wizards Sign Defender Alex Zotinca, Will Be Available For Tonight 's Match vs. New England

Published on May 14, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release


KANSAS CITY, MO (Wednesday, May 14, 2003) - Kansas City Wizards General Manager Curt Johnson announced today the team has signed defender Alex Zotinca as a discovery player. As per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Zotinca, who possesses a Green Card, joins the Wizards after spending the past three seasons with the Kansas City Comets of the MISL.

"We are thrilled to finally be able to make this announcement," said Johnson. "In Alex we get someone who we feel can help both now and in the future. He is a very capable defender who has fit in well."

"He has been impressive in the few weeks he has been training with us," added Head Coach Bob Gansler. "He is comfortable with the ball and seems to be a good one against one defender. It is a matter of him gelling with the team and we welcome him. He helps us in a realm where we are a little sparse right now, but we were planning on signing him even before Jose's (Burciaga) unfortunate injury and before some of the other guys got dinged up. He is a versatile guy who fits in extremely well in the defense and midfield areas"

The 26-year-old native of Romania came to the United States in 2000 and joined the Comets indoor soccer team and quickly made a name for himself, being named to the MISL all-rookie team in 2000. He became one of the top defenders in the league and was named to the MISL West All-Star team for the 2002-2003 season.

Prior to coming to the United States, Zotinca was a standout defender in the Romanian First Division (Divizia A). He played for FC Inter Sibiu from 1995 to 1998, before moving on to F.C. Steaua Bucharest where he played from 1998 to 2000. In 1999, while with Steaua Bucharest, Zotinca played in the UEFA Cup helping them to the third round of the prestigious European tournament.

"I am very happy that everything has come together," said Zotinca with a smile. "I am very happy to be here and I hope everything goes well for me and the team. (Outdoor soccer) is the game I grew up playing. I gained a lot from playing indoor and it was a good experience, but I am happy to be with the Wizards."

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