Oakland County FC Announces Nicolino Morana as New Head Coach
RELEASE: Oakland County Football Club has announced the signing of Nicolino Morana as the team’s head coach for the 2017 season.
Coming off of a six-year stint as player-manager with Oakland County FC’s reserve team, San Marino, Morana hopes to bring his prior success to the table as well as a refreshed approach to the team.
“I’ve had quite the run as a player-manager. League titles, State title runs, Regional competitions, the list goes on. I may not have all the accolades that many of the coaches do at our level (yet), but I am looking forward to this new opportunity. From my first coach at Vardar, Jamie Huff, to my last coach at San Marino, Jean-Pierre Renzi, I’ve been surrounded by great soccer guidance for the majority of my life. Now it’s time to shift all the attention to coaching and seeing what magic we can really do. I couldn’t be more excited to get started!”
In 2016, Morana interim-managed the club’s first ever U.S. Open Qualifying matches vs. Ann Arbor FC (3–1, victory) and Minneapolis City SC (1–2, loss).
Morana after OCFC’s victory over Ann Arbor FC on September 18, 2016.
Morana after OCFC’s victory over Ann Arbor FC on September 18, 2016.
Also serving a Co-Owner of the organization, Morana will continue to be involved with all facets of operation, but with the majority of his focus going to the players and his staff.
“It was a decision that the entire club was on board with. It’s going to be a season of much success, both on and off the field. The players and fans will be pleased with what’s in store and we believe our new coaching staff will bring out the best in everyone for years to come.” — Co-Owner, Theo Foutris
This recent signing indicates that 2016 manager Waad Sana will no longer be with the team.
“We thank Coach Sana for all he did for the team and wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.” — Co-Owner, Ben Rode
The remainder of the coaching staff will be released in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages for up-to-the-minute updates.
“I have the upmost confidence that the staff I will be bringing along with me into the 2017 season will unveil the most potential in our players as we aim to create an atmosphere of strong competition and unfathomed passion as soon as we step on the pitch.”
Morana suited up occasionally for OCFC last season.
Morana suited up occasionally for OCFC last season.
Facts about our new head coach
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Played with Vardar, USL, Michigan Gators, Carpathia Kickers, White Eagle SC and San Marino travel soccer teams; has played with and managed San Marino since 2010
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Graduated from Oakland University in 2007; currently obtaining his MBA at OU
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Employed at MRM//McCann Detroit
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Favorite soccer team: Juventus
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Favorite soccer player: Roberto Baggio
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All-time memorable soccer moment: Grosso’s second OT goal vs. Germany in 2006 World Cup (see the Italian trend here?)
Oakland County Football Club is a Semi-Professional soccer team dedicated to providing a remarkable on-field product as well as an unforgettable game day experience. OCFC will strive to bring high-level soccer and entertainment to Oakland County and surrounding communities. Additionally, we aim to create a game day experience unlike any other that will cater to every audience, both youth and adult. OCFC’s long-term vision is to create a community backed club sponsored by both local and regional organizations, which will give back to the residents of the community in the form of pride and community involvement.
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