Scottish striker Darren Mackie has singed with the USL PRO Phoenix FC Wolves for their inaugural season. Photo courtesy of Phoenix FC

Soccer News: Phoenix FC Wolves Sign Scottish Veteran for Inaugural USL PRO Season

The Phoenix FC Wolves, one of the newest franchises in the USL PRO, have announced the signing of Scottish Premier League (SPL) veteran Darren Mackie as their first professional player. Mackie, who appeared in over 300 matches over 13 years with Aberdeen FC, agreed to a one-year contract with Phoenix. Per club policy, details have not been disclosed. The contract is pending approval from USL PRO and the USSF.

The 30 year old striker scored 69 goals over his career in the SPL and in international competition, including the 2007-08 UEFA Cup. Mackie began his professional career in 1998 with Aberdeen after spending his youth career in the club’s system. In January 2004 he moved to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on loan, making six league appearances before returning to Aberdeen.

Mackie’s international experience included scoring the first goal in a match against Ukrainian club Dnipro in the first round of the 2007-08 UEFA Cup. Although Dnipro came back to tie the score, Aberdeen advanced to the group round on away goals. The score was Mackie’s 50th for the team in all competitions. He later scored his 50th league goal in December 2008 in an SPL against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The Inverurie, Scotland, native scored one of the more bizarre goals in SPL history in a match against Kilmarnock in April 2007. Mackie was walking away from the goal as Kilmarnock goalkeeper Alan Combe attempted to throw the ball out to a teammate. By chance, Combe’s toss hit Mackie in the back of the head and the ball rebounded over the startled keeper and into the net.

On July 19, 2011, Aberdeen honored Mackie for his 13 years with the club with a testimonial match against Villareal of the Spanish La Liga. The game ended in a 0-1 loss for Aberdeen, with Giuseppe Rossi scoring the lone goal at the 53-minute mark. Mackie played his final match with Aberdeen on May 12, 2012 – a 0-0 draw with St. Mirren.

"We are thrilled to come to an agreement with Darren, knowing that he possesses outstanding qualities on and off the field," said Phoenix FC Head Coach David Robertson, who was a six-time Scottish Premier Champion, all with Aberdeen FC. "With Darren's leadership and experience, Phoenix FC is positioned to immediately compete for a USL PRO Championship."

About Phoenix FC: The Phoenix FC Wolves, a franchise member of the USL PRO professional soccer division, will open their inaugural season in the Spring of 2013. The mission of Phoenix FC is to consistently compete for USL PRO championships by fielding the best team, promoting a strong organizational culture based on athletic excellence and integrity, and cultivating a community following of youth and soccer enthusiasts across the team's home state of Arizona. For more information, visit PhoenixFC.com.

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