06/20/2018 ​ Columbus, Ohio - FC Columbus is excited to announce the addition of US Soccer National Hall of Fame member Desmond Armstrong to its front office as Technical Director of the club. ​ A decorated figure in American soccer, Desmond Armstrong has represented the United States of America on soccer's biggest stages as both an Olympian and member of the 1990 World Cup squad. Along with an outstanding playing career, Desmond has achieved success throughout the ranks of the coaching arena. He has won championships at the State, Regional and National levels while also serving on the technical coaching staffs of several MLS clubs. One of Desmond’s strengths within the coaching realm is identifying talent and moving that talent onto the college, professional and international stage. ​​ ​

"The addition of Desmond to our club is crucial as we continue down our path towards providing talented players in the area an opportunity to grow as individuals and professionals," said Owner / Head Coach Maziya Chete. "Desmond embodies everything that it takes to succeed in developing as a professional, world class player in this country. We believe that he is going to have a very positive influence on our young men."​ ​ In addition to his coaching and playing background, Desmond has also served on the Board of Directors for US Soccer and United Soccer Coaches (USC) formally known as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). These experiences provide a unique perspective on the player development landscape that is currently in place in the United States.

Over the past few weeks, Desmond has been observing training sessions and games. He officially began his role Tuesday, leading the team’s first training session of the week. ​ "I'm very excited to get going this week. The team is coming off two great results over the weekend. We've got a lot of work ahead of us over the remaining five games of the regular season, but our guys are hungry and ready to continue their development as players and young men," said Desmond. "We're going to work on harnessing that energy in a way that is both positive for the individual and the club for the remainder of the season." ​ FC Columbus is back in action on Friday, June 22nd against FC Indiana in Lafayette at 7:30pm. The club returns home Sunday, June 24th to Grandview Heights where they will face Grand Rapids FC at 3:00pm

Coaching Qualifications USSF A License

2017-2013 MLS Sporting KC Academy Affiliate Technical Director and Scout

2013 USL Super Y Divisional Champions (FC Nashville Heroes/ Heroes Futbol Association)

2012 US Club Soccer Regional Champions (Heroes Futbol Association)

2010 US Youth Region 3 Head Coach 98 Boys

2009 DC United Academy Staff Coach/ SUM CUP Champions

2003-2008 Brad Friedel Premier Soccer Academies Chief Scout and Academy Coach

2007-2008 Crew Jrs Academy Assistant Coach

2006 MSYSA State Cup Champions (Bethesda Roadrunner - US Youth Regional Champions and National Cup Finalist)

2004 US Club Soccer National Cup Champs (Heroes Futbol Association)

2003-2007 adidas esp Staff Coach

2003-2005 US Club Soccer id2 Staff Coach

2000 named National Director of Coaching for Soccer in the Streets

1999 Technical Director of Blue Ridge Rapids