Detroit City FC today announced the hiring of Sam Piraine as the inaugural head coach of the Detroit City FC women’s team.

The Detroit City FC women’s team is set to begin play in May 2020 in the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) Midwest Conference, against the likes of AFC Ann Arbor, Detroit Sun, Grand Rapids FC, Indiana Union, Lansing United and Michigan Legends.

Piraine brings a vast array of experience to the job, coaching both high school and semi-pro soccer since 2002. He currently serves as Technical Director for Detroit City FC Youth West.

Piraine played four years of college soccer at Madonna University where he was a two-time Conference Player of the Year and a 4-time college All-American. After college, Piraine played professionally for the Cincinnati Riverhawks of the now-defunct A-League.

“I’m very honored to be a part of this amazing organization,” Piraine said. “I am looking forward to building a competitive squad that will look to challenge for a title immediately, and I’m excited for the team to play in front of the most passionate supporters in US Soccer: the Northern Guard. Lastly, I would like to thank Sean, Todd and the entire ownership group for this opportunity. Come on, City!”

“We’re very excited for this new chapter for the club and glad to have Sam at the helm,” said Sean Mann, DCFC CEO. “We’ve known Sam for many years and know he’ll bring a lot to the club from day one.”

The Detroit City FC women’s team will hold its first-ever tryout at the Detroit City Fieldhouse (3401 E Lafayette St) on Saturday, January 4 from 4-6 PM.

Tryout registration is $50 and is open to players aged 18 and up. Space is limited. All interested participants must pre-register online here: https://detcityfcstore.com/products/2020-womens-tryout-registration.

Tryouts are open to the public and free to attend for spectators.

The launch of the Detroit City FC women’s team in 2020 coincides with the first full professional season for the Detroit City FC men’s team, with the men beginning play in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) in early 2020.

Schedules will be announced in the coming months.

2020 season tickets are still available, ensuring entry to ALL women’s and men’s regular season and friendly home matches next year. Secure your 2020 season tickets now at tickets.detcityfc.com.

The United Women’s Soccer summer season runs from May through July. Formed in 2015, UWS is a national league with teams playing in regional conferences and is the second division of women’s soccer, below the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Learn more here.