by Guest Post from SE Proulx
With the historic first season of the Detroit City FC Women’s side fast approaching, anticipation is rising in the fanbase. We were able to pick the brain of Coach Sam Piraine about the upcoming season and what the supporters of the club can look forward to. “Thank you” to Coach Sam for taking the time to speak with us.
First, I’d like to ask about you, what is your background with soccer for those who aren’t already aware?
I was a player for many years. I have played in all the ranks soccer has to offer; I played youth soccer growing up in Michigan. Post-club soccer I played 4 years of College before playing pro for Cincinnati Riverhawks (A-League, now USL Championship) and getting a call up to Columbus Crew but calling it quits with a back injury. As a coach, I have been coaching for the last 18 years. I started as a High School coach before plying my trade for the youth club scene. For the last 10 years, I’ve dipped my toes in adult amateur summer soccer including a minor stint in the NPSL. Excited to be a part of what DCFC has to offer to players and fans alike!!!
How familiar are you with the league and other clubs that City will be competing with (in UWS)?
As a person who has played and coached in the summer leagues, I have kept up with what is going on with all the league and their continuous changes. As for the current league and clubs that City will be competing in/with, I followed a bit last year as a good friend of mine was coaching in the league, so I was able to bring my daughter to a few games to watch. It seems like the division we will be in will be of high quality.
How do you think players in this league will react to playing in Keyworth Stadium?
Every player that plays at Keyworth this summer will witness something special. It is an environment that every player wants to be a part of. Lucky for me and the ladies wearing the City crest we will be able to call it home.
How do you feel about coaching in front of the fans and supporters at Keyworth Stadium?
Can’t wait! I have been to many matches both at Cass Tech and Keyworth. To be able to put out a competitive team in front of the City faithful is something that will be exciting to be a part of.
As someone with a long history with youth soccer what does it to mean for young players in Michigan to now have both a professional Men’s and Women’s club in their state?
I can’t stress enough how important it is for the youth of today to be able to attend pro soccer in Detroit. To be able to have Male and Female high-level soccer in their backyard will only help them continue to grow and develop. This is for all youth players in the area and not just DCFC youth affiliates. The game is for everyone!
About the tryouts, we heard about 60 players signed up for the opportunity to audition for the club, is that correct?
Yes, we had 67 players turn up and the level of play was very high which was exciting to see.
How many tryouts will there be total or are you nearing your selections after the two that have already taken place?
We are past the trial phase. I have a decent sized player pool that will still be dwindling down this month. The selection process is still ongoing but with a good idea of what the final roster will look like.
How soon should we expect to see news on the roster?
I truly believe that we will start announcing roster spots soon, looks like mid-March is our target time frame.
Finally, do you have any messages for the fans or those who may be considering attending a DCFC soccer match for the first time?
For the first time attendees, I would say that once you come you will want to come back. There is nothing here like a matchday experience at Keyworth. The product that I will put on the field and the support of the City faithful is something that you do not want to miss.
To the City faithful, I cannot wait to get started and hear you sing and cheer for 90 minutes. We are excited to be donning the City Crest and playing in front of all of you.
The Detroit City FC Women’s side kicks off their inaugural season at home against Midwest United on 5/9/2020 at 7:30PM at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Michigan.
