Sporting AZ FC announced today that Lance Thompson would be its head coach for the 2019 UPSL season. Thompson is a veteran coach, with experience at the youth, collegiate, and international levels.
Thompson replaces gaffer Aiden Davison. The Englishman brought national attention to Arizona soccer, with successful stints with both FC Arizona (2017) and Sporting AZ FC (2018). During his time with the two teams, he tallied only four losses. Most recently, his leadership took the team to the UPSL Spring National Finals, where the team finished as runners-up.
“I would like to thank Aidan Davison for all he’s done for the club, and a magical 2018. He will continue to consult with me on Sporting AZ FC.”
Tim Marchisotto, SAZ FC General Manager
The new boss is also the Assistant Coach for the Turks and Caicos Men’s National Team and serves as the Executive Director for the AZ Nomads Soccer Club. Thompson is currently coaching the Hamilton High School Varsity Boys team
Thompson arrive in Phoenix as the Director of Coaching for the Arizona Hammers club and Director of Club Soccer for Grand Canyon University. He has also coached at Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State San Bernadino, and the University of Hawaii-Hilo.
“We are very lucky again to have a high-caliber coach like Lance. He has a long and successful record at the collegiate level, and now international experience. His network and access to players is impressive.”
Tim Marchisotto, SAZ FC General Manager
Remaining on staff is Associate Head Coach Tom Hurdle. Marchisotto describes Hurdle as the “… heartbeat of the franchise” and a “rising star.” Hurdle was a key figure in the 2018 campaign which, in addition to the UPSL Championship berth, found Sporting AZ FC in the third round of the US Open Cup. Hurdle also continues to serve as the Associate Head Coach of the Scottsdale Community College Artichoke Men’s and Women’s teams, as well as Team USA 6v6. Hurdle recently led the Arizona U14 Girls to a Region IV Olympic Development Program (ODP) Championship.
For more information about Sporting AZ FC, visit their website at https://www.sportingaz.com
