Tacoma FC is born

Tacoma replaces Spokane in PDL
USL News Release

Friday, April 14, 2006

TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced today that the Spokane Shadow of the Premier Development League Northwest Division have been replaced by Tacoma FC for the 2006 season.

The new club, headed by Mike Jennings, will assume the Shadow schedule in its entirety for the 2006 season, playing out of the Curtis High School stadium in Tacoma. The club will play under the name Tacoma FC for the 2006 season, adopting an official nickname for 2007.

“We truly appreciate Mike’s decision to assist us on the eve of the start of the season by putting together this team,” said PDL Director of Operations Steve Clamp. “Although it is an 11th hour addition to the league, we feel he and his partners will be capable of fielding a quality side on the field and become a staple in the Northwest Division.”

“Additionally, we would like to give special thanks to Adrian Hanauer and the Seattle Sounders as well as Dave Irby of the Cascade Surge for their assistance in helping us make this a reality.”

Jennings is co-owner of MVP Physical Therapy, Inc. Established in 1996, it has expanded to 12 clinics throughout the Kitsap, Pierce, King and Thurston counties. Jennings will also serve as the team’s head coach. He previously has served as a coach for FC United (now Washington Premier Soccer Club) in the Super Y-League and for the University of Puget Sound women’s program from 1982-88. He led UPS to second and third place finishes and was honored as the 1985 National Coach of the Year. He also served as NAIA Women’s Soccer Coach’s Association President. He was also an assistant under coaching legend Clive Charles with FC Seattle from 1988-90.

"We sympathize with the recent events in Spokane and hope to see them back into the league soon," said Jennings. "That said, we look forward to the opportunity to showcase our areas brightest young players. The Tacoma and South Sound community has a rich soccer tradition. A team here is long overdue. Though there is much yet to do, I appreciate the efforts to date of my partners and staff, the league office and Adrian for making it happen."

The Shadow announced that they had suspended operations at the end of March for the 2006 season when they concluded that the team’s home field, Joe Albi Stadium, was no longer safe for competition. Upon news of the development, the club’s franchise rights were terminated by USL.