Pellicio Returns to Coach Shadow MFT

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

The Spokane Shadow Men’s First Team is thrilled to announce the return of Mike Pellicio as the head coach heading into the team’s eighth season of play since the re-launch in 2014 and 18th since its first official season of play in 1996 in USL PDL (now USL League Two).

Pellicio previously coached the Shadow MFT in 2018 and 2019, taking the team from a fourth place 2017 NPSL Northwest finish to a division championship in 2018. He was recognized as the Northwest Coach of the Year for his efforts.

“We are happy to have Mike back in the fold coaching the Shadow,” said club Technical Director Abbas Faridnia. “Mike is great at bringing together college players and understands the importance of incorporating our elite youth players into the roster and training sessions to best challenge them and advance their preparation for the next level once they leave our program for the collegiate ranks.”

A San Diego native, Pellicio is an experienced coach that has been a part of the Spokane Sounders staff as well as the Sandpoint Strikers and ODP programs. In addition, he is a coaching education instructor for US Soccer.

“I’m so fortunate to head up the Men’s First Team program again for Spokane Shadow,” Pellicio said. “I love what this program represents. Young soccer players in Spokane have looked up to Spokane Shadow First Team players, men and women alike, for a long time and the players who will represent the team this year will have largely been local products themselves. Many of my favorite memories were made working with the men’s first team and I’m humbled to have the opportunity to make more.”

News regarding the upcoming season and more details for the Shadow MFT program will be announced shortly.

Experienced players seeking opportunities should look out for upcoming tryout dates.

If you’d like to be a sponsor, we have many options available, however big or small.

All inquiries can be directed to Head Coach Mike Pellicio at mike@spokanesc.org.