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By Howie Hanson
Duluth FC’s new head coach, Thomas Pazo, aims to build on the club's past success in the National Premier Soccer League, which included a national semifinal appearance a year ago.
Last season, the BlueGreens made their deepest Level 4 post-season run ever and finished 11-4-1 under coach Sean Morgan, who resigned during the off-season. The ever-expanding amateur league features over 90 clubs in the U.S., and Duluth competes in the six-team Northeast Region North Conference.
“Morgan made my life easy and hard simultaneously,” Pazo joked at the club’s preseason Media Day gathering Tuesday afternoon. “(He) made my life pretty easy. He left a legacy where players want to come and play for FC because they know it's a good team, they know it's a great setup, and they play good football.”
“But at the same time, big shoes to fill. I can't do much better than a semifinal, right?” the Lindsey Wilson College assistant and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, native added.
The BlueGreens open against conference foe Joy FC of St. Louis Park at 7 p.m. Thursday at Walt Hunting Stadium at Duluth Denfeld High School.
Duluth FC’s opening-day roster features a mix of returning and new players, including several local players, with eight returners out of a total of 31.
Liam Pritchard, a returning player entering his third season with the club, said the players have their sights set on winning the national championship.
“Obviously, last year was a huge for us,” said Pritchard, who hails from Hartlepool, England. “It was a great experience, but as always, some things change. We've got a good set of boys who are ready to compete this year and win every game. That's our mindset and how we want to act, and Thomas really provides that with us, fueling us with a lot of knowledge. That's great for us young, hungry boys.”
The BlueGreens are co-owned by legendary local businessman Alex Giuliani and John Schuster, a 2018 Olympic curling gold medalist who resides in Superior, who recently also became general manager.
