Former captain’s three seasons as head coach included three consecutive playoff appearances, a Western Conference Championship and a proud continuation of the club’s winning tradition
TUCSON, Ariz. — FC Tucson today announced that Sebastian “Seba” Pineda will not return as head coach of its USL League Two men’s team as he and his family are to relocate to Greenville, South Carolina. Pineda leaves following three successful seasons leading the team.
Seba’s start with FC Tucson began before he took his place on the sidelines. As a player and captain, he wore the crest with pride and understood what it meant to represent the club. His return to the coaching staff brought that connection full circle, giving a former club leader the opportunity to help shape its next chapter.
Pineda served as an assistant coach with FC Tucson’s professional team in USL League One in 2022, then continued with the club as associate head coach during its return to USL League Two in 2023. He became head coach ahead of the 2024 season.
From 2024 through 2026, Pineda guided FC Tucson to three consecutive second-place finishes in the Southwest Division and USL League Two playoff berths. His first year in charge delivered a particularly memorable run: a Western Conference Championship and an appearance in the USL League Two Final Four, securing his place in the club’s history as both a player and coach.
He built on that success in 2025, leading FC Tucson to another playoff victory and the Western Conference Semifinals. His team’s attacking play also earned national recognition, with 55 regular-season goals tying for the most among USL League Two’s 144 clubs.
In 2026, FC Tucson closed the regular season with three consecutive victories to secure its third straight postseason appearance under Pineda. That campaign also marked a second consecutive undefeated season at Kino North Stadium, extending the club’s home unbeaten run to 18 matches—including 15 wins and three draws—dating back to June 2024. Pineda’s team suffered just one home defeat in USL League Two play during his three years in charge.
Those results tell an important part of Seba’s story. Equally meaningful was the pride he brought to the role. Having led the team as its captain, he understood the standards, history and community he was entrusted to represent as its coach. He carried that responsibility with commitment and helped create more moments for players and supporters to celebrate together.
FC Tucson is deeply grateful for Seba’s leadership and his lasting contributions to the club’s tradition of on-field success. From wearing the captain’s armband to leading the team on the sidelines, he represented FC Tucson proudly and successfully. The club cannot thank him enough for everything he has given.
“Seba’s contributions to FC Tucson go far beyond the victories and championships. His loyalty, leadership, and commitment to our club have meant the world to me, and Seba, Nathalie, Luka, and Renato will always be family to both myself and to FC Tucson.”
— Jon Pearlman, Founder and President, FC Tucson
Everyone at the club wishes Coach Seba and his family nothing but the best as they begin their next chapter.
About FC Tucson
FC Tucson is Southern Arizona’s premier pre-professional soccer club, competing in USL League Two and the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
