In this week’s Grand Circus Player Profile, we get to know goalkeeper and Houston, Texas, native Fernando Piña.
In his first year with the club, Piña has helped lead Detroit City FC in net throughout the second half of the season and the NPSL Playoffs.
Piña said he was motivated to play in Detroit thanks to Bret Mollon, City’s assistant coach and director of goalkeeping, who he met while playing at Coastal Carolina University. Piña said adjusting was easy given the talent and character of the players and coaches on the team.
“There’s a good amount of quality players training here,” Piña said. “I really trust Bret and the coaches. I think being myself and being a team player, you know, little things like that makes a team.”
Through eight starts and 720 minutes of play, Piña has been essential in helping City secure a playoff spot.
In City’s current playoff run, Piña has started all three matches and has allowed a combined total of five goals. He said he is looking forward to starting again this Saturday against Midland-Odessa FC in the NPSL National Semifinal.
“So far it’s been a great experience – I’ve learned a lot about myself and our team,” Piña said. “In the playoffs, we made a statement, then had Ann Arbor, which was a crazy game back and forth. For the game Saturday, we will be ready to go. Everybody is looking forward to it.”
When asked how he felt taking over the starting position in goal midseason, Piña said he welcomed the opportunity for more playing time. He said he was motivated by his coaches and fellow goalies to work harder all summer.
“When Bret brought me to the team, I was really motivated and excited,” Piña said. “When I got here, I tried to make the best out of the opportunities I was given. Nate [Steinwascher] really helped me out a lot. Colin [Miller], too, helped when I first got here. So did coach Bret and coach Ben.”
Having fans at every home and away game has energized Piña. He said the supporters make all the difference when it comes to creating a fun atmosphere to play in.
“It’s always great to be in an atmosphere like that,” he said. “You know, playing in front of six or seven thousand people. It’s a good stadium, it’s a good environment and it’s fun to play in – it makes soccer fun.”
Piña has past experience with the United States U17 team. In 2011, Piña posted seven international appearances and was the leading keeper for the U.S. at the CONCACAF U17 Championship, starting in three games and allowing just two goals.
In 2012, Piña began his collegiate career at the University of Akron, where he redshirted as a true freshman in 2012 and spent two seasons playing.
In 2013, he started 19 matches for the Zips, posting a 14-3-1 record with eight shutouts and earned a Goals Against Average of 0.62 in 1,731 minutes. Piña then transferred to Coastal Carolina in spring 2015 as a rising junior.
Piña said making friends this summer and being part of this City team will contribute to positive memories after the season ends. This fall, Piña said he hopes to go back to school and keep playing soccer.
“The biggest takeaway is just all the memories – the friendships that I’ve made and the new people that I’ve met in Detroit,” he said. “No matter if we have a good game or bad game, I just like to take it all in and move forward. Hopefully, I’ll finish off school and we’ll see what happens. That’s the goal.”
Before that, though, he said wants to help keep City’s playoff run alive. He added how grateful he was for the coaching staff and fans, and to be a part of the most successful playoff run in DCFC history.
“I’m just really happy to be here,” Piña said. “I really enjoy the city and the people. I’m enjoying my soccer here and I’m really happy that coach Ben, coach Josh, coach Bret and coach Andrew gave me the opportunity and trusted me with a big responsibility. Making it far this season and winning the regional championship is something that hasn’t happened in this team’s history. It’s great playing it all in front of the fans in this city.”
