HOUSTON (Thursday, March 14, 2024) – In a historic announcement today, the Houston Dash introduced Pablo Piñones-Arce as the first technical director in the club’s history.
Teaming up with Houston Dash general manager Alex Singer,Piñones-Arce is set to play a crucial role in establishing a robust soccer operation framework for the Dash. His responsibilities will include talent identification, roster construction, overseeing various aspects of soccer operations, and contributing to the development of a comprehensive youth strategy.
“Pablo brings a winning pedigree and accomplished resume building successful women’s programs,” Singer, said. “This is a new role for the Dash, and we are excited to bring someone with this caliber and global perspective to our organization. His keen eye for talent, recruitment expertise, and overall strategic approach will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset as we continue to strengthen our club.”
Prior to joining the Dash, Piñones-Arce served as the head coach for Hammarby IF in Stockholm, Sweden. While with the club, Piñones-Arce worked with the club and coaching staff on all recruiting and development by building Hammarby’s first team and worked closely to establish the girls academy into a successful operation. With the first team, Piñones-Arce took the team from the second division, and in four years, the club made several strides in Swedish Women’s Football. During his first year at the helm of the Stockholm based club, Piñones-Arce led Hammarby to a promotion to Damallsvenskan, the Swedish Premier League. Hammarby progressively moved up the ranks and table over the next three years.
"I am honored to join the Houston Dash,” Piñones-Arce said. “My passion and ambition for developing successful women's programs aligns seamlessly with the Dash's vision, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team led by Alex Singer. Together, we aim to build a dynamic soccer operation that fosters growth, excellence, and a strong foundation for the future of the Dash. I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to this organization, get to know and work with Fran Alonso and the entire staff, and play a part in shaping this team’s success."
In the subsequent seasons with the club, Piñones-Arce helped the team win its first title in 28 years by winning the Swedish Cup Gold Medal in June 2023. Five months later, in November 2023, Hammarby won the Swedish Premier League, which resulted in a Swedish champions title for the club for the first time in 38 years. Piñones-Arce was key in recruiting and developing two of the most promising young players in the sport with Kyra Cooney-Cross, who was transferred to Arsenal for a record fee and Maika Hamano who is currently on loan with Chelsea, playing for Emma Hayes who is set to become the United States Women’s National Team head coach later this year.
Piñones-Arce also brings extensive soccer experience and knowledge to the Space City after a 15-year career as professional player in Sweden, Denmark and Italy. After retiring, Piñones-Arce served within the Hammarby IF men’s team as a player manager and an assistant coach from 2016 to 2019. While with the Hammarby men’s side, he was responsible for the Under-21 men’s team, winning the Under-21 championship twice during his stint. During the 2019 to 2020 season Piñones-Arce was the head coach of IK Frej in the Swedish Men’s Second Division.
Off the field, Piñones-Arce had a research paper on soccer analytics he wrote in collaboration with several other experts in the industry that resulted in the findings being published in the MIT SLOAN sports analytics conference. He also speaks seven languages including Spanish, Italian, Danish and French. Piñones-Arce also holds a UEFA Pro-License.
