DALLAS, TEXAS — Texas Lone Star S.C. is proud to announce the addition of legendary player and coach Antonio Pecorari, better known throughout the soccer world as Tatu, as the club’s new Director of Coaching.

“I am excited to join Texas Lone Star S.C and help the women’s game grow, as I believe both the club and the development of women’s soccer are important,” said Tatu, “ I have a good relationship with the club’s leadership and know the quality they have both on and off the field.”

In his role, Tatu will oversee the club’s coaching methodology, system and style of play, player development, and on-field direction.

The appointment of Tatu brings one of the most accomplished figures in the history of professional indoor soccer, both as a player and as a coach, which will amplify the growth of the women’s indoor game.

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AN ICON OF THE INDOOR GAME

Tatu’s playing career spanned 21 indoor seasons and included 857 regular-season goals, 728 assists and 1,585 points in 633 games. He became synonymous with the Dallas Sidekicks as a player / coach where he helped the club capture four professional indoor championships.

His individual honors include six league Most Valuable Player awards and a remarkable run of scoring championships across the MISL, CISL, PSA and WISL eras. In 1996, he became the professional indoor soccer’s all-time leading goal scorer.

Tatu’s impact extended far beyond statistics. His trademark celebration of throwing his jersey into the crowd after scoring became one of the most recognizable traditions in American indoor soccer, and his two decades with the Dallas Sidekicks helped make him one of the defining sports personalities in North Texas soccer history. He was inducted into the Indoor Soccer Hall of Fame as a member of its inaugural class.

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CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER. AWARD-WINNING COACH.

Tatu’s influence on the game continued from the field to the technical area.

After transitioning into coaching with the Dallas Sidekicks, he earned Coach of the Year honors in 1998 and again following the 2003–04 MISL season. He later returned to lead the reborn Dallas Sidekicks and subsequently became the inaugural head coach of the Mesquite Outlaws in the Major Arena Soccer League (later known as the Texas Outlaws), where he assembled a coaching staff and team that had successful campaigns, leading the program to multiple playoff appearances.

His career represents decades of experience developing players, building teams and competing at the highest levels of the American indoor game.

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BUILDING THE TEXAS LONE STAR IDENTITY

As the Director of Coaching, Tatu will establish a clear technical identity throughout Texas Lone Star’s playing paradigm.

“Bringing Tatu into Texas Lone Star is about much more than adding a legendary name, it is about establishing an identity second to none,” said Brad Namdar, General Manager of Texas Lone Star S.C. “There are very few people who understand the indoor game, the North Texas soccer community and what it takes to build a winning culture the way Tatu does. His experience as a player, coach and leader gives our players and coaches an extraordinary resource. You can’t get someone with more experience than Tatu. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him in the MASL, and I have seen first hand the tremendous amount of impact he brings to a program.”

Tatu’s appointment represents another step in Texas Lone Star S.C.’s continued development as the club builds a competitive program centered on player development, opportunity, community involvement and a defined soccer philosophy.

Pia Namdar, the club’s principal owner stated, “Bringing Tatu is a truly special moment for our club. He is a Dallas soccer icon who helped shape the history of indoor soccer in this city, and now we have the opportunity to bring that experience, passion, and winning mentality into the next chapter of our club. I’m incredibly excited for what his leadership will mean for our players and for the future of women’s soccer in North Texas. This is about honoring the legacy of the game while building something new for the next generation.”

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ABOUT TEXAS LONE STAR S.C.

Texas Lone Star S.C. is a North Texas soccer organization 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to providing competitive opportunities for players while building a program centered on development, professionalism, community engagement and a strong club identity.

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