PORT ORCHARD, WA—Port Orchard Football Club is excited to reveal that Sam Gomez, a Bremerton-born midfielder with professional experience at home and abroad, is the first-ever player to be announced by the new Cascadia Premier League club.
Gomez, who turns 27 in August, trained as a youth player with Crossfire Premier and the Seattle Sounders Academy. While in college at Cal State Bakersfield Sam also played summer ball with the San Diego Zest and Kitsap Pumas. More recently he featured for Honduran side Real C.D. España and professional NISA side San Diego 1904. Gomez currently coaches with Kitsap Alliance and is also on the Central Kitsap High School Boys Soccer staff. Sam is a graduate of CKHS.
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“It’s a privilege to be a part of the inception of POFC,” says Gomez. “I was born and raised in Kitsap so to help grow soccer in this community is amazing. The club has done such a great job across the board getting the right people involved and creating excitement in the community, which really makes my role much easier. I can’t wait to get on the field and help give this community a soccer culture to be proud of.”
Port Orchard FC Head Coach Patrick Leonard knows Gomez well. “We couldn’t ask for a better first signing than Sam. I’ve seen Sam play from the youth levels locally, to then seeing him go on to have the collegiate and professional career he’s had in the game, and every step of the way his work ethic and dedication to his craft have been the driving force. He is the type of player that will elevate the level of play in our club. He makes everyone around him better.”
Double Duty
Sam will also be an assistant coach under Leonard. He’s excited about the dual roles. “Being behind the scenes as a part of the coaching staff as well as on the field as a player, I’ll be able to facilitate hands on the message of the coaches, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Gaffer Leonard is happy to see Gomez contribute. “I’ve known Sam for years and trust his views and ideas on the game completely, so having him on board as a player-coach is invaluable. It really shows our intentions to create an entertaining style of play for our community.”
Port Orchard Football Club General Manager Sam Ironside recognizes the historic nature of the news. “Announcing our first ever player is a momentous occasion and huge day for the club. This milestone makes this adventure even more real and exciting. Sam is a great addition to the club and I look forward to seeing what he can do for POFC.”
Open Tryouts Ahead
Sam needs teammates and POFC is committed to public open tryouts in the effort to include our community of players. Over 50 players have already submitted contact information to the club. Final details of when and where tryouts will be held are coming soon.
Official Website of Port Orchard Football Club 