PORT ORCHARD, WA—Soccer fans from all around Kitsap County supported the debut match of Port Orchard Football Club on April 30, 2023. The preseason friendly against Nido Aguila Club America Seattle ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors but both the match and the moments before and after had fans buzzing about their new team. 523 fans attended the POFC debut, a new single match Cascadia Premier League record.
There was a march to the match with South Kitsap Soccer Club and Sidney City Supporters trekking from the Marina to South Kitsap High School’s Kitsap Bank Stadium.
FAN GALLERY: Supporters capture the ‘events’ of POFC debut
There was a prematch walkout with pomp and circumstance. Then a match of close calls, a solid free kick winner for the visitors from Axel Alarcon about 30 minutes in, and even a penalty kick save from POFC goalkeeper Caleb Tucker before halftime. In the final frantic moments the boys in blue hounded the Nido goal, hitting the post and applying pressure. Hugs, cheers and handshakes at the final whistle.
ACTION GALLERY: Jeff Halstead shot the second half
After the match players, families and supporters lingered to take in the day. Kitsap Pumas fans, youth club players and volunteers, curious onlookers, club Founders Circle members…all enjoying the start of semi-pro soccer in the City of Port Orchard.
In the debut of the “Let’s Go Gaffer” Show Head Coach Patrick Leonard looks back on all aspects of the debut, including the team performance, next steps in training, and the amazing support from sponsors and the community.
Next Port Orchard FC jumps right into Cascadia Premier League 2 Pacific Division action when Tacoma’s Steel United comes to town on Sunday May 7 at 3 PM at Kitsap Bank Stadium.
The friendly debut was a moment. Now the matches count in the table.
Official Website of Port Orchard Football Club 