PORT ORCHARD, WA—The long offseason is coming to an end for Port Orchard Football Club. Official training begins on Wednesday April 10 with signed and open tryout players hitting the pitch at Kitsap Bank Stadium (South Kitsap High School, Port Orchard.) More players will arrive as colleges close their academic calendars.
(Top photo: Kolby Juarez during 2023 training. Read more on Kolby below. Photo by David Falk.)
Tacoma at Port Orchard June 2
POFC recently announced that a June 2 CPL1 league match against the Tacoma Stars Reserves at Kitsap Bank Stadium has been confirmed for a 3 PM kickoff. This is the first confirmed match in what will be a 10-match league season.
The second (away) leg with Tacoma is expected to be played Saturday June 22 at Curtis High School in University Place (time to be announced.)
The Challenge Of Building A CPL1 Schedule
“Building a schedule is a real challenge,” says POFC Club Coordinator David Falk. “This year especially we have been dealing with the sad realities of family and friend deaths in the Cascadia Premier League office, pushing schedule information to the sidelines. Now we are connecting with our opponents one by one to confirm the home and away dates the CPL sent us.”
The Cascadia Premier League is a collection of youth soccer powers who are fielding U-23 teams and stand-alone men’s and women’s clubs. The needs of the two are often quite different. POFC is a stand-alone team, doing one thing: pre-professional men’s soccer. Opponents such as Washington Premier FC and PacNW are involved at older age groups with the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) whose playoffs hit right in the middle of the CPL season.
More Recent Signings
March 11 POFC announced players signed for 2024 so far. We are excited to add to that group of guys: Kolby Juarez, Ryan Anderson and Graham Hunt.
Kolby has gone on to have an incredible fist year of college soccer and I’m so proud of him. He’s only gotten better and was already a top target for us based on last summer’s play. Bringing Kolby back allows us to have another impact player that knows exactly what we as coaches want.
POFC Gaffer Pat Leonard
Ryan was a standout for us defensively last season. I love everything about his game. He is fearless, composed, and very sharp in his decision making. I’m happy that we are able to have Ryan back on board for another season.
POFC Gaffer Pat Leonard
Graham is a player that brings intensity and work rate to whatever he does. You’d struggle to find a harder working player. I’m very happy Graham is back at POFC for the summer.
POFC Gaffer Pat Leonard
Juarez, Anderson and Hunt played important roles last season helping POFC go 12-0-0 in the CPL2 regular season and playoffs. Their return signals stability in the midfield and backline.
Season Pass Sales Approach 400
Have you been following the POFC journey to the Top of the Totem? The club is approaching 400 home passes! This all despite the lack of a final schedule or full roster. It’s amazing support and really encouraging for everyone volunteering and rooting for success. Go here to boost the numbers!
Press In Kitsap Daily News, Port Orchard Independent
POFC open tryouts were covered by Eli Meyer in the Kitsap Daily News (online) and Port Orchard Independent (print version.) Head Coach Pat Leonard and GM Sam Ironside provided quotes about tryouts and the new season.
