PORT ORCHARD, WA—Derek Johnson arrives at Port Orchard Football Club with plenty of success behind him. He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Boys Soccer in 2023 in the South Sound Conference as a Senior at Gig Harbor High School. Derek was part of a juggernaut squad for the Tides that went undefeated for much of their season. Along the way that year Johnson heped his Tides edge the Central Kitsap Cougars twice. POFC Head Coach Pat Leonard was paying close attention. Now Leonard has Johnson on his side.
Derek is used to taking Highway 16 north. “I connected With POFC through Pat Leonard — playing against him with Gig Harbor last year in high school ball,” Derek explains, “as well as (having) some friends on the team.” His club ball has accelerated the growth of his skill set. “I played most of my youth up at Pacific Northwest Soccer Club (PacNW). Just working hard to get better every year.” Johnson has two sisters and a Mom and Dad who support and follow his soccer progress.
POFC Gaffer Leonard is ready to have Johnson on his side. “Derek is a player I took notice of very quickly while coaching against him at CK,” Pat says. “He is a special talent. He is a player that is relentless in his attack and creates so many opportunities, not just for himself but others as well.”
The midfielder brings his scoring boots to matches. Already in training with POFC ahead of the Cascadia Premier League First Division season he has made some dazzling moves and unleashed some powerful shots. For Derek the goals will come, but he’s in on the setups, too. “Fans should expect me to be creative on the ball at both winger and attacking Mid,” Johnson says. “I always try to get on the ball. And love making runs in behind.”
Coach Leonard envisions creating plenty of dangerous moments. “I think Derek joining our team builds on what is already a high pace attacking style. I think his style of play fits in with exactly how I like my teams to play,” Pat says. “I’m really excited to work with Derek this season.”
So far Derek likes his time in Port Orchard. “I am enjoying the trainings and the competitive environment,” he reveals. “My goals for the season as a player are to improve my game for the college level, for the team to win games and hopefully a league title. What I enjoy most about playing soccer is winning games.”
