PORT ORCHARD, WA—Port Orchard FC finished a thrilling 6-3 preseason win on May 19 and afterwards new midfielder Javier Luevanos had a few moments of reflection. “My experience in the friendly against Steel United was very good. I was very happy with the result and especially how dangerous we were in the second half,” the talented Tacoman said. “I also really enjoyed being out there in front of the fans. That’s when it really hit me how much POFC means to the community.”
Though Javi’s name wasn’t among the goal scorers and assist makers against Steel United, his central contributions did not go unnoticed. “I think supporters would have seen his impact, even in our preseason game,” says Head Coach Patrick Leonard. “He was a huge part of allowing our attackers to work and play in the way they do. He’s a signing that I think we will look back on at the end of the season as impactful and a huge reason for our successes.”
Crossing The Narrows
“I connected with POFC mainly through Jake Mackenzie,” Luevanos says. Jake and I played at Washington Premier together and he welcomed me in. From there I became in contact with coach Patrick Leonard and he made me feel like family which helped me finalize my decision.”
Flood Of Honors At Curtis
Javi talks about his club and high school playing honors. “I played club soccer at Washington Premier on the 05 and 04/05 ECNL team. My biggest club achievement was winning the U17 2021 Surf Cup.” Among his high school athletic achievements, Luevanos was a 3 year captain, as a junior earned First Team All-League (2022), Second Team All-Area (2022), Tacoma Athletic Commission Player of the Year (2022), and Curtis boys soccer Player of the Year (2022) honors.
Javi’s senior year at Curtis he was named First Team All-League (2023), First Team All-Area (2023), Tacoma Athletic Commission Player of the Year (2023), Curtis boys soccer Player of the Year (2023), News tribune top 20 player, and Curtis boys soccer Hall of Fame.
For all the honors and publicity, Luevanos says team accomplishments stand out most: “My favorite moments from high school were winning the SPSL league title for the first time in 17 years and hosting the first round of state in front of a packed stadium.”
Northwest Nazarene in Nampa, Idaho was Javi’s next stop after high school. “I picked NNU as my college because of the team culture and tight knit community. I felt it was the best fit for me athletically and academically. In my first season I played in 11 league games, played a total of 350 minutes, recorded 1 assist, and started 1 game.”
Making It Count For POFC
Coach Leonard was excited when training began to see what Luevanos looked like out there on the pitch. “Javi is a player I heard about through some of our returning guys on the roster. Once I looked into it more I realized he’s the exact kind of sitting midfielder that we want. He’s positive in his play and consistently plays at a high level. Javi has been amazing to work with so far, he brings a lot to our play.”
Luevanos has a summer ahead to learn more about the Port Orchard community, play some stellar soccer, and hang out with his teammates. “During this summer season I am hoping to be very involved with the team and help continue the success POFC has had,” Javi says. “My main goal is to have a great playoff run and win it all. I am very excited for what is to come this season and am super thankful for the opportunity. Go POFC!”
