PUYALLUP, WA—Port Orchard Football Club scored its first away win in CPL1 play on Friday June 13 with a 5-3 triumph over Washington Premier Legends at WPFC Soccer Complex. Connor Louden scored two goals and dished out 2 assists to lead the way. Nick Strickland’s first goal in POFC colors was the eventual match-winner.
Jake MacKenzie set a POFC record for quickest goal the previous match and nearly repeated the feat in this one. Last time it took 90 seconds for MacKenzie to give PO a lead. Against Legends he did the same in the third minute, heading home a cross from Louden.
The first half scoring barage was underway, and soon it was 2-0 POFC in the 10th minute when Dominik Pajimola broke free on the right side and found Louden in the box for the tap-in.
Match Photos: Facebook.com/gopofc & Diego Mejia
Connor and Jake connected again in the 20th minute on a cross into the box that MacKenzie neatly flicked past the WPFC keeper. It was 3-0 POFC.
The Legends got a lifeline three minutes later when a handball in the box was called and former PO player (he had a brief stint in 2024) Seamus Miller converted the penalty kick to make it 3-1. Miller would go on to score all 3 Legend goals.
The eventual match-winner was scored in the 35th minute when Caleb Gilbert placed a sharp ball into the top of the box that was redirected by MacKenzie. Waiting just behind was Nick Strickland. He pounced and blasted the ball into the Legends goal to make it 4-1.
Miller’s second goal of the match brought the Legends to 4-2 before Louden scored his second goal. As halftime approached Connor was able to wrap his foot around a hard, low shot that hit the post to the right of the keeper and crossed over the line and into the opposite side netting. It was 5-2 PO at the break.
The second half saw Port Orchard dig in to protect their advantage. Only a third goal from Miller in the 56th minute got through.
POFC goalkeeper Austin Valdez made some goal saving stops in both halves. Especially in the first, Austin managed quick reflexes and multiple fingertip saves. Once across the middle of goal and a second that was tipped just over the bar. Head Coach Patrick Leonard brought Landon Gordon in to finish out the match in goal.
Port Orchard had multiple players unavailable for the match but fought hard and got passionate, physical performances from Caleb Gilbert, Calvin Moe and others. The win moves POFC to 3-0-0 on the season and 2-0-0 in the Rainier Division.
Port Orchard were supported by a number of fans who traveled to Puyallup for the match. The noise and support turned the venue into a ‘home away from home’ for POFC. All-time Port Orchard are now 4-1 at WPFC Soccer Complex, having previously won 3 of 4 playoff matches there over recent seasons.