BELLINGHAM, WA—Port Orchard FC goalkeeper Austin Valdez valiantly kept his side in the match but eventually Bellingham United scored twice in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory on May 16 at Whatcom College’s Orca Field.
Up next for POFC is a Memorial Day trip to the state capital to face FC Oly in a 3 PM match that will feature a beer garden and live streaming. It’s a key contest for both sides’ playoff hopes.
Awesome Austin
Valdez and the Port Orchard defense were put under constant pressure by the home side Hammers in Bellingham. Numerous corner kicks and a bunch of saves by Austin and clearances by his defense managed to keep the score 0-0 at the half. Port Orchard had few chances, but one goalmouth scramble nearly gave PO the lead despite minimal possession.
Just 30 seconds into the second half Kyler Carr got ahead of a POFC back pass and tapped the ball into the net to put the Hammers up 1-0.
Port Orchard showed grit and fight keeping the match close. Valdez had been kicked in the throat in the first half and was subbed out in favor of Manny Zuniga with about 15 minutes left. Manny played well, but there was no stopping a late free kick golazo from Joar Tidblom that perfectly found the far upper corner to make it a 2-0 final. Jon Bergman posted a few match photos here.
Coach Max Reflects On The Match
“A younger and much greener version of us traveled north in week two, but I am happy with the effort and sportsmanship of the team,” says POFC gaffer Max Sampson. “They did what coaches asked and implemented principles from training. I thought our defending had improved from week one and aside from an error building out and a late free kick we limited chances and fought hard for the full 90 minutes.”
“Traveling in the EPLWA is difficult. I was excited to give new players their debut, and this will serve them well in their development as they become the future talent of the club. After the match the team gathered and focused on what we need to see down the stretch to get points. Once we get more consistency at training and can put our core players together I am looking forward to what we can accomplish.”
“Going into the next games we will refine how to create more scoring chances, ball retention, and building up with numbers.”
Unbeaten Streak Ends
Port Orchard’s first-ever away match in the Evergreen Premier League ended a streak of 12 straight unbeaten, dating back to July 28, 2024. During the streak POFC went 10-0-2, outscored opponents 45-15, and won a CPL championship.
Travel Test
The Bellingham trip was the first EPLWA travel ‘test’ for POFC. Entering a new statewide league means longer trips and requires more dedication of time and resources. “I am really proud of how our team traveled,” says Port Orchard Club Coordinator David Falk. “We brought a full 18-player roster, 4 coaches, 2 front office staff and around 10 supporters. We fed the players sub sandwiches after the match with money donated by a supporter. It’s a small but important moment and step for our program in our fourth year of existence.”
