It’s almost impossible to script a better start to a soccer season than what is being brought to life by the Port Orchard Football Club, a team that was outside the realm of existence a few months ago and is now an early contender for league promotion.
The Cascadia Premier League’s Pacific Division hit the midway point in its 2023 regular season June 18, the same day POFC bested the Northern Peninsula Football Club 7-2 at Kitsap Bank Stadium. The victory completed a sweep of the club’s first match against all of its division foes, leaving it the only club with a 5-0 record.
Coach Patrick Leonard credited his staff and club organizers. “I think we as a coaching staff wanted to build a culture, and they just bought into it right away.”
Fans have bought into the team as well. Crowds of over 600 have attended all three home matches, including 704 for their week two match against Thurston County that the league reported was an attendance record. POFC general manager Sam Ironside was also impressed with the crowd that turned up for week five.
“Sunday’s game was a prime example of people coming out when they didn’t need to,” he said. “It was Father’s Day, it was raining and we still had people in the stands.”
The team has given fans plenty of things to cheer about. Its statistics are dominating, scoring 34 goals and allowing eight. The next highest differential: a tie between Steel United and Grays Harbor Gulls at just +3.
Not only has the starting team improved, but its depth has gotten stronger as well. “Since preseason, we’ve just been able to add to that roster as well,” Leonard said. “The talent level within the squad’s gone up, but also you’re seeing that cohesion and understanding come together as well. Culture but tactics is what we’re trying to build.”
Talent has been there all along—a prime example being the team’s leader in goals Michael Divano. The breakout talent has treated fans to a hat trick in all three home matches. Also impressive is the passing of Benjamin Banks and player-coach Sam Gomez, and additional sharp shooting from Jake Mackenzie among others
The team chemistry is something Leonard enjoys, with the competitiveness and striving to do better. “Everybody’s coming in, and they’re all willing to listen to each other. They’re all willing to speak to each other, too, so I don’t think there is a (single) voice they’re looking to on the field.”
The same can be said on defense. Three goalies have helped lead their team to victory, led by 45-year-old Caleb Tucker, who has received the most playing time. And he is helping younger goalies such as Montana State commit Isaiah Whitesell settle into the higher level of play. “The opportunity, sometimes you miss them in earlier life,” Tucker said. “But to continue to play at this level keeping up with them is huge.”
POFC is now tasked with the same slate of opponents over the next few weeks. Leonard admits it will be tougher as the other teams also have gained experience and depth the first half of the season. “Every team is actively trying to get better…and I think we have to respond to that,” he said.
