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After a grueling nine matches of indoor soccer followed by a short but impressive playoff run, FC Olympia ended their winter season’s arena soccer stint last Sunday, February 25, bowing down to Bellingham United in a crushing 6-3 defeat and crashing out of the Western Indoor Soccer League again in front of a large semifinal crowd at the Bellingham Sportsplex in what could be the club’s final arena soccer game, for now.
It was the sin bins that decided the game as the Artesians gave away two blue cards, to which the Hammers scored four goals from both their consequent powerplays, where a player temporarily handicapped the Artesians.
It was a tense atmosphere for both sides as the stakes were higher, and the hostile crowd matched the intensity of both teams early in the first period.
Unfortunately, it was the Artesians who suffered the first blow as the Hammers took advantage of an early powerplay, which led to a stunning opener from Spencer Wolfe, who slammed the ball to the roof past Isaiah Damschen to give the hosts the lead.
With their aggression and composure still intact, the Artesians found a way to equalize quickly from a low shot from Gavin Mcleroy that squeezed in the leveler for FC Olympia just before the feisty first period ended, 1-1.
It was a different story in the second period as Bellingham dominated the quarter with their high press forcing mistakes in the backline, coupled with taking advantage of the Artesian foul trouble and the spot kicks given, which led to two goals from Kevin Flavin to make it 3-1 at halftime.
FC Olympia started to feel the pressure and later lost their composure in the second half, giving away powerplays and risking a high line of defense. At the same time, the hosts took full advantage of the extra man, scoring three while in a powerplay in the third period to widen the lead to 6-1.
Jesus Flores scored twice later as consolation goals to confirm the scoreline while also closing out the postseason with a club-best of 4 goals in playoff competitions.
“Thanks to the guys for all the work they’ve put in. This is one of my favorite teams that I’ve coached and proud of what we accomplished.” said Head Coach Nick Boatright after the game.
This semifinal exit concludes another soccer arena postseason for FC Olympia, as the fate of the successful program remains unclear after their departure from the Evergreen State College Pavilion, leaving them still searching for a new home ground for the next season.
Despite the cup exit and the uncertainty hounding the local arena soccer program, FC Olympia still had things to celebrate as the club produced new records this season.
Apart from Jesus Flores’s club record of four goals in this postseason, captain Nate Boatright also set a club record for the most appearances in the club, with 61 match appearances in 10 years with the Artesians.
Goalkeeper Isaiah Damschen has also been tested as a reliable wall in defense this season, as he recorded the most minutes played this season (660 minutes), the most keeper match appearances in a single season (11), and the lowest average of goals conceded in arena club history (2.81 goals against).
Co-captain Manny Nicasio also held an individual record of 34 career arena goals, the most in club history, since his signing for the club in 2020.
Apart from individual accolades, FC Olympia broke records, too, as head coach Nick Boatright steered the team to two years undefeated at home and guided the club to its first-ever postseason road victory in arena soccer history.
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