The 2023 South Puget Sound Clipper men's soccer program has reloaded with talent and looking to make the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) postseason- which is something that has eluded the program in the previous six seasons. New head coach Max Sampson is hoping that a change in defensive principles and game understanding will lead to fewer goals allowed and result in more points through the west region table. The team will feature 29 players from 6 different countries, including 9 returners.
"My hat is off to Assistant Coach Jeremy for identifying and recruiting athletes who fit what we want SPSCC soccer to be- they are humble, athletic, and eager to be coached. By the time I arrived, Jeremy already had momentum going for us. I'm also very happy with the returning players who have demonstrated a lot of grit and character. Our spring season was productive, and we took positive steps forward as a program tactically and technically. Lastly, I arrived in April and was fortunate to sign a few key recruits who I believe can elevate the product on the field and be difference-makers."- head coach Max Sampson
Key returners include defenders Bryce Mizoguchi, Adrian Erdahl, Sam Krusi, and forward Alonzo Ogaldez, who tallied six goals in his freshmen campaign. Mizoguchi, Erdahl, and Krusi logged large minute loads and started as freshmen. The three defensemen will provide game savvy and leadership to a young core of incoming players. Key recruits from Germany, Japan, Spain, Idaho, and Florida and local prospects from Chehalis, Olympia, Aberdeen, Lacey, and Tacoma will work together to raise the level of play.
The Clippers kick off their season at the NWAC friendlies against Treasure Valley Community College at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, WA, on August 22nd. Home games are played at the Regional Athletic Complex on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with the first match against Walla Walla Community College on August 26th. The regular season will begin in September as the west region comprised of SPSCC, Pierce, Centralia, Clark College, Tacoma CC, and Highline College will battle for three berths into the NWAC post-season tournament, which begins in November.
"Our goal this year is to go to the tournament. Play-off soccer has a specific energy and I want these guys to experience that and carry these memories with them after their time here at SPS. I want to give them the tools to always chase excellence and enjoy the process of working hard. I think we have the individuals to achieve this, so my priority is to build comradery and mental focus in everything we do. We have players with high-level international youth experience, USL 2 experience, and premier club experience within the northwest."
"Soccer is free-flowing, but there are patterns you can recognize and anticipate so there are effective ways to adapt to how the game unfolds. Our training session topics will be comprehensive in getting this squad ready for battle."
Local youth soccer players are encouraged to attend games. Admission is free. The full match schedule is available at https://spsccathletics.com
Come support the program, Go Clippers!
Interested in becoming a program sponsor? Email coach at msampson@spscc.edu