The Western Indoor Soccer League named Oly Town Artesians goalkeeper Evan Munn the Defensive Player of the Week on Monday afternoon. Munn, a 19 year-old graduate of Olympia High School, allowed just three goals to keep the Artesians close and allowed them to rally in the fourth quarter to take a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Victory on Saturday night.
“He made several great saves and did an excellent job commanding our defense,” said Artesians head coach Matt Stalnik. “He is younger but acts like a veteran.”
“I have been really impressed with how he is picking Matt’s brain about being an indoor keeper,” added Artesians general manager Brandon Sparks. “He is taking it upon himself to watch tape of other indoor keepers and become a great student of the game.”
Munn just recently joined the Oly Town squad after leading the Tacoma Community College men’s soccer team to a 13-4-4 record and an appearance in the Northwest Athletic Conference semifinals. The freshman was second in the NWAC with seven shutouts and made 71 saves in 21 games but made just his second indoor soccer start in Vancouver.
“One of the reasons I’m playing indoor soccer is to challenge myself,” said Munn after the win on Saturday. “To do something that maybe I’m not as comfortable with and learn and become a better player.”
Munn and the Artesians look for their second win of the season when they head to Snohomish to take on the Skyhawks on Saturday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m. Stalnik was impressed with the overall defensive effort and is optimistic about Munn and the defenders in front of him going forward.
“I don’t think anyone on our team would argue how well he played last game. However, Evan will be the first to tell you the guys in front of him did an excellent job. A team effort collectively led to our win, and Evan is a true team player.”
The Artesians open their home slate and celebrate the holiday season at The Pavilion at The Evergreen State College on Saturday, December 19. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and first kick is scheduled for 6:00. Season and individual tickets are now on sale. Visit OlyTownFC.com for more information.
