Submitted by Oly Town Artesians
The Oly Town Artesians return to the pitch on Saturday night when they host the Spokane Shadow in Evergreen Premier League action. The Artesians sit in second place in the EPLWA’s Coastal Division with one win and two draws, just one point behind the Seattle Stars. First kick at Wembley Soccer Shop Field at Black Hills High School is set for 6:00 p.m.
Through three games this season, the Artesians have allowed just three goals, and just one of those goals was in the run of play. In draws with Bellingham and Yakima, the only goals scored were on controversial penalty kicks. JJ Olson has played every minute in goal thus far and was named EPLWA Defensive Player of the Week in Oly’s 2-1 win over the Stars on May 12.
But the offense has yet to hit its stride with just four goals scored. Christian Segovia has two goals and Angel Trejo-Delgado and Daniel Gonzalez have each scored once. Gonzalez, a Yelm High School alum who played the last three seasons in the USL for the OKC Energy, has played in one of Oly’s first three games but is expected to be in uniform on Saturday night.
Spokane visits Olympia for the first of two weekend games west of the Cascades. They sit at 2-1-0 and have been very dangerous with 10 goals scored. However, the roster that will travel to Olympia could look drastically different than in their previous three games. With the NPSL season starting and Spokane considering that their first team, seven out of their eight EPLWA goal scorers will likely be with their NPSL squad in Portland.
The Artesians and Shadow met twice last season with both teams claiming home wins. Oly Town claimed a resounding 5-0 win at The Evergreen State College. Surf Wodajo scored twice and current Artesians JT Meyer and Daniele Zaccagnini each collected a goal. Spokane returned the favor later that season, grinding out a 1-0 win in front of the horses at the Spokane Polo Grounds.
Tickets for Saturday’s game are just $8 for adults and $5 for kids 5-12, seniors and military members. Kids under 5 are free.
Stay up to date with the Artesians by visiting the Oly Town Artesians website, following them on Twitter, and liking them on Facebook.
Featured photo credit: Mike Gardener
