February 26, 2023
*Cover Photo: Brad Hanson
TACOMA, WA – The Oly Town Artesians wrapped up the regular season Saturday with a close battle against undefeated Major Arena Soccer League second team the Tacoma Stars Reserves. The 3-5 loss sends the #3 seeded Artesians to #2 Everett City FC for a Western Indoor Soccer League Semifinal showdown in Everett next Saturday, March 4th. The two teams split their regular season meetings with the Artesians losing on the road back in December 6-8 but claiming victory at home in Olympia 13-6.
In last nights final regular season match the Artesians recorded two goals from Jason Fairhurst and one from Kasey Sidor. The first period ended in a 0-0 draw with both goalkeepers and defenses keeping their opponents at bay. Shortly into the second period a Tacoma power play goal put the momentum with the Stars. Oly Town would go down 3-0 in the second half but rapid fire goals from Fairhurst and Sidor seemed to spark a resurgence making it 3-2 in the 3rd Period all in a matter of seconds at the six minute mark.
Matt Stalnik made a whopping 29 saves in the offensive melee provided by Tacoma. Stalnik was able to hold off the undefeated Stars in several one on one situations and kept the Artesians alive in the 3-5 loss. The Stars were held to only 5 goals in both meetings, a far cry from their 8 goal average in WISL play. Deflection goals which are a goalkeepers worst nightmare were also on the Stars side of luck on the night.
The OIy Town faithful had a large away game crowd with many making the 30 minute drive to the Tacoma Soccer Center where the crowd noise for the Artesians outweighed the PA system for the Tacoma Stars. The crowd had loud “Oly Oly Oly” chants as well as some fun “Beat Tacoma!” buttons.
Head Coach Nick Boatright caps off the best Arena season in club history with a record winning percentage of 8 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws. Boatright also fielded the first ever undefeated home team in Artesian history. The first year head coach saw his players set numerous club records with Josh Dube at 58 career appearances, 19 single season goals by Jason Fairhurst including the single match record racking up 6 goals against Everett in January.
“I feel thankful” said Head Coach Nick Boatright. “Thankful for the support that I have gotten from fans, ownership and of course the players who are very talented, but more importantly committed to learning and doing what it takes to be a good team.”
Oly Town Artesians announce veteran defender Josh Dube to be inducted into Oly Hall of Legends
Josh Dube played across 7 years for the Oly Town Artesians in Arena soccer starting out in 2016. Dube has been a pivotal defensive player through the years and is active in the soccer community with youth soccer at Tumwater Soccer Club and also helped pioneer the Artesians through transitioning years with covid shutdown, multiple coaching staffs and ownership changes. Josh also served as a coach within the organization and frequently volunteered for community events and even officiating community coed leagues for Olympia Indoor Soccer. Josh Dube is moving out of state this year so it is also a bittersweet announcement. Stay tuned for the Oly Legends Induction date. Fans are encouraged to make the trek to Everett March 4th to watch Oly Legend Josh Dube in his final matches with the club.
“Josh has been a consistent leader for the Artesians going back to 2016” said Owner Ryan Perkins. “He never needs to shout to get peoples attention as his work rate and dependability makes him a natural captain. Josh embodies so many qualities that we envision for Oly Town players including raising up youth soccer, always lending a helping hand and being a big brother to young college athletes.”
A look back at the season and the history of the Artesians in the Western Indoor Soccer League.
Oly Town Men’s Arena History
2014-15: 3-5-0 | 4th Place | 54 Goals For | 69 Goals Against | -15 Goal Differential *Head Coach Nate Salveson
2015-16: 2-7-1 | 6th Place | 54 Goals For | 74 Goals Against | -24 Goal Differential *Player/Coach Matt Stalnik
2016-17: 4-5-1 | 3rd Place | 67 Goals For | 78 Goals Against | -11 Goal Differential *Head Coach Ray Finn
2017-18: 1-7-0 | 5th Place | 43 Goals For | 77 Goals Against | -34 Goal Differential *Head Coach Matt Herrera
2018-19: 0-9-1 | 6th Place | 44 Goals For | 102 Goals Against | -58 Goal Differential *Head Coach Matt Herrera
2019-20: 3-5-2 | 4th Place | 55 Goals For | 59 Goals Against | -4 Goal Differential *Head Coach PJ Vargas
2021-22: 5-5-0 | 3rd Place | 62 Goals For | 72 Goals Against | -12 Goal Differential *Head Coach Nate Boatright
2022-23: 8-2-2 | 3rd Place | 107 Goals For | 60 Goals Against | +47 Goal Differential *Nick Boatright
Oly Town’s Regular Season Recap
Nov. 5 2022: Oly Town 17 Olympic Force 7
Nov. 12 2022: Oly Town 7 Snohomish 4
Nov. 19 2022: Oly Town 0 Portland 4
Dec. 3 2022: Oly Town 6 Everett 8
Dec. 10 2022: Oly Town 6 Bellingham 6
Dec. 17 2022: Oly Town 11 Olympic Force 5
Jan. 7 2023: Oly Town 13 Bellevue 3 *friendly
Jan. 14 2023: Oly Town 17 Portland 6
Jan. 21 2023: Oly Town 13 Everett 6
Jan. 28 2023: Oly Town 8 Snohomish 2
Feb. 4 2023: Oly Town 5 Tacoma 5
Feb. 11 2023: Oly Town 5 Bellingham 2
Feb. 25 2023: Oly Town 3 Tacoma 5
March 4: Oly Town @ Everett *semifinal
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