Pederson, Boatright are EPLWA Players of Week for May 14, 2017

BELLINGHAM, WA— The Evergreen Premier League announces that Forward Kurtis Pederson of Bellingham United (Offense) and Central Defender Nate Boatright of Oly Town FC (Defense) are this week’s EPLWA Players of the Week.

Kurtis Pederson (right) scored a brace to lead Bellingham over Yakima. (David Falk)

OFFENSE – KURTIS PEDERSON (BUFC)

In a weekend where defenses ruled Bellingham United Forward Kurtis Pederson (Puyallup, Western Washington University) was the lone player to score more than a single goal. Pederson’s brace on Saturday night at Sozo Sports Complex in Yakima led the Hammers over the Hoppers of YUFC by a score of 4-2.

“Kurtis had a great match Saturday as he created several opportunities for teammates as well as finishing a couple great goals,” says Bellingham United Head Coach Lance Calloway. “He has a great ability to be in the right space at the right time.”

Kurtis Pederson (second from far left) credits his teammates with providing service for his two goals on Saturday in Yakima. (Amanda Freisz)

Pederson’s two goals came over a 12 minute span in the first half (19th and 31st minutes.) The second one turned out to be the match winner.

“The team really put on a strong performance this weekend in Yakima, and I was fortunate enough to be able to have an impact on the game,” says Kurtis. “My goals were the result of strong efforts from the players around me, specifically Eleazar Galvan and Richard Henderson. They were relentless in their attacks down the wings, and I was there to finish a couple of excellent services from Eleazar.”

Nate Boatright (left) kept the Artesians defense organized in their first win. (David Falk)

DEFENSE – NATE BOATRIGHT (OLY TOWN FC)

The Oly Town FC and Bellingham United played each other on back-to-back weekends so Artesians central defender Nate Boatright (Olympia, The Evergreen State College) knew what his defense was up against. They came ready to play on Sunday and shut out the Hammers at Civic Stadium 1-0 to record the club’s first outdoor league victory and first-ever victory over Bellingham.

“As a leader, Nate commands respect and demands intensity from his teammates,” says Artesians Head Coach Ray Finn. “I have rarely coached a player who has better vision for the game and who sees the play develop much earlier than anyone else on the pitch. An All-American center back at Evergreen State in college, playing in the back line comes naturally to Nate, though he would prefer to be in the midfield, where all the fun is!”

You get the picture: Nate Boatright (center) and the Artesians defense were on constant alert on Sunday in Bellingham. They held on for a 1-0 win. (Brandon Sparks)

There was plenty to do in the back for Boatright on Sunday. The Hammers were on the attack much of the match, trying to get the tying goal. It was Boatright and goalkeeper JJ Olson (also a candidate for the honors) who stood tall in the storm.

“The strategy against Bellingham was to play into our strength. We have a talented defense,” says Nate. “Our commitment to defensive organization was key. I think my role on that was helping to communicate organizational changes during the match. It was a great team performance!”

About the Players of the Week honors

The Evergreen Premier League  will be selecting an offensive and defensive Player of the Week each week during the 2017 season. The Players of the Week will be acknowledged with a pair of custom, unique socks featuring the EPLWA logo. The socks are from Rock’Em Apparel, the Official Provider of the weekly reward. The league worked with Rock’Em Apparel to finalize the look of the socks. The league logo is complemented by a rendering of George Washington in the State seal.

The phrase “Rock ‘Em” represents the willingness to achieve greatness; to go above and beyond limits,” says www.RockEmApparel.com.

Evergreen Premier League players will work to do just that for their clubs this season. The best of the best will have cool custom socks to show off around town for their efforts.