Molchan, Wiese step into the spotlight as June 27 EPLWA Players of the Week

BELLINGHAM, WA— The Evergreen Premier League today announces the league’s Players of the Week for matches played through Tuesday, June 27, 2017. Alex Molchan of Yakima United (Offense) and Kyle Wiese of Oly Town FC (Defense) are this week’s honorees.

Alex Molchan being chased by some Seattle Stars. (Tracie Fowler)

ALEX MOLCHAN (OFFENSE) – Yakima United FC

Alex Molchan now leads the Hoppers in scoring this season with five goals. Two of those came over the weekend as he brought YUFC back from a big deficit right to the brink of catching Vancouver.

“Alex has been our most consistent goal scorer this season,” says Hoppers General Manager Josh Vega. “It’s his first season with us and he’s fit in with the group so well. He moved to Yakima because he wanted to be a part of this team, and we’re glad to have him in our squad.”  Molchan  has previously played for the Tacoma Stars (indoors), among several other clubs.

On Saturday Molchan scored for the Hoppers in the 61st minute to give them life and a 3-1 deficit. Five minutes later Alex stepped to the penalty spot and converted to bring the Hoppers to within 3-2. He’s the only player to score multiple goals on the Victory in a match this season.

“Alex is a big physical goal scorer but he’s also good technically so he can give you a little bit of everything.” Vega continues. “But it’s his attitude that really sets him apart; he’s the kind of guy you wish you had a whole team of, and I’m very happy for him to get this recognition for all the hard work and dedication he puts forth.”

Kyle Wiese — goalkeeper? It happened on Tuesday. (Oly Town FC)

KYLE WIESE (DEFENSE) – Oly Town FC

“What can I say about Kyle Wiese? He is an original Artesian and has been with us since day one,” begins Oly Town FC General Manager Brandon Sparks. “During that time, he has done so much for this club. He’s a steady presence on the field as a defender, he stepped up to become a captain and assistant coach this season, in addition to his full-time job with the Thurston Economic Development Council, he helps run Olympia Indoor for our owner Tim Smith and has been instrumental in our success off the field this season as our Director of Business Development. Kyle is an indispensable part of the Artesians and we couldn’t appreciate what he has done for this club more.”

Kyle Wiese: He could become “Mr. Artesian” one day.

Tuesday the Artesians traveled to Ridgefield for their first-ever match outdoors against defending EPLWA Champions Vancouver Victory. BIG PROBLEM. Oly Town’s goalkeepers were stuck in I-5 traffic.

“We were sweating bullets waiting for our keepers to arrive after both of them had to work a little later than expected and then got stuck in traffic,” Sparks explains. “It came as no surprise that Ray (Finn, Artesians Head Coach) looked around at a group of guys with little goalkeeping experience and Kyle stepped up. Ray trusted him and it paid off. Vancouver pressed early and Kyle made two early saves, distributed the ball well and did a great job in a tough situation until JJ Olson arrived and got himself ready. He then played a solid 45 minutes in the second half at left back that held off Vancouver’s offense and killed their comeback attempt.” The Artesians claimed a famous 2-1 win.

“It was a great effort from a guy that has meant so much to Tim Smith and I running this club and a very deserved honor for a player that isn’t flashy but often plays in anonymity.”

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.