End of an Era: FC Olympia plays final-ever arena soccer game in Evergreen State College Pavilion

FC Olympia (formerly Oly Town Artesians FC) marked their departure from the Evergreen State College Pavilion after ten years with the women’s arena soccer team, finishing the season with a 5-7 defeat against Bellingham United that ends an era of arena soccer in the so-called Ice Box last Saturday, February 17 at the final fixture of the NorthWest Premier League (NWPL) indoor season.

This defeat in the season's final game ends the Artesians’ suffering, who only mustered one point while losing the rest of the seven fixtures of the league. The lone point came from a thrilling 6-6 draw against Tacoma Galaxy at home last January.

Despite the defeat ending a forgettable season for women’s arena soccer, the Artesians and their fans still celebrated their wonderful memories on this home turf as the team’s arena soccer chapter closed in the pavilion.

The mood was somber at the halftime festivities, with ten years of nostalgia closing out the season. It also included the induction of goalkeeper Olivia Brock into the Oly Soccer Hall of Legends for her fantastic service over the last five years, including a NWPL Cup Trophy in 2022 with her game-winning save in the final shootout of the NWPL outdoor soccer league.

FC Olympia goalkeeper Olivia Brock is inducted into the Oly Soccer Hall of Legends.

The Olympia faithful and club sponsors also joined the festivities as several prizes, gift cards, replica jerseys, scarves, food, and drinks were given and raffled, as they created buzz and smiles to close out the last-ever game.

With this, anxiety still hounds the fate of the arena soccer program for FC Olympia as the top management is still seeking a new space for indoor soccer activities in Thurston County.

For now, FC Olympia principal owner Ryan Perkins is said to be open to alternative solutions to keep their indoor soccer program running strong by finding the club’s new arena soccer home.

In a Thurston Talk article published last January, Perkins highlighted the importance of the continuation of their indoor soccer program, which has been established in the South Puget region, and its positive impact not just on the athletes but on the whole of the local community itself, from the families to the local businesses.

Farewell, Evergreen State College Pavillion.