WISL Playoff Preview: South Sound FC vs Oly Town Artesians

South Sound v Oly Town Artesians

South Sound FC will take on Oly Town Artesians in the first round of the Western Indoor Soccer League (WISL) playoffs. The Oly Town club ended the regular season with a 6-3-1 record, securing the fourth seed. 

Their opponents, South Sound FC, locked up the fith seed for the playoffs. Everett City FC will take on Oly Pen Force in the other first-round match. 

Derek Jonson, South Sound's manager, is looking forward to the matchup against Oly Town. He believes that the key to victory will be discipline.

 "Oly Town has a very athletic, energetic team which will require us to be honest defensively. Playoff games are won and lost because of mistakes. We have to be the team that avoids costly mistakes and takes advantage of any opportunity we receive," Johnson said. 

South Sound FC in a WISL game this season

Photo: SSFC’s Facebook Page

Regarding prepping for the match, South Sound has had a sporadic training schedule, so the players have had to work extra hard to maintain their fitness. The club has worked hard to develop its identity, and its members hope to go in and execute the game. 

South Sound is anticipating a key matchup in the contest: Collin LaBranche (South Sound) against Manny Nicascio (Oly Town). 

"Collin is a former Oly Town defender who recently moved further north. Manny is one of the most dangerous players in the league, so we will be relying on Collin's experience to help neutralize Nicascio," Johnson said. 

For their opponents, Oly Town FC, the club expects defense, fitness, and physicality to be keys that could lead to a victory.  The Olympia side has worked hard in their training this week, with additional time devoted to film study and breakdown.

Oly Town and South Sound FC battle in a WISL game

Photo: Oly Town Facebook

Regarding key players for Oly Town in the opening round, Owner Ryan Perkins anticipates sevel players could have big outings if they continue with their regular season performances. "Kasey Sidor's goal scoring, Manny Nicasio and Gavin McLeroy's athleticism, and Isaiah Damschen's shot-stopping have been pivotal this season.  Veteran Nate Boatright has also done a good job leading the back line." 

Match Details

The match is at 7 pm at the Tacoma Soccer Center. Doors open at 6 pm, and it will also be streamed on the WISL YouTube Channel.