OLYMPIA, WA – The Artesians announced Friday December 22nd the hiring of homegrown professional soccer player Miguel Gonzalez to the USL technical staff and its youth soccer development programs. Gonzalez during his prep years in Thurston County attended Yelm High School then went on to play college and professional soccer at Oklahoma City, Miami FC and Colorado Springs scoring 46 goals across 6 years.
Miguel Gonzalez is listed as the new Director of Player Development for Oly Town with a focus on providing youth skills training, film review and opportunities to advance local players technical abilities.
“We’re humbled today and excited to have Coach Miguel join the Artesian staff from a USL and youth perspective” said Oly Town’s principal owner Ryan Perkins. “To be able to have local youth soccer players and their parents be able to speak and learn from a person that grew up in this community and found a way to have a successful college and pro soccer career is incredible. It aligns with Oly Town’s goal to provide youth opportunities at a level beyond what is currently locally offered.”
Oly Town recently announced its final USL League Two open tryout January 13, 2024 in Olympia, Washington and with Miguel Gonzalez joining the club the Artesians published a new advanced skills training program for high school aged athletes in the region.
“Competitive training opportunities outside of club soccer weren’t really around (Thurston County) when I was younger” said Miguel Gonzalez about his experience with local youth soccer opportunities. ”I have played and been around the top level athletes and have learned what it takes to be successful in the sport. The goal is to pass some of those ideas to the local youth through training and skills exercises.”
Miguel’s Path to Oly Town
Miguel went to Yelm High School where he was a two-time Associated Press (AP) All State forward posting varsity letters all four years of high school. Gonzalez went to Peninsula College for two years where he shattered goal scoring records (39 goals – single season, 49 goals – career) then was offered a spot at NCAA Division One, Seattle University by then head coach Pete Fewing.
At Seattle U Miguel helped the Redhawks win a Conference Title and a second round finish in the NCAA College Cup Tournament. Miguel appeared in 41 matches and scored 19 goals in division one competition across two seasons. Gonzalez was named All Conference and numerous All NCAA teams in 2013.
From there Miguel would play for the Kitsap Pumas (USL/PDL) and then embarking on an action packed pro soccer career in both USL League One and USL Championship. In 2015-16 Miguel played for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks making 53 appearances and scoring 16 goals.
Gonzalez was then signed by Oklahoma City where he played 42 games and recorded 9 goals. Miami FC signed Miguel in 2019 where he would ultimately finish his playing career on a high note appearing in 31 matches and scoring 21 goals.
Since then it has been “Coach Miguel Gonzalez” as he coaches ECNL level youth teams in south Seattle and plays pickup across the region. Oly Town FC is Thurston County’s premier soccer club featuring two USL soccer franchises for women and men in the USL League Two and USL W League. Both of which will have access to Gonzalez’ pro experience and knowledge on the sidelines and at USL trainings in summer 2024.
Oly Town Advanced Skills Program
Oly Town has announced a Miguel Gonzalez 4-week, advanced, high school aged clinic January 26 through February 16 at Ingersoll Stadium. Click here or the image to register. The clinic will also feature current Oly Town Arena and USL players Manny Nicasio and Alec Zimmerman. Oly Town will continue to offer these types of programs every month, year around.
“The skills clinic will be an advanced soccer training program to help players improve their technical abilities and skills” said Miguel Gonzalez about his new Oly Town youth clinic series. “We will challenge the players in a competitive way without leaving out the most important part which is having fun throughout the process.”
To learn more reach out to playnow@olytownfc.com
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