OLYMPIA, WA – Every summer in Thurston County something special is happening on the soccer pitches whether you realize it or not.
When you come out to watch FC Olympia you’re not just watching a local soccer match. You’re watching the future of professional soccer from a worldwide perspective. Yes, we said it, “worldwide!”
That’s because USL League Two (men) and the USL W League (women) are built around what’s known as a “Path to Pro” system that brings together elite NCAA college players, rising academy level youth talent and future professionals competing at the highest level of pre-professional soccer in the United States.
That’s why here in Olympia, Lacey & the region we see pro soccer at FC Olympia matches every summer. See the pros that Olympia has already seen through USL soccer and FC Olympia since 2022 below.
Article Cover Photo Explained
Where? Black Hills HS (FC Olympia Home Venue 2022)
Who? Peter Kingston photographed on the right (Currently Pro at Seattle Sounders, MLS) Plays against FC Olympia’s Neil Boyal
When? July 9, 2022
From College Standouts to Future Pros
Every FC Olympia roster is filled with players who are competing at top NCAA college programs across the country. During the summer these college players travel to Thurston County to stay with host families to play USL soccer to sharpen their game, compete at a high level and prepare for what’s next in their soccer careers.
For most, that next step is professional soccer.
So when you’re in the stands in a month at the RAC (Regional Athletic Complex) you’re not just watching “college players” you’re watching athletes in the final stages of becoming pros.
Notable Pros from FC Olympia & Ballard FC
Hypothetical right? No. Olympia, WA has seen dozens of currently pro soccer players play at the RAC (Regional Athletic Complex) and South Sound Stadium (North Thurston High School) through USL franchise matches hosted by FC Olympia.
Here are some notable players who have stepped onto the field in Olympia that have gone on to sign pro soccer contracts and compete at the next level on ESPN and large fanfare stadiums.
FC Olympia (30+ pros Since 2022)
- Connor Lofy → Played for FC Olympia in 2024 and signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS) and also helped UW win an NCAA National Championship in 2025.
- Cameron Miller → FC Olympia USL Men’s team defender in 2023 signed pro contract with the Spokane Velocity.
- Shu Ohba → 2022-2025 FC Olympia goalkeeper played in Paris Olympics and World Cup for team Japan and currently playing pro soccer in Japan.
- Faith Nguyen → 2025 USL W goalkeeper for FC Olympia signs major pro contract for Angel City FC in the NWSL.
- Charlie Lanphier → 2023 USL League Two keeper for FC Olympia and signed pro contract with the Las Vegas Lights.
Visit our pro soccer alumni page to view the rest.
Other Notable Pro Players in the NW Division of USL that has sent players to the pros:
- Peter Kingston (Ballard FC) → played in Olympia, WA multiple seasons 2022-2024 and now playing professionally for the Seattle Sounders first team.
- Stas Korzeniowski (Ballard FC) – played in Olympia, WA 2023, went on to win USL National Title and now plays for MLS side Philadelphia Union.
- Lars Helleren (Ballard FC) – played in Olympia, WA 2022-2024 and went on to sign pro contract with Colorado Rapids and Tacoma Defiance.
There’s something uniquely special about watching players before they make it. Before the contracts, stadiums, ESPN it happens here in Olympia, WA IN real-time. You witness it and yours kid’s get inspired. Shake hands, get autographs and be a part of the action.
“I saw them play right here in Olympia”
World Cup Summer in PNW – Local Stage
With the 2026 World Cup coming to the Pacific Northwest the global spotlight is on soccer in our region. But soccer fanatics don’t have to drive to Seattle or pay FIFA prices to experience high-level soccer this summer.
Right here in Olympia, you can:
- Watch future pros up close
- Be part of a growing soccer community that’s connected to the future of the game
- Experience it at local prices instead of downtown Seattle market rates
Tickets are available by heading to the “shop” or “schedule” page for FC Olympia. Season Tickets gets you into all matches with discounts. For reading this article OLYMAILER is a 10% off promotional code for season tickets and single match tickets for the year.
USL Fan Fest | May 9, 2026 | Olympia, WA
Coming to FC Olympia matches from out of town? Make sure to stay with our hotel partner Ramada by Wyndham off Martin Way and just minutes down the road from our USL pitch.
Enjoy downtown food and drinks with Well 80 Brewhouse, Ember Goods Coffee and Charro Mexican Restaurant. Need fan gear or soccer equipment visit our exclusive apparel partner and jersey maker Wembley Soccer Shop. Tell owner and operator Kurt Gress “FC Olympia sent you.”
If visiting the PNW for the fresh seafood our title kit partner Taylor Shellfish has a seafood market right off Hway 101.
Follow the Artesians & FC Olympia on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Linkedin and our YouTube Channel. Type @weareoly or FC Olympia in the search bar.
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