OLYMPIA, WA — The 2026 USL League Two season marked another important step forward for FC Olympia as the Artesians continued building one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier pre-professional development environments. FC Olympia competes against some of the nation’s strongest clubs in the Northwest Division including perennial powerhouse Ballard FC who took the division title for a fifth time however the Artesians showcased exciting attacking soccer and welcomed outstanding collegiate talent from across the country.
The season featured signature victories, including a dramatic 3-1 home win over Midlakes United in the final home match of the year. Trailing early before equalizing, FC Olympia produced one of its defining moments of the summer among other great performances during the 2026 campaign.
Taylor Shellfish Farms presents the
2026 USL Men’s Program Awards
Most Valuable Player
Michael Divano
Position: Winger (7 Goals)
College: Gonzaga University
Michael Divano earned MVP honors after leading FC Olympia in both goals and assists while once again establishing himself as one of the Northwest Division’s most dangerous attacking players. His explosive ability in one versus one situations, intelligent movement against defenses and knack for producing highlight reel goals consistently changed matches. This was Divano’s second year in an FC Olympia jersey with his friends and teammates in the USL League Two.
Attacking Player of the Year
Dash Stein
Position: Attacking Midfielder (2 Goals & 4 Assists)
College: Gonzaga University
Dash Stein served as the creative heartbeat of FC Olympia’s attack throughout the summer. His exceptional vision and passing ability consistently unlocked opposing defenses, creating scoring opportunities that few players could recognize, let alone execute.
Defensive Player of the Year
Max Palmer
Position: Center Back (13 Matches, 1170 Minutes)
College: Utah Valley University
Few players were more dependable than Max Palmer.
The commanding center back played every available minute throughout the season while anchoring FC Olympia’s defense. Strong in the air, composed in possession and physically dominant — Palmer developed into one of the Northwest Division’s most reliable defenders.
Most Inspirational Player
Connor Louden
Position: Central Midfielder
College: Pacific
Connor Louden embodied everything FC Olympia strives to represent. Every training session and every match featured the same relentless work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to the team. Louden connected naturally with teammates, helping create an outstanding locker room culture while leading through effort rather than words.
This award honors captain and Oly Soccer alum Austin Kelley who helped pioneer the early days of Artesian soccer as (AK) is a symbol of inspiration to all FC Olympia squads throughout the years.
USL Two “Play of the Year”
Michael Divano
Late in the season against Midlakes United, FC Olympia found itself locked in a 1-1 match entering the final minutes.
After helping create the attacking sequence that earned a penalty kick in the 85th minute, Divano confidently stepped to the spot and executed a perfectly placed Panenka, delicately chipping the goalkeeper to give Olympia a dramatic 2-1 lead.
Minutes later, he capped the performance with another goal in stoppage time, sealing a memorable 3-1 victory and producing the club’s signature moment of the 2026 campaign.
EPLWA Men’s Team Awards
MVP: Kenta Yumoto
Inspirational (AK Award): Preston Soeum
Defensive MVP: Evan Faulkner
Attacking MVP: Brandon Clough
Play of the Year: Dylan Lang’s final goal of the season to secure the win against the eventual league champions, Yakima.
Looking Ahead
Although the 2026 season has come to a close, the future remains bright for FC Olympia.
The club continues to strengthen its Path to Pro model by recruiting elite collegiate players from across the country while providing opportunities for local Pacific Northwest talent to compete in one of America’s premier pre-professional leagues.
To support the club donate today or buy a jersey online. The foundation ships domestic to all states flat fee online. Head to our online jersey shop today or donate online.