January 15th, 2020 – Vancouver, Washington
The Vancouver Victory men’s team was founded in 2014 to represent the highest level of competition available to players in SW Washington. Competing in the Evergreen Premier League (EPLWA), the Victory name pays tribute to the rich history of Vancouver, Washington honoring the Victory ships that were built to aid the American effort in World War II. The Victory men captured the EPLWA title in 2016 finishing with a 10-2-2 record.
In 2017 the Washington Timbers FC brought the Washington Timbers Women’s First Team to the community who quickly made a name for themselves in the Northwest Premier League (NWPL) by capturing the title in its inaugural season. The following year the Washington Timbers took over management of the Victory men and in 2019 added a men’s senior team to further extend opportunities in our community.
In 2020 and beyond all three teams will play under the Vancouver Victory name as the Victory men, Victory women, and Victory men’s senior team further strengthening the Victory brand while increasing the level of play and opportunities available to elite amateur athletes in the Vancouver/Portland area. This tremendous growth would not have been possible without the support of Muchas Gracias Mexican Food. The only jersey sponsor the club has ever known, Muchas Gracias unwavering support of soccer in the Vancouver/Portland area is unmatched.
Founded in 1996 by Rodolfo Sanchez De la Torre, Muchas Gracias shares a similar story of growth as the Victory. Founded as a single store, the Muchas Gracias brand has grown into <em>24 locations</em> throughout Oregon & SW Washington serving delicious and affordable Mexican food to thousands daily.
Muchas Gracias Communications Director Victor Luna had this to say about the partnership, “Muchas Gracias is a family run organization and we view the Victory as an extension of our family. My father has worked very hard to grow the Muchas Gracias franchise, in part, to provide employment opportunities for friends and family. Our partnership with the Victory is an extension of this goal, to provide opportunities for others. We’re proud to be the exclusive jersey sponsor for the Vancouver Victory and proud of the addition of the women’s and men’s senior team in 2020.”
Development – Respect – Opportunity – Community – Fun
Victory General Manager Sean Janson shares Mr. Luna’s enthusiasm and is grateful for the long-standing partnership, “Prior to the Washington Timbers taking over management of the Vancouver Victory I was fortunate to serve as the Goalkeeping coach for the Victory during their first three seasons. A lot of things have changed with the Victory since those humble beginnings but one constant has always been Muchas Gracias. It’s because of their commitment to our community that the Victory are not only here today but striving. I can’t thank Mr. Luna and his team enough for their ongoing support.”
The Victory men and women begin their league play May and finish in late July. All home games are played at Harmony Sports Complex (1500 NE 18th st Vancouver, WA 98684).
