VANCOUVER, WA—Forward Borce Atanasov is heading north from V2FC to the Kitsap Pumas. His playing career drives him to focus on going professional, and the Kitsap Pumas are the lone PDL club in the NW to offer that step. Borce (“Bor-chay”) has become a favorite with Victory players, fans and staff for his dynamic moves on the pitch and his ability to finish his shots.
The Victory have been working with the former Clark College star as he developed his game and overcame a few injury setbacks. He currently has five goals and numerous assists for the club. Atanasov graduated from Oregon State University earlier in June.
“Today’s a great day for Borce and for Vancouver Victory FC,” says owner Barrett Goddard. “Borce and I have worked hard to help him achieve some of his goals personally and professionally over the last year or so that I’ve known him. Helping him develop his soccer skills while obtaining his educational goals were both very important to he and I. I was very proud of him when he graduated from Oregon State University two weeks ago. His move to Kitsap is a logical step in his development on his way to Europe this fall where he’ll play professionally. We will obviously miss his impact on the field but will follow him closely and root for him and his success as he moves forward with the professional soccer career. ”
Head Coach Aaron Lewis is also a fan who will follow Atanasov’s progress. “The entire organization, from the players, to coaches, to ownership are ecstatic for Borce,” Lewis says. Our program has been established to create an environment for players to sharpen and develop, so that they may seize opportunities to play at the next level. Borce has worked hard for this opportunity and I believe with his competitive mentality, physical tools, and skill around goal, he can provide value to teams in the professional ranks.”
In the Pumas’ announcement of the signing, Borce says he will miss playing for Vancouver and that he loved his time with the Victory.
