The Port Orchard Football Club flipped a switch in the second half against Sharktopus FC June 7 at Kitsap Bank Stadium, resulting in a 4-1 win in a rematch of last year’s Cascadia Premier League First Division Championship.

POFC previously beat Steel United 11-2 in their first game of the season at South Kitsap High School. POFC lost to Sharktopus 1-0 in the championship last year.

“You can tell the progression from last year to this year,” midfielder Kolby Juarez said. “Everybody is so much more bought in.”

Forward Jake MacKenzie kicked off the scoring for POFC with an up-close-and-personal goal within the first three minutes of the game.

POFC goalkeeper Austin Valdez fielded a barrage of shots on goal 15 minutes into the period, but didn’t allow any to find the back of the net.

Sharktopus had a good scoring opportunity of their own at the 39-minute mark in the game, but Valdez was able to deflect the ball, keeping the game tied at one apiece entering halftime.

POFC drove the ball deep into enemy territory multiple times in the second half, with many players earning good looks at scoring opportunities.

Midfielder Jaggar Judkins was able to capitalize on a fastbreak opportunity, scoring a goal and putting POFC in front for the first time since the 22-minute mark in the first half. Midfielder Derek Johnson added to that with two additional goals not even three minutes later, giving POFC a 4-1 lead.

PO was able to control the flow of the game from that point on, sealing the win.

“Sharktopus is a very good team,” forward Dominik Pajimola said. “So kind of understanding where you’re at and…[seeing] the different play styles from other teams [allows us] to…find the holes in our system.”

Port Orchard FC midfielder Kolby Juarez looks to make a play with midfielder Jake MacKenzie following behind and a Sharktopus defender approaching June 7 at Kitsap Bank Stadium in Port Orchard.