WISL Week 1 preview: Season opens with two matchups Saturday

The 2026-27 Western Indoor Soccer League men's season gets underway Saturday, Nov. 7, with two matchups on the opening-night schedule. South Sound FC visits the Tacoma Stars Reserves, while Vancouver Storm hosts Bellingham United as teams begin their push toward the postseason.

South Sound FC at Tacoma Stars Reserves

Saturday, Nov. 7 | 7 p.m.

The Tacoma Stars Reserves open their season at home against South Sound FC. Tacoma finished last season with a 9-3-0 record, while South Sound placed fourth at 6-4-2. The Stars Reserves return several familiar players, including Mark Lee, Amos, Cris Lozano, Cale Spence and Tony Pena, but will have a new group under its leadership. General Manager Nick Perera said the team's goal is to provide meaningful playing opportunities while continuing to compete for wins.

South Sound enters the season with Adam Becker taking over as head coach. Becker, a member of the original South Sound FC, brings four WISL championships and two PASL national titles to the program. The club returns Jaisen Zurfluh, Robby Guyer, Craig Johnson and Derek Johnson, while adding AJ Nitzel, Eddie Na, Rainier Schlekewey, Manny Nicasio, Gil De La Luz and Alan Barrajan from the Tacoma Stars Reserves. South Sound is targeting a top-two finish and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Becker said the team's goal is to "make a run for the trophy this year."

Vancouver Storm vs. Bellingham United

Saturday, Nov. 7 | 7:30 p.m.

Vancouver Storm opens its season at home against Bellingham United, which as WISL champions last season. Bellingham posted a 12-2-2 record in 2025-26, while Vancouver finished seventh at 2-10-0. Bellingham returns a veteran group featuring goalkeeper Riley Liddle, Christian Caro, Gus Diehl and Kevin Flavin. Noe Cruz also returns, while Jordan Voigt joins the team for a full season. Reiley Buri-Brown and Judah Straight, who recorded 14 and 16 points, respectively, last season, are expected to take on larger roles. Head coach Rich Henderson said Bellingham wants to establish its identity early and be difficult to play against.

Vancouver will look to improve behind a group focused on player development and building team chemistry. Luis Santamaria returns as a key leader, while Jahir Beltran, Jared Armenta, Carlos Bravo and Javier Sanchez are among the players to watch. Goalkeepers Jose Rodriguez and Andrew Mondragon will also play important roles. Club executive Pete Valdez said the organization wants to build a competitive team capable of challenging for a championship while strengthening its connection with the community. The matchup against Bellingham gives Vancouver an early opportunity to test itself against one of the league's top teams.

Week 1 schedule

Away team	Home team	Date	Time
South Sound FC	Tacoma Stars Reserves	Nov. 7	7 p.m.
Vancouver Storm	Bellingham United	Nov. 7	7:30 p.m.

All times Pacific. Records and finishes are from the 2025-26 WISL season.