In just his second season on the pitch, Tacoma Tides defender Mark Lee has established himself as the anchor of his soccer team.
Lee, who graduated from Puyallup High School in 2006, is a big reason why the Tacoma Tides FC squad is in first place in the Premier Development League Western Conference Northwest Division with a record of 7-2-1.
“I’m the last line of defense in front of the goalie,” Lee said. “It’s a tough, stressful position but I love it. If you make a mistake in the midfield it’s usually okay because you got players behind you to back you up. With my position, if you make a mistake you only have the goalie to cover for you.”
Lee has been a model of consistency for the Tides since arriving on the scene in 2007.
“Last year I led the team in minutes played. They know they can count on me,” Lee said. “I broke my hand last weekend and I was still able to get back on the field.”
Lee believes his team can continue its hot streak if it can find a way to win on the road.
“We’ve only given up one goal at home this year and are undefeated at our home field. We’re losing games on the road. I think we can get it going. Our goal is to win and keep the shutouts going. We have some new guys this year and we’re still getting used to playing with each other.”
The 20-year-old hopes playing for the Tides will get him noticed by college coaches in the area.
“Personally, my goal is to play well enough that I find a school to play soccer at next year,” Lee said.
Puyallup Vikings boys soccer head coach Matt White believes Lee has what it takes to succeed at the college level.
“His training work ethic is just amazing. I’ve never seen a kid work that hard all the time with so much energy,” White said. “Once he steps between the lines, he’s all about work and giving it 100 percent.”
White said there aren’t too many players he’s coached who boast the kind of resume Lee is in possession of.
“He was first-team all SPSL for four years in a row. That’s a pretty big rarity,” White said. “Mark is one of the best players I’ve ever coached.”
During the Vikings run to the state finals this past spring White was glad to have Lee on the sidelines as a volunteer coach.
“He came when he could. I was thrilled to have him there,” White said. “Just having him around the guys was great for everyone on our team. He’s a great role model. You want your players to be around that kind of individual.”
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