Puget Sound Gunners News Release - www.pugetsoundgunnersfc.com
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
ISSAQUAH, Wash. - Puget Sound Gunners forward Ash Apollon’s time in the PDL was a brief, but fruitful one, as he announced June 13 that he was leaving to pursue a professional opportunity with a Belgium club, before eventually signing a contract with a pro club in Thailand.
Apollon told Gunners coaches he signed with Bangkok FC of the Thailand Premier League.
“Following some impressive displays for ISC’s U-23 PDL team, Ash Apollon has been asked to tryout at a professional club,” said head coach and ISC Gunners director of football Jimmy Ball. “We are proud to have been able to help Ash with this opportunity and we wish him all the very best of luck.”
The 23-year-old from Boston appeared in five of the Gunners’ six matches. He played one of his best games in the team’s May 25 win against the Seattle Sounders U-23. Apollon scored what would be the game-winning goal in the 60th minute.
The opportunity is the dream of a lifetime, Apollon said, while adding that he couldn’t have done it without the support of the Gunners staff: General Manager Gwynne Williams, head coach Jimmy Ball, assistant coach Alex Silva and assistant coach Emerson De Oliveira.
“Through life, here and there, people will come your way and help you grow, mature and develop the right way,” he said. “In my case, the ISC Gunners staff has played a big part.
“I thank you all for giving me the opportunity to play with your club. The attention you all have given me was very exceptional. I learned every single second I spent around you guys. You all have definitely helped boost my growth. Please keep up the good work, as you are exceptionally contributing to the lives of young footballers.”
Gunners assistant coach and owner Alex Silva said Apollon’s talent will certainly be missed, but added that opportunities like these are exactly why the PDL exists.
“This is the reason we have the PDL program - to help improve and expose the players to the next level,” he said. “We’re very pleased to see Ash getting an opportunity.”