Spanish Pro Club Racing Santander and EPLWA to Host Showcase Match in Tacoma

TACOMA, WA – The Evergreen Premier League of Washington (EPLWA) will take center stage on Thursday, August 15, as it hosts a high-profile showcase match against Spain’s Racing Santander at Foss High School. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with scouts and coaches from the famed La Liga club in attendance.

About Racing Santander

Founded in 1913, Real Racing Club de Santander is one of Spain’s most historic football institutions. Based in the northern coastal city of Santander, the club has spent decades competing in La Liga and has developed a strong tradition of producing and nurturing top-tier talent. Racing has played in Europe’s elite competitions and remains a respected name in Spanish football, known for its passionate supporters and commitment to player development.

High-Profile Scouts Attending

The match will be scouted by two notable Spanish football figures:

• Gonzalo Colsa – Over 340 La Liga matches, former Atlético Madrid and Racing Santander captain, now serving as Sporting Coordinator for Racing.

• Pablo Pinillos – With more than 213 La Liga appearances, Pinillos is known as a tactical mastermind who helped guide Racing into European competition.

Both will be evaluating talent from across the EPLWA, as well as invited players from other levels of the game.

EPLWA Players Ready to Shine

“I look forward to playing in front of these coaches from Spain and playing alongside some of my teammates, as well as others from around the league,” said Misael Lopez, who helped Yakima United capture an EPLWA title this season. “Some of the Yakima guys couldn’t make it due to other circumstances, but I’m here to show how much talent there is in our valley. Not just the valley, though—there are a lot of quality players here in Washington.”

“To someone really pushing to make it to the next level, these opportunities that the EPLWA provides are everything,” said Alex Vogt, a standout player with FC Olympia in the EPLWA.

Building International Pathways

League Executive John Crouch emphasized the significance of the event and the opportunities it creates for players across the region.

“We’re excited to launch our partnership with IFP and Racing Santander — among many overseas clubs,” Crouch said. “This gives our league a unique opportunity for our players to get access to higher-level playing opportunities and coaching.

“This is just the beginning — we’re excited to get this game off the ground and build more opportunities. The timing is tough for our college players in this event, but we will certainly open up times for them as well.

“Our player pool focuses on EPLWA players for this event but also brings in some former professional players, youth and beyond.”

A New Chapter for the EPLWA

The showcase marks a new chapter for the EPLWA as it builds international relationships to expand pathways for local talent. While the immediate roster is primarily drawn from current EPLWA players, the event will also feature select former professionals and promising young prospects.

Fans can expect a competitive, high-quality match as local standouts look to make an impression on seasoned European scouts.