Salem area soccer phenom completes a dream pro season

Former Corban goalie Jordan Farr is honored again and captures league crown

It has been one heckuva a soccer season for former Cascade High and Corban University goalkeeper Jordan Farr.

I posted an earlier feature on the 28-year old nearly two weeks ago, recounting Farr’s exploits to that point in United Soccer League action, including first team all-league honors for his remarkable performance this year—which included 15 shutouts, tying the USL record.  He also had a save percentage of nearly 76 percent.

While at Corban University, Jordan had 44 shutouts in his career—second most in NAIA history.

Courtesy of USL.

This week added more positives to Jordan’s impressive resume’.  Farr was named the USL Goalie of the Year, which is on top of his Western Conference top goalie honors.

And over the weekend, Farr’s San Antonio FC squad defeated Louisville City FC 3-1 to claim the league title—the first ever in franchise history. More than eight thousand screaming fans cheered on their hometown team’s championship efforts.

The United Soccer League is considered a Division II conference—just a step lower than America’s top organization, Major League Soccer, which includes the likes of the Portland Timbers, Vancouver White Caps, and the Seattle Sounders.

Video news coverage of the San Antonio FC championship win—click here.

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Follow up on our Road Trip story:  Those of you who read the original story know that much thought and time is put into radio broadcasts on the road, especially at a new, unknown location.  That is what my KBZY crew and I experienced at Westview High School in Beaverton.

The original plan was to set up an outdoor table under a pop-up tent, with heaters and extra layers of clothing to deal with the near-freezing temperatures.

Westview’s athletic director again offered the use of a press box at the nearby softball field. We were somewhat mixed about the offer on the drive up, but quickly decided that it made more sense with winds of 10-15 miles per hour that added the dreaded “wind chill factor.” Provided is a quick photo of the crew setting up in the press box—if you zoom in, you can see the field.

KBZY crew setting up (L); Gary, Glenn, Curtis, and Mark at the post game meal (R)

While we were ok with NOT freezing ourselves rock-hard, the concerns about the press box were very real during the game. 

It was very difficult to track down-and-distance from one end of the field, sitting at a slight angle in the softball box. 

A huge salute to our tracking crew members (Curtis-stats, Glenn-spotting) who did a fine job of staying on top of yardage, player identification and many of the things that are normally handled by yours truly.  Binoculars were needed to get all those items right.

Sadly, Sprague lost that night to a very good Westview team, which ended our season.  But it also marked the occasion to have our post-season dinner together.  We enjoyed every morsel of food we consumed.

It was a very strange year with a special district of teams stretching from Medford to Keizer, and a new playoff format featuring a consolation trophy.  But we’d like to think we presented an overall positive product on the airwaves.  Thanks to all who listened to KBZY (1490 AM).

FYI: Gary Horowitz and I will begin boys basketball coverage in early January.  Stay tuned for a schedule and previews of Central Valley Conference Hoops.