VANCOUVER, WA— Vancouver Victory FC of the Evergreen Premier League (EPLWA) knew they had a special player right in their own backyard. Borce (Bor-chay) Atanasov was racking up monster goal totals for Clark College in the NWAC (32 goals, 13 assists over two seasons.) So when the club was founded back in 2014 they worked hard to welcome Atanasov into their ranks. Borce repaid their faith with several outstanding performances. Now comes news that he has signed with a club in Macedonia.

Photos by Bradley York.

“We are very excited for Borce at our club for his continued growth in his pursuit to play professionally,” says Victory owner Barret Goddard. “I have spent numerous hours helping Borce over the last two years to develop his plan which included going to play for the Kitsap Pumas before heading off to Europe. I spoke with him briefly before he signed and he invited me to come stay with him in Macedonia to watch him play a few matches. This is exactly why we formed Vancouver Victory FC. This is exciting for soccer development in our community.”

Atanasov has signed with Horizont Turnovo, who were founded in 1950 and are part of the Macedonian First League. Borce hopes hard work with Horizont will lead to chances in other parts of Europe.

Borce battled ankle issues in his two seasons with Vancouver, but still managed 8 goals and 5 assists, including being named EPLWA Offensive Player of the Week on June 7, 2015 as he accounted for 5 of the 6 goals V2FC scored at Seattle Stars FC.

The Victory helped Atanasov’s path to Oregon State and time in the Pac-12, and then were flexible with him as he worked his way over to the Kitsap Pumas.

Borce became the first-ever player signed by Vancouver Victory FC back in 2014. Now the club watches with interest as he gets a foothold in Europe.