BREMERTON, Wash. – Former Northwest standout goalkeeper Ben Gardea has been offered a contract for the PDL's Kitsap Pumas for the 2013 season. 

"Ben is a young center back that has a great amount of potential" head coach James Ritchie said. "He is a very hard-working young man that will challenge for a starting spot in the back line. The fact he is two years under the 23-year-old player limit of eight per PDL club (born 1991) is also a bonus as we have time to develop his ability. I am greatly looking forward to working with Ben."

A Premier Development League (PDL) team that is part of the United Soccer League (USL), the Pumas compete from May to August, with playoffs ending in August. Not only do they compete at the highest level of soccer, but also provide players the opportunity to move on to the big stage in the MLS.

Gardea started every game between the posts for Northwest in 2009 and was instrumental in helping the Rangers to the state playoffs. Northwest finished the year 7-7-1 overall and lost to eventual state champion Gulf Coast in the first round, 2-1.

"Ben is the best goalkeeper that we've ever had at Northwest," head soccer coach Charlie Baldwin said. "He had the skillset, the size and understood the game so well. It wouldn't surprise me to see him make a name for himself out there."

To learn more about the Kitsap Pumas, visit www.kitsapsoccerclub.com.