The NPSL may soon see its first Pacific Northwest member as SO Samba FC of Hood River, OR announces intentions to join the league for the 2014 season. Coached by former Corinthian member Thiago Samba, the club will looks to establish a ‘Brazilian’ identity by bringing in players from Brazil. The club hopes to establish itself as a player ‘incubator’ and is working with a local community college to help provide education opportunities for its players.

The club has hosted initial tryouts and has begun recruiting players with the goal of holding a series of friendly matches prior to joining the NPSL next season.

As the only club NPSL club in the Pacific Northwest, Samba FC would be forced to join the existing Golden Gate division of the West Region, a prospect which would mean a lot of travel for the first year club. The Sacramento Gold are almost a 10 hour drive from Hood River, and the other Bay Area and San Jose clubs are even further.

Commissioner Michael Hitchcock has expressed interest in expanding into the Pacific Northwest, but has indicated that such expansions could be contingent on finding enough clubs to make up a new conference due to travel concerns. What that means for SO Samba FC’s 2014 aspirations, only time will tell.