Dudek brings talents to Torch FC
Lansdale native plays close to home after season in Spain
PERKASIE >> Nick Dudek’s soccer career has taken him all over the world.
Dudek played soccer in high school at Strath Haven before graduating in 2013. He played in college at Virginia Wesleyan and York College before graduating in 2017.
He played for Atlantic City FC in the National Premier Soccer League before heading overseas to play in Spain last fall.
Now, the Lansdale native is back in the NPSL playing for Torch FC in Perkasie.
“(Head coach) Rich (Sparling) is such a great guy and it’s such a great organization,” Dudek said of Torch FC. “So I thought now was a perfect time to come and play for the Torch and be a part of this incredible platform.”
Dudek, now living in Upper Gwynedd, is in a new role this season. Typically an outside back, Dudek was forced inside due to injuries.
“It’s been a great learning experience,” he said. “It’s been a great overall experience so far. A lot of guys have worked really, really hard and even though it doesn’t really show too much in our record. We’ve been through some tough times and the lads have worked incredibly hard. Each and every day we come out and lay it all out on the line. It’s been a good experience so far.”
Torch FC fell to 3-5 Tuesday night with a 5-0 loss against FC Motown at Pennridge High School. The hosts were on their heels most of the game with Motown dominating possession on Torch’s side of the field. They were able to keep Motown off the board for the first 28 minutes, but fell behind 2-0 just before halftime. Motown added goals in the 62nd, 77th and 89th minutes.
Dudek and the Torch FC defense made plenty of plays to keep the score from getting even more lopsided. The center back also had the responsibility of being vocal and keeping everyone in position.
“It’s been a new role,” he said. “I started out playing outside back and then we had some injuries … It’s just been an opportunity for me to jump in and try to take that leadership role and do everything I can. Unfortunately it doesn’t show too much on paper, but for these guys – everything I can do each and every day is a blessing.”
Dudek, who’s work revolves around soccer and training, said he might look to return to Spain again this fall.
Playoff push
Torch FC entered Tuesday’s game tied for fourth place with nine points in the Keystone Conference Division. The top four teams earn a spot in the playoffs and their final two regular season games are against the top two teams in the standings – Atlantic City and West Chester.
“I haven’t thought too much about playoffs,” Dudek said. “It’s really just day-to-day and what we have to do. I know we have a really tough game coming up Saturday against Atlantic City and they’re going to be very, very good – high quality as Motown. That’s the main focus – each game, going back down on film.”
Torch FC hosts Atlantic City Saturday at 6 p.m. at Pennridge High School.