It was all business for Ballard FC on Wednesday afternoon, as they dispatched noisy neighbors West Seattle Junction by a score of 3-1 at Interbay Stadium. It’s the second win for Ballard over the Junction in the last four days.
First-half strikes from Cameron Cruz and Elliot Spatz, and a second-half screamer from Joschi Schelb gave the Bridges their fourth straight victory, and maintained their perfect home record in 2026. Ballard pushed their all-time record against the Junction to an undefeated 4-0-1 over the last three seasons.
Ballard controlled the game from the onset and dominated opportunities in the first half. Spatz had a one-on-one chance in the 11th minute, denied by a busy Lucas Martin in net for West Seattle, but two minutes later, Ballard would not be denied.
Lovely link-up play down the right wing between Dunes Nielsen and Etienne Veillard put a cross into the middle, finding its way through a clutter of legs to a waiting Cruz on the far post, who tapped in his first goal of 2026.
Ballard doubled their advantage in the 30th minute, as Schelb crafted a perfect ball between the lines for Spatz, whose shot deflected off of Martin and a defender before going in to make it 2-0.
Stockton Short was called in once to scramble and deny a quick break, but aside from that, was mostly uninvolved.
The hosts had a smattering of chances to extend their lead in the remainder of the half. Connor Tollan had an effort saved off the post, and slight mishits from Nielsen and Cruz kept the lead at two going into the break.
Through the first half, Ballard outshot West Seattle 11-5, and 6-1 in shots on target.
The second half opened with some hard fouls and flared tempers, but the rivals calmed things down, and play slowed in turn.
Ballard’s last goal came in the 51st minute, with Schelb firing a low strike in from distance to make it 3-0.
Short produced an excellent low diving save in the 55th to maintain the 2-0 lead, and punched the resulting corner kick clear.
West Seattle would get a consolation goal from Osato Enabulele, a well-hit shot past Short and into the far corner.
The remainder of the half wouldn’t contain much action, as Ballard dominated possession and both teams worked their way towards a 3-1 final.
Match Facts:
- Cameron Cruz has his first tally of 2026 after scoring two in 2025 for Ballard
- Joschi Schelb, in a spot-start opportunity, delivered his first goal and assist of 2026
- Ballard has never lost to West Seattle Junction, and has now avenged the lone draw in the head-to-head, 0-0 last year at Interbay Stadium.
- Ballard are a perfect 5-0-0 with a +11 goal difference at home in 2026
Scoring Recap
13’ (BFC): Cameron Cruz (1), assisted by Dunes Nielsen (1)
30’ (BFC): Elliot Spatz (3), assisted by Joschi Schelb (1)
51′(BFC): Joschi Schelb (1), assisted by Connor Tollan (1)
Starting 11
Stockton Short, Andrew Myerson, Beto Apolinar, Cameron Cruz, Joschi Schelb, Luke Hammond, Connor Tollan, Elliot Spatz, Dunes Nielsen, Isaac Ketcham, Etienne Veillard
Subs Used
Jack-Ryan Jeremiah, Ray Mendez, Omar Gray, Sean Sent
