Two goals and two red cards in stoppage time highlighted a match that had everything as Ballard FC drew 2-2 with Lane United on Friday night.
Away from home and in the pouring rain, Ballard FC had to fight back from a goal down twice to keep the undefeated season intact.
The match got off to a quick start, with Lane United opening the scoring in the 3rd minute. A beautiful counter against the run of play led to a Duncan McGuire header.
Once they got their goal, Lane United sat back defensively and made it difficult for Ballard to break through. With the majority of possession, Ballard came close twice.
Fullbacks Nik Reierson and Zane Baumgardt provided great service all day. Two of Baumgardt’s crosses found the heads of Kevin Galiano and Alex Mejia respectively, both heading just over the goal.
The teams went into the break with Lane United still up by a goal, but with Ballard FC dominating proceedings.
Ballard FC’s Cameron Martin subbed in at the half, and brought some life into midfield. Continuing to control the flow of the match, Ballard finally got the equalizer.
In the 60th minute, Bailey Letherman rifled a shot on the ground with his left foot from nearly 35 yards out into the bottom right corner. The goal is Letherman’s first of the season and an absolute stunner.
Ballard FC continued to push, looking for a winner. A few minutes later, Galiano was brought down in the box but did not get the call, increasing tensions for the remainder of the match.
The last 20 minutes before stoppage time were marked by a flurry of yellow cards, with Lane United receiving three in ten minutes for fouls in transition.
Stoppage time felt like an entire match with all the late action, starting with a Lane United goal.
In the 92nd minute, Tommy Case put Lane United back in front after a 25 yard shot was deflected and sent goalkeeper Akili Kasim the wrong way. That should have been the game, but Ballard wasn’t done.
Direct from kickoff, Ballard went down the field and immediately earned a corner. From the ensuing corner, Leo Burney’s header was looping towards the back post but was saved and tipped over the bar. However, the save was actually a handball as it was made by Lane United’s Modou Sowe, a field player.
The handball was originally missed by the referee and he was swarmed by protests from Ballard players and Bailey Letherman received a red card for his protests.
Fortunately, the fourth official got involved, informing the center referee that it was indeed a handball. The penalty was then awarded, and Sowe was given a red card for denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity.
Declan McGlynn stepped up to take the penalty. His penalty was saved, but McGlynn didn’t hang his head as he quickly pounced and scored the rebound. With the last touch of the match, McGlynn kept Ballard’s undefeated season intact.
The draw keeps Ballard FC in second place in the standings, three points behind Capitol FC with two games in hand.
Ballard FC will play again on Sunday at 2:00 PM against OVF Alliance at South Albany High School and will return to Interbay on the 24th. Tickets are sold out, but you can watch LIVE at goballardfc.com or at Reuben’s Brews.
