A first-half stunner from Declan McGlynn and a brace from Man of the Match Kevin Galiano spark a 3-0 Ballard FC win against in-state rivals Oly-Town FC. After winning their first two games, Ballard FC sit tied for first place in the USL2 Northwest Division standings with a game in hand.
In front of a sold out crowd of 1,200 people, Ballard FC won their second game in a row. Initiated by the Bridgekeepers, the fans brought the energy to Monday’s game to inspire the team to victory.
Named the “Henry Match,” Ballard FC honored the artwork of Ryan Henry Ward, the renowned Ballard muralist. The players wore the special edition “Henry Kit,” featuring Henry’s soccer themed mural that is displayed on the patio wall of Reuben’s Brews. With the win, Interbay Stadium held a perfect celebration of community, art, and soccer.
The match started out even with both sides generating chances early on but neither able to open the deadlock. Following a corner, Declan McGlynn opened the scoring with a moment of brilliance in the 40th minute. McGlynn took the ball out of the air, setting himself up for a thunderous left-footed volley which rifled through the keeper’s fingertips and into the top corner.
After a slow start, McGlynn’s rocket gave Ballard FC a 1-0 advantage at the break.
The second 45′ was a continuation of the end of the first. Ballard dominated from start to finish, thanks in large part due to the introduction of Kevin Galiano at halftime.
“Kevin obviously did a fantastic job, he came in and looked like he wanted to be a starter” said Head coach Jason Farrell, praising Galiano in his post-match interview.
After scoring a goal off the bench in the season opener, Galiano continued his fine form with a rebound goal in the 50th minute to give Ballard a two goal lead.
Just minutes later, Alex Mejia seemed to score the third with a towering header. However, a dubious foul call, meant the goal was harshly disallowed.
The disappointment didn’t last long, as Ballard got their third in the 55th minute. McGlynn played a beautiful through ball which Galiano took in stride and fired between the keeper’s legs. After the match, Galiano described his approach to making an instant impact off the bench.
“You always have to keep that mentality and making your opportunities come for you” Galiano said.
After the third goal, Ballard continued to dominate, keeping the majority of the possession and seeing out the rest of the game.
Oly-Town FC did manage one golden opportunity around the 60th minute, but they were denied by Akili Kasim’s diving stop. Kasim is quickly becoming a fan favorite, with the supporters singing a dedicated chant every time he makes a save.
After allowing a late goal in the opener, Ballard FC were determined to keep a clean sheet and did just that, finishing the match as 3-0 winners.
“It is super important for us to keep that clean sheet at then end, because every point matters with goal differential” remarked Farrell.
Following two successive victories, Ballard FC has put the league on notice. USL2 released the first edition of their Top Prospects with two Ballard players making the list, attacking midfielder Declan McGlynn and center-back Leo Burney.
Ballard FC takes on Cultures United in a friendly at Interbay Stadium on Sunday, June 5. Tickets are going fast, but you can still get your tickets for Sunday’s friendly and the remaining five home games today. Tickets are available here!
Photos courtesy of Marissa Lordahl and Aaron Rizo
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