On the shoulders of a monstrous four-goal masterclass from Stas Korzeniowski, Ballard FC dug out a 4-2 road win against a very competitive Lane United side. This was yet another performance that shows why the Bridges are ranked second in the USL2 power rankings, and primed to make a run in the postseason. Tonight’s match wasn’t always the prettiest, but the unbeaten Ballard FC side still found a way, staking their claim atop the League Two division table.
It took twenty-odd minutes for things to heat up in this one, but once the ball got rolling, it did not stop. Despite a good spell of possession from Lane United, Luke Thomas whipped in a delicious cross from the left flank into Stas Korzeniowski in the 30th minute, who powerfully headed it back across the keeper. A tidy finish to go up 1-0 against the run of play.
The goal proved to be a change in momentum as Ballard began inserting themselves more into the match. Moments before halftime, Stas Korzeniowki used his large frame to win his team a penalty. Doing what proper number nines do, Korzeniowski cooly slotted home the spot kick for 2-0 at the break.
Smooth sailing once again for the Bridges? Not this time. Ballard FC conceded their first goal from open play all season, as Lane United’s Wade Muttitt notched one back in the 51st minute. Riding their own wave of momentum early in the second half, Lane struck once again through Muttitt, leveling the score at 2-2.
Instead of putting tails between legs and settling for a draw, Ballard FC showed a winning resolve in Eugene. In the 62nd minute, Ballard’s move started down the right flank as Peter Kingston threaded a ball through, with who else but Korzeniowski there to provide the first-time finish, making it 3-2. At this point, the match almost felt like a basketball game with non-stop end-to-end action from both sides.
Hungry for goals as if he hadn’t scored all night, the hat-trick hero Stas Korzeniowski made it four in the 89th after latching onto a Danny Robles through ball. The fourth goal eliminated any doubts and secured all three points in a hard-fought road victory.
Ballard FC will now set their sights on PDX FC this Sunday, June 18th for a 2:00 PM kickoff at Sam Barlow High School. Check out the weekend preview to get a sneak peek into Sunday’s match and be sure to watch live in the Reuben’s Brews Taproom or tune in to the live stream. Live stream details will be provided on Sunday.
Following this week’s business trip to Oregon, Ballard FC will be back in action against Oly Town FC on Friday, June 23rd at 7:00 PM in front of a ruckus Interbay crowd. Plan ahead and get your tickets now before they’re gone!
Photos courtesy of Marissa Lordahl
