In one of the games of the season so far, Friday’s match between Ballard FC and CFC Atletico did not disappoint.
In what was truly a tale of two halves, Ballard FC once again found themselves in an early deficit for the second straight match, with CFC’s Francisco Magana on target within the first minute of play, marking his return to Interbay having played for Ballard FC last season.
Ballard was on the back foot for much of the first half, with CFC having the more dangerous chances. It certainly seemed as though the early goal had given CFC confidence, as they continued to pepper the goal and force Lars Helleren into a couple of diving stops. Ballard FC would head into the break trailing 1-0.
The two teams came out relatively even to start the second half with Ballard FC controlling possession and CFC hitting on the counter.
In the 56th minute, one of those CFC counters would work to perfection. After a loose ball in midfield was won by CFC they had a breakaway. Helleren came out of his box to win the ball from the striker but unfortunately, CFC’s Yutaro was prepared and looped it over Helleren with a half-volley finish from 35 yards out. 0-2 CFC.
Instead of burying heads in the sand, The Ballard FC players picked themselves up and played their way back into the match, never losing hope.
Coach Jason Farell’s second-half substitutes were a key part of the comeback, most notably Declan McGlynn and Kojo Dadzie.
Declan McGlynn showed why the Ballard faithful were so excited to welcome him back to the club, injecting some much-needed intensity into midfield. In the 72nd minute, McGlynn would serve in a perfect corner onto the head Leo Burney who towered over his marker to pull a goal back and cut the score to 1-2. Ballard had life.
Kojo Dadzie came on in the 78th minute and instantly impacted the match. Dadzie would provide the equalizing assist just three minutes after coming on, making a shifty run into the box and slotting a clever pass into the onrushing Danny Robles who finished wonderfully by placing it over the goalkeeper. The match was now tied at 2-2 with nine minutes to go.
With the wind in their sails on Nordic Night, Ballard FC were hungry for a late winner. Enter, Peter Kingston.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Kingston stood over a free kick just outside the box. With pinpoint precision, he would find the back of the net and send Interbay into delirium, making it 3-2 at the death.
With last night’s thrilling victory, Ballard FC guaranteed themselves a spot in the USL League 2 playoffs, and remain top of the division standings.
Ballard FC will be back in action next Saturday, July 8th at Interbay Stadium for a friendly match against Cultures United. Saturday will be our Pride Night as both sides will celebrate inclusion and equality together. With the last five home matches selling out, make sure to get your tickets now!
The next USL2 league match will be on the road as Ballard FC takes on CFC Atletico again, this time in Salem on July 12th at 7:00 PM.
Photos courtesy of Marissa Lordahl
