Ballard FC took all three points back home on Wednesday night after defeating CFC Atletico 3-1 in Salem. The victory eliminates CFC’s chances of earning a potential playoff spot. The result also confirms that Oly Town FC will make playoffs and finish second in the division standings.
Ballard opened the scoring in the 4th minute through Peter Kingston as he slotted one the ball into the bottom corner. Kingston scored in the last meeting with CFC and has proved to be a consistent threat to opposing team’s back lines all season long.
Two weeks ago it was CFC grabbing an early lead at Interbay Stadium, but this time Ballard FC got off to a quick start with a goal in the first five minutes.
Still searching for a playoff berth, CFC fought hard to claw back into this one. They found their equalizer in the ‘30th minute through Yuki Onishi to level the match at 1-1.
With only seconds to spare before the break, striker Eric Lagos broke the deadlock to put Ballard FC back on top. The Yale University standout showed some impressive tight control inside CFC’s box as he shifted the ball onto his right and found the bottom left corner.
Ballard led 2-1 at the half.
Things would continue to go Ballard FC’s way in the second half. In the 54th minute, Stas Korzeniowski slotted an inch-perfect cutback to Danny Robles, who roofed the finish confidently to make it 3-1.
Ballard FC looked dominant for the rest of the match, forcing a few saves from CFC goalkeeper Jules Dechert and closing out a desperate CFC side with relative ease.
Right back Khai Brisco was a notable reintroduction to the Ballard FC lineup. Bricso was pivotal in helping slam the door on the hosts in the second half, earning himself Man of the Match honors.
Ballard FC will return to Interbay Stadium this Sunday, July 16th as they face United PDX at 2:00 PM in the regular-season finale. Sunday will be the final test for Coach O’Neill’s side before the USL2 playoffs. Tickets are sold out, but fans can watch the match at the Reuben’s Brews Taproom or stream at goballardfc.com.
Tickets are still available for next weekend’s playoff matches at Interbay Stadium, so make sure to get yours before they are gone!
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin
