A flurry of late goals saw Ballard FC take home all three points in what was their final regular season match.
Although the result had no playoff implications, Ballard made sure to extend their lead in the division standings.
The opening goal came in the 13th minute for Ballard FC as a Danny Robles cross caused problems for PDX goalkeeper Kash Oladapo. Oladapo failed to claim the ball cleanly and parried the ball into the path of an onrushing Cam Martin, who tapped the ball over the line.
The remainder of the first half saw chances go both ways. While Ballard had the lion’s share of the possession, United PDX was able to find ways through, forcing multiple saves from Lars Helleren.
Ballard went into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw more of the same, Ballard FC controlling possession with United PDX looking to counter. With late recovery tackles from Khai Brisco and Man of the Match Demian Alvarez, The Ballard back line kept the visitors at bay until the 75th minute. With both Ballard FC center-backs up the field for a corner kick, United PDX capitalized with the perfect counterattack to equalize with 15 minutes left.
The equalizer pushed the home side into another gear, as they have been able to do all season at the end of matches. In the last ten minutes of play, Ballard found not one, not two, but three match-defining goals. It was Ballard’s big strikers, Stas Korzeniowski and Eric Lagos, who came up with the goods.
In the 80th minute, Korzeniowski found a loose ball inside the box, used his frame to find an angle, and tucked it away for 2-1.
With the momentum and crowd behind them, Ballard FC poured it on. After beating his man, Lesia Thetsane whipped in a cross that was met by an Eric Lagos diving header to make it 3-1 in the 85th.
To cap things off on fan appreciation night and kick off the party atmosphere in Interbay, Korzeniowski was able to grab his second goal after stealing the ball off the toe of Oladapo to walk in Ballard’s fourth goal in stoppage time.
In ten minutes, a 1-1 draw became a 4-1 victory for Ballard FC.
In the blink of an eye, the regular season is done.
Thankfully, there is more to come from Ballard FC and Sunday’s performance should build confidence heading into playoffs. Ballard FC’s round of 32 matchup will be against New Mexico United U23 on July 21st at 7:30 pm.
Grab your postseason tickets here while they are still available and come pack Interbay Stadium for the playoffs!!
Photos courtesy of Marissa Lordahl
