In an electrifying display at Memorial Stadium, Ballard FC continued our dominant form with a resounding 3-0 victory against Chivas U23. The match unfolded at a fast tempo, with both teams wanting to outplay each other with swift ball movement. However, it was only Ballard FC who shined, demonstrating impressive skill and cohesion both on and off the ball. Our team’s exceptional performance was a challenge for Chivas U23, as we controlled the game from start to finish.
WHAT HAPPENED?
There was an amazing energy at Memorial Stadium at kick off as both Ballard FC and Chivas fans came out in numbers to support.
Right from the get go it was clear that Chivas were looking to play around Ballard FC, as they passed the ball confidently around the back. Ballard FC’s work rate made Chivas’ game plan difficult, as they pressed high up the field, forcing Chivas to make mistakes on the ball.
Ballard FC had a few decent looks at goal early in the match, but our first great one came in the 14th minute. Peter Kingston sped into the box and set the ball off to Charlie Gaffney whose composure in front of the Chivas goal froze the entire stadium before passing it into the back of the net and erupting the Ballard FC fans in celebration.
This early lead boosted our confidence, leading to a series of near misses and close attempts. Just a minute later, Alex Mejia found space inside the box but narrowly missed the far post with an outside-the-boot shot.
Kingston was a constant threat, nearly connecting with Gaffney again in the 18th minute and delivering several dangerous crosses, including one in the 28th minute that the Chivas keeper barely managed to claim. Our defense was solid all half, highlighted by Isaac Ketcham’s crucial block in the 31st minute.
Despite Chivas’ efforts, they struggled to break out of their half, and our midfield continued to win battles and help facilitate more chances. A powerful snap shot from Mejia in the 33rd minute was expertly saved, and Demian Alvarez’s header from the resulting corner went just over the bar.
Juan Alvarez’s free kick in the 36th minute saw Demian again challenge the Chivas keeper with a strong header. Two minutes later, a slick one-two between Gaffney and Juan Alvarez allowed Mejia to round the keeper, only to hit the side netting. Ballard FC consistently caused problems for the Chivas defense, sensing that the second goal was only a matter of time.
Chivas’s has a big chance right before the break as a corner hit to the near post was missed narrowly wide. As the half concluded, our control was evident, with Kingston again nearly adding to the scoreline in stoppage time following a Chivas defensive error.
The second half began with an almost full squad substitution for Ballard FC, bringing fresh energy to the side. This immediate impact was felt when Austin Brummett won a penalty in the 50th minute as he touched the ball by the Chivas goalkeeper who took him down. Brummett calmly converted the penalty into the side netting to make it 2-0 as the Chivas keeper dived the wrong way.
Chivas’ inability to deal with Ballard FC caused frustration to boil up, resulting in multiple yellow cards in just a few minutes for the Mexican side.
Ballard’s third goal came in spectacular fashion in the 55th minute when a corner kick bounced around and fell on top of Daniel Burko who went for the impossible. Burko improvised and went for the bicycle kick, connecting with the ball and finishing into the side netting, leaving the Chivas keeper helpless.
Ballard FC continued to press, with Burko nearly scoring again from a free kick in the 59th minute. Aman came close twice, curling shots just wide in the 68th and 69th minutes, as our team played with increasing confidence while Chivas struggled to find their footing.
As the game neared its conclusion, Chivas’s attempts to switch to longer balls were consistently thwarted by our resolute defense. A notable sliding challenge by the Chivas goalkeeper in the 81st minute prevented another Brummett opportunity, while Aman forced a save to the near post just before the full time whistle was blown.
Ballard FC’s 3-0 victory not only highlighted our offensive prowess but also our defensive solidity, frustrating Chivas U23 at every turn. This triumph in the international friendly sets a positive tone for Ballard’s upcoming matches as they look forward to maintaining this momentum.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Luke Hammond was named “Player of the Match” with his tremendous lights out performance in defense helping Ballard FC get our 3rd clean sheet in a row.
HOW WE LINED UP
1st Half XI: Buck, Holmes, Avarez, Ketcham, Hammond, Alvarez, Otero, Kingston, Gaffney, Mejia, Mendez
2nd Half XI: Aman, Spatz, Burko, Cruz, Brummett, Otero, Myerson, Dale, Carnovale, Ketcham, Hammond
WHAT’S NEXT?
Ballard FC is now preparing for our USL2 Northwest Division top of the table clash against new side Tacoma Stars. Ballard FC sit top of the table currently with 10 pts and Tacoma Stars are in second with 8 pts.
We drew 2-2 with the Stars in the final minutes of our league opening match away from home, which will give both teams further fire to want the win this time around. Home field advantage will be a big factor in this rematch, so make sure to come out and support Ballard FC!
