Ballard FC is preparing for a rematch against new side Tacoma Stars in a pivotal USL2 Northwest Division showdown. Ballard FC are currently at the top of the standings with 10 pts (3 W – 1 D – 0 L), while the Tacoma Stars sit in a close second with 8 pts (3 W – 2 D – 0 L). The Stars have played one more league match than Ballard FC. This battle of undefeateds promises to be an exciting and could play a pivotal role in the final league standings.
Previous Encounter
In the two teams first encounter, they battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw. Ballard FC took an early lead through a goal by Taketo Onodera. Tacoma responded well with goals from Charlie Kosakoff and Johnny Ramirez to make it 2-1. Ballard FC found themselves trailing in the final minutes of the match until Christian Engmann connected on a corner, rescuing a point from the match in the final moments. The heated first meeting between the sides will undoubtedly fuel both teams to get the decisive victory this time around.
Since that encounter, Ballard FC’s roster and play has strengthened significantly. The team has had more time to train together, and recent performances reflect this improvement. Ballard FC is coming off an impressive 3-0 win against Chivas U23 in an international friendly, and prior to that, two consecutive 4-0 victories in the USL2 Northwest Division. The team’s great current form both offensively and defensively will be key as we look to capitalize on our home field advantage.
The team has won every home match so far, and the supporters’ energy will undoubtedly boost the players on. The atmosphere at our home ground is expected to be electric, and home field advantage will be a big factor in the match up this time around so make sure to come out and support Ballard FC!
The Opponent
Tacoma Stars have started their season well and just defeated West Seattle Junction 5-2 on Wednesday night. Former Ballard FC players Jeremy Opong and Johnny Ramirez play key roles on the Stars side and will look to make an impact on Saturday against their former teammates. Before their West Seattle match, the Stars rescued a draw at the death against Lane United in Eugene.
MATCH DETAILS
Gates: Gates open at 5:30pm! We also recommend arriving early to beat the food and beer lines, watch the players warm up, beat the hassle of traffic and parking, and to enjoy all of the prematch festivities.
Food Vendors: Beyond the thrilling soccer action, Saturday’s match will feature an array of food vendors, including Kottu, Mainstay Provisions, Bake Shop, Seattle Pops, Pizza Paesano Seattle.
Ballard Food Bank: We also encourage fans to support the community by bringing donations of rice and pasta for the Ballard food bank.
Beer Garden: We’re proud to offer the Reuben’s Brews beer garden this season at Memorial Stadium, featuring Up The Bridges Pale Ale! The beer garden can only be accessed through the stadium but please note that the field is not visible from the garden. We understand this is disappointing and please trust that we’ve done everything possible to make the most of the situation. Seattle Public Schools does not allow alcohol on facility grounds. We recommend you arrive early to the stadium to grab a prematch brew or head to Reuben’s Brews Taproom in Ballard and catch the shuttle to the match.
Shuttle: This season we have a ticketed shuttle ride option for all matches this regular season at home! Tickets are now available for individual purchase for our shuttle program at an affordable rate of $8.50 per person round trip from Reuben’s Brews in Ballard to Memorial Stadium and back.
Transportation: Parking is extremely limited and is all paid. We highly recommend alternative forms of transportation. Please consider riding King County Metro on game day, where youth through age 18 always ride free! Check out transit mode in Google Maps, the TripPlanner.kingcounty.gov website, or an app like OneBusAway.
Live Stream: Can’t make it to the match? All Ballard FC home matches will be streamed to our YouTube channel. The stream for the match this Friday can be found HERE. Our live stream is proudly presented by Albert Lee Appliance and Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants.
