Ballard FC emerged victorious against Lane United FC on Friday night, winning 2-1 in a tightly-contested match at Civic Park. Ballard FC striker Austin Brummett scored a goal in each half to help lead Ballard to three points.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The game kicked off a little slow with no chances for either side in the first five minutes. Lane would have the first chance, coming close in the 7th minute with a headed effort from a set piece, forcing Ballard FC keeper Charlie Lanphier to make a crucial save.
The early exchanges saw both sides earn corners, with one of Peter Kingston’s corner hitting the crossbar for Ballard in the ninth minute. As the teams grew into the match it became an increasingly physical encounter, with Leo Burney receiving the match’s first yellow card in the 29th minute after a strong challenge.
Ballard FC’s persistence would eventually pay off in the 36th minute. Peter Kingston switched the field to Charlie Gaffney, who brought the ball down on the right wing before floating a cross to the back post. Brummett brought down the ball with his first touch, and then quickly spun to place the ball into the bottom right-hand corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Lane United responded with increased aggression and a little frustration, receiving a yellow card almost immediately after the goal. Ballard’s defense remained solid to see out the half, and they went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half began with Lane United on the front foot as they searched for an equalizer. It would not take long for them to find one as Oregon State forward Sergi Solans headed home in the 48th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.
Despite a great start to the half and an equalizing goal, Lane United would not go on to control play. Almost immediately after the goal went in, Ballard reestablished themselves as the dominant force. The match would not stay level for long. In the 54th minute, Demian Alvarez burst forward with a great overlapping run on the left wing and cut the ball into Brummett. With nobody but the goalkeeper to beat, Brummet calmly slotted the ball home to make it 2-1.
Ballard continued to press high and push for another goal, Juan Alvarez came close to extending the lead with an ambitious chipped effort from distance after seeing Lane’s goalkeeper out of his box.
In the 66th minute, Ballard made a quadruple substitution to keep energy levels high. Cameron Cruz, Luke Hammond, Elliot Spatz, and Joe Dale subbed on for Juan Alvarez, Demian Alvarez, Brummett, and Gaffney. Despite the big substitution, there was no change in momentum or rhythm as Ballard remained in control and on the front foot, limiting Lane United’s opportunities to equalize.
In the 77th minute, Otero came on for Brisco and almost made an instant impact. Richie Aman broke down the line and cut the ball across the box and to the top of the 18 where Otero hit the far post with a powerful strike. Five minutes later, Lane United’s hopes of a comeback were almost entirely dashed, receiving a red card in the 82nd minute. The speed of Spatz forced Lane center back Josue Biveghe into a last-ditch tackle that he got wrong, leaving the referee with no choice but to send him off.
Ballard successfully managed the final minutes to secure a well-earned victory on the road. After this win, Ballard FC will look to make it a perfect weekend with another three points against Capital FC Atletico on Sunday.
FULL-TIME: Ballard FC 2 – 1 Lane United FC
MAN OF THE MATCH: Austin Brummett was named man of the match with his dominant performance up top, bagging two goals on the night.
HOW WE LINED UP:
STARTING XI: Lanphier, D. Alvarez, Engmann, Burney, Brisco, Sent, Kingston, J. Alvarez, Mendez, Brummett, Gaffney
SUBS: Aman, Hammond, Cruz, Spatz, Dale, Otero
WHATS NEXT?
Ballard FC will take on CFC Atletico on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM. CFC Atletico currently sits fourth in the division with five points after four matches. Ballard FC has a 2-2 all-time record against CFC Atletico and will look to take control of the series this Sunday.
Following that match, Ballard FC will play United PDX in Portland on June 21st and then return home to Memorial Stadium to take on FC Olympia that Sunday, June 23rd at 5:00 PM.
Tickets for that game are available here!
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin 
Photos courtesy of Blake Dahlin
