Ballard FC narrowly lost 2-1 to United PDX in a heated match at Lincoln High School in Portland. Despite dominating possession and creating some early half chances, Ballard couldn’t break the deadlock in the first half. Then in the second half, United PDX had more of the ball and would take the lead in the 56th minute and extend it in the 70th minute. Ballard responded with relentless pressure, pulling one back in the 87th minute, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Ballard FC entered the match brimming with confidence after a 8-1 victory over Capital FC Atletico. On the other hand, United PDX was fresh off a 2-1 win against Tacoma Stars, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
The first half saw Ballard FC dominate possession, choosing our moments to attack. Within the first few minutes, Ballard earned multiple corners and pressed United PDX high up the pitch. A notable moment came in the 13th minute when Burko was fouled near the edge of the box, resulting in a free kick that Aman brought down well, but shot wide.
Despite our control, Ballard struggled to break down the United PDX defense. The only shot on target in the first half came in the 30th minute from a long-range effort by United PDX, comfortably saved by Lanphier.
The game entered halftime at 0-0, with Ballard having shown more attacking intent but without finding the breakthrough.
The second half began with a number of changes from both sides. Ballard FC introduced Gaffney and Cruz, which injected fresh energy into our attack. In the 48th minute, Gaffney’s cross found Burko, who headed wide. The tempo increased as both teams began pushing more for the opening goal.
United PDX made attacking adjustments, leading to a pivotal moment in the 56th minute when substitute Jamin Gogo Peters made a dashing run down the right side, and cut the ball back to Isaiah Easley, who finished it into the top corner to give United PDX the lead.
Ballard FC responded with a series of attacks. Burko set up Aman for a shot in the 60th minute, only for it to be saved by the PDX keeper. A header by Demian Alvarez from an Otero cross was also denied. The pressure culminated in a series of corners, yet the United PDX defense, and particularly their goalkeeper, stood firm.
In the 70th minute, a corner led to scramble in front of goal where United PDX extended their lead to 2-0 as Ryan Ludwick tapped it in. There was some debate over offsides with center and assistant referee talking for over a minute, but ultimately the goal was given. Down two, Ballard FC started pressing really hard, and in the 80th minute, Burko’s header from a Cruz corner was cleared off the line.
In a dramatic conclusion, Ballard FC pulled one back in the dying moments. Cameron Yriondo set the ball off to Rhys Gourdie on the top of the box, Gourdie took a few touches forward and smashed a shot into the bottom corner. Despite the loss, Gourdie will be happy to have scored on his Ballard FC debut and will look to keep that momentum going in to Sunday.
Despite our efforts, United PDX managed to hold on. The match ended 2-1, with Ballard FC’s comeback falling just short.
FULLTIME: Ballard FC 1 – 2 United PDX
HOW WE LINED UP
STARTING XI: Lanphier, Hammond, Engmann, Burney, D. Alvarez, Sent, J. Alvarez, Otero, Aman, Burko, Dale
SUBS: Gaffney, Yriondo, Spatz, Gourdie, Ketcham, Cruz
WHAT’S NEXT?
Ballard FC will look to quickly bounce back with a result this Sunday at Memorial Stadium against FC Olympia, with kick off at 5:00 PM. Gates will open early at 3:00 PM so fans can watch Copa America. Read more about Sunday’s match.
