This Friday Ballard FC will host division leaders United PDX in the final home match of the regular season, needing just a point to clinch a playoff berth but a win to go top of the division table.
As a hyper-local club, Ballard FC is always about the community, and will be even more so for this Friday’s annual Fan Appreciation Match. As we celebrate and support the players on the pitch, we will also celebrate the announcement of a new women’s team coming to Ballard. We hope this new team can provide even more joy and opportunities to both local fans and players.
At Friday’s match, fans can enjoy 15 % off all merchandise (including a new item coming soon). Check out our shop so you know just what to get at the match.
Now, let’s preview Friday’s contest.
Previous Encounter
Earlier this season, United PDX defeated Ballard FC 2-1 in Portland. The teams went into halftime scoreless with neither team threatening, but the match would open up in the second half.
United PDX’s Isaiah Easley scored the opener in the 56th minute after being set up by Jamin Gogo Peters. The hosts would then double their advantage in the 70th minute after a goal-line scramble led to a Ryan Ludwick finish.
Ballard FC kept fighting, forcing a goal-line clearance in the 80th minute before Rhys Gourdie pulled one back in the 87th with a left-footed finish to the far post. However, the comeback would fall just short as United PDX held on for the 2-1 victory after nearly ten minutes of stoppage time.
Preview
United PDX currently sit atop the division standings with 26 points after 12 matches, and are coming off a 1-0 victory against the third-placed Tacoma Stars. United PDX will look to remain at the top of standings with a win or draw on Friday, while Ballard FC will attempt to reclaim the top spot with a victory themselves.
The Portland side prides itself on its stellar defense, with six clean sheets and allowing more than one goal just once all season. The Ballard side however prides itself on its attack, averaging over three goals per match scoring at least twice in 10 out of their 12 matches this season. It’ll be a strength against strength battle on Friday with both playoff and division title implications.
United PDX’s attack is led by Connor Evans with 4 goals and 2 assists on the season. The hosts will need to contain Evans to find success this weekend.
Get your tickets to Friday’s match!
MATCH DETAILS
Gates: Gates open at 5:30pm! We also recommend arriving early to enjoy the food and beer offerings, watch the players warm up, beat the hassle of traffic and parking, and to enjoy all of the prematch festivities. With merchandise 15% off, we suggest arriving early to beat the lines. Also, the first 150 fans will get the above match poster FREE.
Food Vendors: Beyond the thrilling soccer action, Saturday’s match will feature an array of food vendors, including Kottu, Big Boys Filipino, Mainstay Provisions, Bake Shop, Seattle Pops, and the Dick’s Drive In Food Truck.
Ballard Food Bank: We also encourage fans to support the community by bringing donations for the Ballard food bank. The following items will be accepted at Friday’s match: Peanut butter, canned soup, cereal, oatmeal, rice, pasta, ramen, canned fruit and vegetables, and granola bars.
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.
