In a thrilling top of the table clash at Memorial Stadium, Ballard FC emerged victorious against United PDX on Fan Appreciation Night. The match saw intense action from the start, with Ballard having an early disallowed goal and numerous chances. The breakthrough finally came in the 80th minute when Alex Mejia headed in a perfect cross from Peter Kingston at the back post. Ballard maintained the lead and secured a 1-0 win, clinching a playoff spot.
It was a night of celebration at Memorial Stadium as the annual Fan Appreciation Match was highlighted by the announcement of the new women’s team and the ownership group. In addition, the Reuben’s Brews “Year of Beer” was won for the first time in club history, a late winner gave the hosts a crucial victory, and everyone soaked it in afterwards together on the pitch.
Now, Ballard FC sit atop the division standings, tied on points with United PDX but with a superior goal difference. A win on Sunday against West Seattle Junction would clinch the division title for Ballard.
Ballard FC are thrilled to be hosting playoffs at Interbay Stadium on July 19th and 21st. Stay tuned for more details and tickets which will be released to the general public on Monday!
WHAT HAPPENED?
The match kicked off with lots of energy as the home side seemed invigorated by the lively crowd at Memorial Stadium. In only the second minute, Richie Aman made a darting run down the line and drew a foul on the edge of the box. Kingston’s far post attempt from the ensuing free-kick was punched away by United PDX goalkeeper Davis King.
In the 4th minute, Luke Hammond crossed to Mejia, who volleyed the ball into the back of the net, but the goal was called back as Hammond was ruled offsides. Just a minute later, Kingston found Mejia through on goal, only for the offside flag to be raised again. Despite the disallowed chances, these early looks at goal provided a promising start for Ballard.
United PDX’s defense continued to be put under pressure, and in the 8th minute, a foul on Hammond resulted in an early yellow card for PDX forward Vova Kubrakov. Charlie Gaffney got on the end of the resulting free kick, but his attempt was blocked.
The visitors showed their threat on the counter, hitting the post in the 12th minute with their first chance of the game.
The vast majority of opportunities kept coming for Ballard, with Christian Engmann flicking a header to Aman at the back post, whose volley went wide in the 24th minute.
As the half progressed, Ballard maintained their dominance in possession, creating more chances. In the 30th minute, Aman’s shot at the near post was saved, and Mejia nearly capitalized on the rebound, forcing another corner.
Charlie Lanphier made a comfortable save from a header in the 41st minute, and just before the half ended, Mejia almost connected on a through ball from Kingston that was just hit a little too hard.
Despite controlling the match and having the better chances, the hosts were unable to break the deadlock in the first half. The score remained 0-0 and a yellow card was shown to United PDX forward Jackson Finn for dissent as he thought the referee ended the half too early.
United PDX made one change at halftime, an attacking substitution in the hopes of generating more opportunities.
Ballard FC started the second half with the same intensity. Early corners saw Engmann head down to Mejia, whose shot was blocked. In the 51st minute, Mejia curled a ball into Kingston, but King was quick off his line to smother it. Ballard remained on the front foot, looking the more likely of the two sides to score.
Gaffney hit a powerful shot from the top of the box in the 54th minute that went over the bar, as did Kingston’s effort in the 58th minute. Ballard kept pushing, with Kingston winning a corner in the 64th minute. Chris Meyers delivered to Engmann, but his header was caught by the keeper. The match’s intensity continued to rise as the score remained level, a yellow card was shown to Kingston in the 66th minute for a harsh challenge.
The breakthrough came in the 80th minute. Kingston, finding space on the wing, lifted a perfect ball to the back post, where Mejia firmly headed it into the net. The stadium erupted in celebration, as players rushed to celebrate in front of the Ballard faithful.
With a 1-0 lead, Ballard continued to create chances. Joe Dale hit the outside netting as the team looked to secure their lead. Khai Brisco made a crucial goal-saving tackle in the 89th minute, clearing the ball off the line. Two minutes later, Brisco received a yellow card for a late tackle. Aman would also see yellow in the 95th minute for an accumulation of fouls.
In stoppage time, Lanphier confidently claimed a free kick out of the air, putting an end to United PDX’s chances to equalize. The final whistle sealed a 1-0 Ballard victory, clinching a spot in the playoffs!
FULLTIME: Ballard FC 1 – 0 United PDX
HOW WE LINED UP?
STARTING XI: Lanphier, Hammond, D. Alvarez, Engmann, Brisco, Sent, J. Alvarez, Kingston, Aman, Gaffney, Mejia
SUBS: Dale, Mendez, Spatz, Meyers
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Alex Mejia was named player of the match for his relentless attacking energy throughout the game, highlighted by his winning goal in the 80th minute.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Ballard FC’s final regular season match is this Sunday against West Seattle Junction, where a win will clinch the Division title.
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
