The 2024 Ballard FC season has come to an end, and what a season it was. It included plenty of goals, burgers, flips, and even skydivers. It included a new stadium, a new coaching staff, new division rivals, and ultimately culminated in another division title. But all of this would not be possible without the fans and the Seattle soccer community.
Reflecting back on the season, co-founder and President Sam Zisette had this to say, “thank you to our incredible community for another amazing season. You continue to prove that this dream of hyper-local soccer in Ballard is possible. We accomplished a lot this year and none of it would be possible without your support. From the move to Memorial Stadium, bringing in a new coaching staff, competing in the US Open Cup, announcing our USL W League team, winning the USL 2 NW Division once again, and hosting playoffs for the third season in a row, this was a big year!”
It sure was a big year. It started early with our Open Cup debut in March where nearly 2,500 of you came out to support as we hosted and competed with a professional side in Spokane Velocity. Despite the loss, it was a dream to compete in such a historic competition and you all showed up to support. Then fast forward a a couple months, and you showed up once again for our league home opener. Over 2,500 fans packed Memorial Stadium as we got off to a flying start with national title celebration, wonder strikes, and a comfortable victory.
The goals would continue all season long. In June, we would set a record for our biggest ever away result with an 8-1 victory over Capital FC Atletico, which also tied the club’s biggest ever league result. In the end, we would finish with the fourth most regular season goals in the entire league with 40.
Another huge moment this season came in early July. After three years of incredible success as a men’s team, providing opportunities and access to young men in their paths to professional soccer, it was announced that women’s soccer is coming to Ballard. Starting with the 2025 USL W League season, we aim to provide increased access and opportunity for the women’s soccer community in Seattle. The announcement of the team alongside a new ownership group that includes NWSL players Lauren Barnes, Jess Fishlock, Sam Hiatt, and Olivia Van der Jagt, provided some amazing mid-season news going into the final weekend of regular season play.
What a final weekend it would be. Going into the weekend, there were still some questions to be answered. Ballard FC sat in second place, three points behind United PDX, and coming off a loss where we were shut out for the only time all season. However, a thrilling 1-0 win against United PDX that Friday night would shift the momentum. All of a sudden, we had clinched playoffs and sat atop the division going into the final matchday. Going into the finale against West Seattle Junction FC, we already knew we were hosting playoffs the following weekend at Interbay Stadium. However, we still needed a win to clinch the division title. We took care of business early with two goals, and the match would finish with an ice bath for Coach Riley and division title celebrations.
The return to Interbay. With the regular season over and construction completed at Interbay Stadium, it was time to come home for the playoffs. Despite the narrow defeat and early playoff exit, it was another magical night in front of a very full Interbay crowd. We cannot wait for 2025 when both the men’s and women’s teams will call Interbay home. Until then, there’s work to do.
Zisette’s final thoughts were focused internally, “I also want to thank our players, staff, volunteers, partners, ownership group, and everyone else involved in the club. We have such an amazing team both on and off the field. Not only do we have the best talent, but our people truly bring their best every day and for that I am so grateful. We can’t wait to share our plans for the 2025 season as there is a lot to look forward to! See you soon, Up The Bridges!”
