Ballard FC Stays Perfect With 1-0 win Over the Portland Bangers

Ballard FC defeated Portland Bangers last night in front of a sold out crowd at Interbay Stadium courtesy of a deft finish by Elliot Spatz.

Friday’s win extends Ballard’s lead at the top of the Northwest Division standings and extends their perfect start to the season to five matches.

The match kicked off at an electric pace with lots of early chances. Richie Aman was too much for the Bangers to handle with his speed and creativity down the left side, creating a number of opportunities. One of the best looks was a weaving dribble into the box that was squared across the face of goal for Spatz to run onto, but the attempt was blocked wide for a corner. Aman curled in the ensuing corner to the head of Engmann, whose header flashed over the bar.

In the 23rd minute, the hosts broke away on a counter attack with Joe Dale driving with the ball through the midfield, as he surveyed his options he saw Marcus Norris, the Bangers keeper, off his line… Dale hit an audacious long shot that got the whole crowd on their feet, but Norris scrambled successfully to barely keep it out and Dale was just inches short of the goal of the season.

The home side’s confidence was growing as they relentlessly continued to attack. In the 28th minute, Dale found space in front of goal, but his second attempt was also narrowly saved. Three minutes later Spatz backheeled a pass into Dale who calmly avoided pressure to get shot off but was thwarted by another strong save.

In the 35th minute, the breakthrough came. Aman broke free through a crowd of Bangers defenders and then slipped a pass into the stride of Spatz, who took a deft first touch and slotted it off the inside of the far post, sending an eager crowd into eruption.

With Spatz’ goal, Ballard FC headed into halftime with a deserved one goal advantage.

The second half started with the same contagious energy as the first, with Aman receiving the ball from a short corner and dribbling his way into the box to force a smart stop at the near post. Ray Mendez crossed a ball into Aman a few minutes later, but the strong volley attempt was blocked.

Our defensive line continued to quickly snuff out any Portland balls into the box, allowing for the attacking onslaught of chances to continue with Charlie Kosakoff and Austin Brummett subbing on in the 57th minute.

In the 62nd minute, Rafi Otero played a first time through ball for Kosakoff to run onto. Kosakoff drew defenders to him and then cut the ball back to Brummett who cleverly let the pass roll through his legs to Dale behind him, hoping to confuse the keeper who remained strong, making a fast reflex save.

The Bangers made a few attacking changes as the half went on, looking to find a way to create some chances of their own.

Kosakoff continued to find good spaces in the Bangers defense, with a number of attempts on goal. The best opportunity to double the lead came in the 77th minute. Brummett turned in the midfield and quickly sliced a pass through for Kosakoff who was isolated with the keeper but unable to find the far corner with his curling shot.

We continued to create chances as the clock wound down, with the San Diego State trio of Brummett, Beto Apolinar and Christian Engmann all coming close to doubling the lead.

Sean Sent, Zach Ramsey, Omar Grey, Cameron Cruz, and Declan McGlynn came on as Ballard FC professionally saw out the remaining minutes of the match to secure the 1-0 win in the first leg of the first-ever Northwest Keg Cup!

Ballard FC remain undefeated and extend the lead at the top of the table with another dominant display.

MATCH DETAILS

FULLTIME: Ballard FC 1 – 0 Portland Bangers

Starting XI: Lanphier, Hammond, C. Engmann, Mungomba, Otero, Apolinar, Zemenfes, Mendez, Aman, Dale, Spatz

Subs: Kosakoff, Brummett, Ramsey, Sent, Grey, Cruz, McGlynn, Wojdyla, Short

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Elliot Spatz for his match-winning goal.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Ballard FC hits the road for a top of the table clash with Snohomish United on Wednesday, June 10th before returning home next Saturday, June 14th for an exciting double header matchday against Lane United. Salmon Bay FC kicks off at 3pm and will be followed by Ballard FC who start at 7pm.

HIGHLIGHTS

Relive Friday night’s action on our YouTube page.

GALLERY