Ballard FC Clinch Playoff Spot and Claim Third Straight Division Title with win over Midlakes

Saturday was a great day for Ballard FC fans as they not only won 3-0, but they also secured a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive season and won their third straight Northwest Division Title.

Right from kickoff, the home side began asserting their dominance and controlling possession, eager to get the business done early.

The first half was very stop-start with some strong challenges from Midlakes leading to yellow cards and injury stoppages. The yellow cards went to Jack-Ryan Jeremiah and Philip Kleeman respectively, both for tackles on Austin Brummett.

Shortly after the yellow cards, the match began to open up and Ballard took full advantage.

In the 38th minute, Khai Brisco received a ball from Charlie Kosakoff near the corner flag and crossed it into Joe Dale who’s header was saved off the line by Midlakes keeper Levi Bieber, however Andre Philibossian was right there to pounce on the rebound and score his first of the season.

Midlakes almost equalized immediately equalized from a corner, forcing Stockton Short into a tough save which he barely held. Short then immediately launched a counter attack that led to a Ballard corner kick.

From the ensuing set piece, Richie Aman’s corner found Kosakoff’s head as he flicked it into the back of the net in the 43rd minute. The two teams went into the locker rooms with the hosts winning by two.

The second half was more of the same, with Ballard FC pushing for a third but not quite finding the finishing touch.

In the 61st minute, Coach Riley added some fresh legs to the team as he made all seven substitutions. Beto Apolinar, Elliot Spatz, Omar Yehya, Nii Engmann, Cameron Cruz, Rafi Otero, and Zach Ramsey came in for Joe Dale, Christian Engmann, Brummett, Aman, Philibossian, Brisco, and Kosakoff.

The energy level was immediately raised with these substitutions with the new frontline eager to add to the scoreline.

It took awhile, but they did eventually add the third goal in the 87th minute. Yehya broke through the Midlakes defense and then found Spatz who scored his third goal of the season and Ballard’s third of the match.

Minutes later, the final whistle blew and the Interbay Stadium crowd erupted in celebration as Ballard FC officially clinched a playoff spot and won back to back to back Northwest Division titles.

MATCH DETAILS

FULLTIME: Ballard FC 3 – 0 Midlakes United

Goals: Philibossian (38’), Kosakoff (43’), Spatz (87’)

Assists: Dale (38’), Aman (43’), Yehya (87′)

Starting XI: Short, Ketcham, Engmann, Zemenfes, Brisco, Philibbosian, Sent, Brummett, Aman, Dale, Kosakoff

Substitutes: Otero, Yehya, Spatz, Apolinar, Ramsey, Cruz, N. Engmann, Venkat, Lanphier

Player of the Match: Sean Sent, who set the tone and controlled the midfield all match.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Ballard FC return to action this Saturday at Interbay, as they take on Snohomish United at 2pm for our regular season finale and Fan Appreciation Match. Join us for this top of the table clash and potential playoff preview. ALL merchandise will be 15% off!

Get tickets to Saturday’s finale!

Written by Max Dresbach