After claiming the division title on Saturday, Ballard FC will be looking for more hardware on Wednesday night as they head down to Portland to take on the Bangers.
Ballard FC are on a four match win streak and in that time have scored 20 goals, and conceded only once. They will look to keep that form going midweek so that they go into the playoffs full of confidence.
Wednesday will be only the second trip to Oregon for Ballard FC as there are now only two Oregon clubs in the Northwest Division. Last time the club crossed state borders, they defeating Lane United 3-1 but needed a miraculous six minute spell in which they scored three goals to comeback and claim all three points.
With two regular season matches left, Ballard FC sit atop the Northwest Division with 30 points from 12 matches and are one of only five unbeaten teams left in all of USL League Two. Additionally, the visitors have conceded the second fewest goals (4) nationwide, and are top ten in scoring with 35 goals, eighth most in the nation.
But Wednesday’s hosts will hope to put a dent in that record, let’s meet them.
Portland Bangers FC
The Portland Bangers currently sit in fourth place in the Northwest Division with 18 points from 13 matches and are eliminated from postseason contention.
Despite being eliminated, the Bangers will be a tough test on Wednesday as they aim for the PNW Keg Cup themselves. The cup is a friendly competition between Ballard FC and the Portland Bangers in which the winner is decided by the aggregate score across the two matches, similarly to a Champions League knockout tie. Ballard FC have a 1-0 advantage heading into Wednesday’s match courtesy of Elliot Spatz’ first half winner last month at Interbay Stadium.
Before losing to Lane United last Wednesday, the Bangers were on a five match unbeaten streak and looked likely to make a real playoff push. Since losing their season opener, the Bangers have not allowed more than two goals in any match and will look to keep that going to contain Ballard FC’s high-octane offense that averages nearly three goals per match.
The Bangers attack is spearheaded by Drew Pederson who leads the team in scoring with four goals and Vala Saghafi, a 16 year old, who has three goals and one assists so far this summer. Ballard’s hardest task though may not be containing that duo but scoring on Bangers keeper Marcus Norris, who was exceptional in the earlier meeting between the two clubs.
If you cannot make it to the match, you can watch the live stream or watch live at the Reuben’s Brews Ballard Taproom.
What’s next?
Ballard FC returns home as they host Snohomish United in their regular season finale for Fan Appreciation Day this saturday, July 12th! ALL merchandise will be 15% off and fans can celebrate with the team on the pitch post-match.
Get tickets to Saturday’s finale!
Written by Max Dresbach
