Ballard FC Drop Points for the First Time in 2026, Draw on the Road Against Tacoma Stars

Ballard FC’s perfect start to 2026 came to an end Wednesday night in Tacoma, but the reigning division champs remained undefeated following a 1-1 draw with the Tacoma Stars.

A first-half goal from Ray Mendez was the only tally Ballard FC put up, their first match of 2026 scoring less than two goals.

Wednesday’s draw was the club’s third match in less than 7 days, and the marathon continues this Saturday as Ballard FC square off against the division leading Portland Bangers FC.

The first 10 minutes of Wednesdays match were inconsequential, with both teams vying for control and the only shot for Ballard sailing high over the crossbar.

The first shot on net would come in the 14th minute when a curling Ballard free kick was directed on net at the far post, but Stars goalkeeper Luis Birrueta held the attempt.

Birrueta would once again be called into action in the 18th minute, stopping a Mendez breakaway shot from a tough angle to keep it at 0-0.

Birrueta would deny Mendez 1-on-1 again in the 25th, rushing out to close the gap with Mendez beyond the Tacoma back line.

Third time would be the charm for Mendez, as in the 32nd minute. After Alex Bazia stole the ball off a Stars defender, he dribbled around Birrueta and was brought down. The referee looked as if he was about to call a foul, but played advantage as Mendez was first to the ball and finished into an empty net to make it 1-0.

For the fourth time in four matches this season, Ballard FC would go to the locker room leading.

As the second half began, Ballard remained on top. Mendez was through on goal just minutes into the half. After a collision with the goalkeeper just outside the box, everyone stopped and waited for a whistle that never came.

Then everything changed. In the 55th minute, a bit of individual magic was needed to draw the hosts level as Abdala Hassani rocketed in a shot from thirty yards out to the top corner, making it 1-1.

Both teams had their chances to take the lead down the stretch, with key blocks on either end keeping the score deadlocked.

Stockton Short made a brave save in the 78th minute, as he pounced on a bouncing 50-50 ball at the top of the six yard box. Birrueta would respond with some quality plays in net on the other end.

Neither team could find another breakthrough, and the game would finish 1-1.

Mendez’s second goal of 2026 would earn him player of the match honors.

Match Facts

Ballard FC is still yet to concede more than once in 2026, having allowed their first two goals-against over their last two matches
Ballard FC only has one home game scheduled between 5/31 and 6/18, with four away matches in that time.
Ballard FC has struck first in all four of their games so far this season, with all opening goals coming in the first 45′
Ballard FC is yet to start the same lineup twice through four games this season, with the last three matches seeing a very high level of squad rotation.

Scoring recap

32’ (Bal): Ray Mendez (2), assisted by Alex Bazia (1)

55’ (Tac): Abdala Hasani

Starting 11:

Stockton Short, Andrew Myerson, Cameron Cruz, Jack-Ryan Jeremiah, Connor Tollan, Victor Cabanas, Ray Mendez, Isaac Ketcham, Cianole Nguepissi, Alex Bazia, Sean Sent

Subs used:

Tanner Dutra, Beto Apolinar, Emmet Layman, Dunes Nielsen, Angel Martinez, Etienne Veillard

Written by Adam Race