SEATTLE — They say that history doesn’t repeat, it rhymes. For the second straight year, Ballard FC fell to Spokane Velocity in the opening round of the U.S. Open Cup, this time 1-0 in overtime.
The back-and-forth match ended 0-0 in regulation. After 28 minutes of overtime soccer, Spokane found the eventual game-winner on a shot that deflected and caught Ballard keeper Charlie Lanphier wrong-footed, and that 1-0 scoreline would hold, if just barely.
This year’s rematch was played at Interbay Stadium, Ballard’s home ground, after returning from a year at Memorial Stadium. A record standing-room-only crowd braved a windy, rainy evening and was rewarded with a physical and entertaining match that nonetheless ended with another crushing loss to Spokane.
It looked to everyone in the stadium that Ballard defender Harrison Bertos equalized in the last seconds of overtime, but his chipped goal was called back for an incredibly tight offside call in what was effectively the last play of the game.
This year, Ballard FC was one of nine USL 2 teams in the tournament, qualifying through their 2024 regular-season points and Northwest Division championship. Spokane Velocity qualified after making the USL1 National Championship match in their inaugural season.
Former Sounder Kelyn Rowe started for Ballard FC in the midfield, playing 80 minutes and putting in a solid shift.
The scoreless first half was balanced and physically played, both teams eager to come out of the front foot. The best chance of the half belonged to Spokane, when a cross into the box bounced around in front of goal before finally being cleared.
Rowe had a solid half, winning several challenges and taking a chance on chipping the Spokane keeper, who was off his line.
The physicality picked up after the break, with both teams trading hard fouls and earning cautions.
Velocity move on to the second round, facing the winner of Thursday’s Tacoma Defiance-Washington Athletic Club match. But the USL1 side that made the championship match last season had all they could handle with a Ballard side that has yet to bring all of their players into camp.
Ballard FC’s regular season starts with an away match at FC Olympia on May 16th.
Spokane Velocity continue their regular season campaign on March 22 against USL Naples.
