Five EPLWA matches provide plenty of thrills over July 8-9 weekend

The July 8-9 weekend featured five Evergreen Premier League matches. There was a little something for everyone. Early goals. Late goals. Controversial plays. Important match ups. As we catch our breath, let’s take a look back at the big weekend.

Spokane Shadow 0-3 Yakima United

SPOKANE, WA— The weekend began with a rivalry match that goes back to the 1990’s. Yakima United (3-6-3) visited the Spokane Shadow (2-10-0) on Saturday and came back home with a big 3-0 win at Spokane Falls Stadium. The Hoppers goals came from Alex Molchan (38th minute), Ramon Ayala (70th) and Cesar Rodriguez (85th.) Jacob Rhoads recorded the shutout for Yakima.

WPSS Shock 1-1 Olympic Force

PUYALLUP, WA— It all came down to the final minutes at the WPFC Fields Complex. A tense nil-nil standoff was broken in the 85th minute when the Shock (4-4-1) took the lead on a goal from Kyle Rivers. He was on the end of a combination play set up Brandon Madsen and JJ Schmeck. Then controversy arose as the Force (3-4-4) drew level in the 89th minute. The Shock wanted a foul called for pushing their goalkeeper on the play. No call was made and the end result was a 1-1 draw. Izzy DeLuna put home the goal for the Force.

Seattle Stars 3-1 Vancouver Victory

KENT, WA—Tyler Bjork scored the opener and the eventual winner for the Stars (7-1-2)  as they grabbed a big result over the Victory at French Field on Saturday July 8. Bjork’s free kick in the 4th minute gave Seattle the lead. Vancouver (5-3-2) drew level with a penalty kick conversion from Jesse Garcia in the 52nd minute.

Bjork’s 57th minute winner was started by a long ball straight up the middle. Vancouver’s keeper Trevor Wilson came to edge of the box. Bjork got a slight touch just before the box, through the legs of the keeper. He then avoided him and walked the ball in to the goal. Alex Castillo’s goal to make it 3-1 Seattle was a diving header off of a crossbar rebound in the 72nd minute.

Bellingham United 2-0 WPSS Shock

BELLINGHAM, WA—The Hammers (6-2-2) used their heads to move to within 3 points of the top of the table on Sunday July 9 at Civic Stadium. Headers from Richard Henderson in the first half and Uriel Herrera in the second half did the trick in a 2-0 shutout of the Shock (4-4-1) . Brendan Quilici provided the perfect crosses for both goals.

The Hammers defense was led by the backline play of Nick Morgan. The shutout went to goalkeeper Bryce Logan.

Olympic Force 1-1 Oly Town Artesians

BREMERTON, WA— Kyle Witzel played his first match for the outdoor Artesians (4-4-2) and made an instant impression with a 9th minute strike for visiting Oly Town. The Force (3-4-4) came on strong late. A penalty kick conversion from Diego Aceves was part of an offensive push that created several near misses before the final whistle.