Salmon Bay FC kicked off their inaugural season with a gritty 0-0 draw against West Seattle Rhodies FC on Sunday afternoon at the sunny Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
Wearing their salmon-colored home kit, the team faced a physical and determined opponent in a match defined by strong defensive efforts and tactical discipline.
Following the 2 p.m. kickoff, the Rhodies created early pressure with promising crosses and shots, but goalkeeper Elena Milam stood firm as a reliable last line of defense, showcasing command in the air and sharp reflexes throughout the match. Salmon Bay’s defense remained disciplined despite the intensity, absorbing physical play and frustrating West Seattle’s attacking attempts.
Injuries tested Salmon Bay’s depth when defender Maya Loudd collided with an opponent and had to be replaced by Juju Barker in the 26th minute. With Loudd’s possible head injury being tended to, Barker quickly injected energy into the game, linking well with captain Ameera Hussen to help maintain possession and push forward. Milam’s confident and timely saves, including a daring step outside the box to clear a dangerous ball, kept the score level.
First-half substitutions shifted the game’s rhythm: Aliyah Dockter entered for Amelia Severn in the 39th minute, Anna Menti replaced Carly Whalen, and Chloe Seelhoff made way for Maia Tabion. Tabion proved a game-changing substitute, bringing energy and urgency down the right flank. Her dynamic runs and pinpoint crosses sparked Salmon Bay’s offense as they pressed deep into their opponent’s half. Just minutes later, in the 43rd, Samiah Shell was forced off with an ankle injury and replaced by Milly Bray, as the match’s increasingly physical nature began to take its toll. Just before the break the physicality escalated, culminating in a yellow card for Aliyah Dockter following a tangled-leg foul just outside the box. Milam made a diving save from the ensuing free kick to further maintain the shutout.
At halftime, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0, reflecting a tightly contested battle.
In the second half, Salmon Bay emerged reinvigorated, showcasing renewed energy, resilience, and attacking pressure. Early in the half, Captain Ameera Hussen earned a dangerous free kick with a reckless foul drawn just outside the 18-yard box; the resulting shot narrowly missed the right post.
One of Salmon Bay’s closest chances came in the 54th minute, when a Tabion corner kick rattled around the Rhodies’ penalty area before the ball was cleared off the line at the last second, denying a potential opening goal.
Salmon Bay controlled possession and maintained constant attacking pressure throughout the second half, creating numerous chances from set pieces and open play deep in the opposing half. Despite this sustained offensive effort, the Rhodies’ goalkeeper, Madi Munguia held strong, denying the visitors a breakthrough.
Despite numerous late corner kicks and pressure, Salmon Bay was unable to find the back of the net. Milam’s stellar goalkeeping, combined with the team’s resilience, ensured a clean sheet in their first-ever competitive match. Their ability to withstand physical play while rallying with energy and attacking intent sets a promising tone for the inaugural season.
Player of the Match honors go to Keeley Dockter, whose consistent defensive work, communication, and resilience helped anchor the backline throughout this intense opener.
FULLTIME: Salmon Bay FC 0 – 0 West Seattle Rhodies FC
Starting XI: Milam, Loudd, A. Barker, K. Dockter, Hanay, Whalen, Severn, Hussen, Shell, Seelhoff, Bergford
Subs: J. Barker, A. Dockter, Tabion, Menti, Bray, Kaaihue, Chang, Miller, Dickinson
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Keeley Dockter was named player of the match as she was integral to the Salmon Bay FC backline as they kept a clean sheet on Sunday afternoon.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Salmon Bay FC’ first-ever home match will be the Evergreen State Exhibition on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th at 3pm. Then later that week, the club’s USL W League home opener is on Friday, May 30th against the Tacoma Galaxy at 7pm.
