Salmon Bay FC Defeat Lane United 4-0 Ahead of Saturday’s Rematch

Salmon Bay FC continued their strong season form with a confident showing against Lane United FC on Tuesday evening at Civic Park in Eugene, Oregon.

Under clear sunny skies and a sharp 7pm kickoff, the visitors wasted no time establishing their attacking intent and capitalizing on early opportunities. 

In just the 8th minute, a dangerous cross from Jillian McBride was parried away at the near post by the Lane United goalkeeper. Amelia Severn charged into the box with urgency, colliding with multiple defenders in the scramble but managing to get just enough on the rebound to bobble it over the line and open the scoring for Salmon Bay.

Momentum continued to build in Salmon Bay’s favor during their early first-half play. Soon after, in the 12th minute, a wide ball found Ella Hatteberg out on the wing, who delivered a deep, curling cross to the far post. There, Hallie Bergford rose above her marker and calmly nodded the ball into the back of the net, doubling the lead with a composed finish. 

Lane United sought a response in the 23rd minute when a misplayed back pass from Salmon Bay’s defense fell short of goalkeeper Elena Milam. A Lane attacker pounced, intercepting the ball and firing a quick shot on goal, but Milam reacted quickly, diving deep in the 18-yard box to make a crucial save and preserve the two-goal advantage.

Despite a late push from the home side to claw one back, Salmon Bay’s defense held firm. With both sides trading possession and opportunities through the remainder of the half, the score held steady at 2–0 heading into the break.

The second half opened with continued urgency from Salmon Bay. In the 50th minute, they forced a turnover near midfield and quickly advanced. Amelia Severn was brought down just outside the box, drawing a yellow card for Lane’s Morales. Though the set piece didn’t find the net, the pressure remained relentless.

Just three minutes later, a well-weighted through ball found Fiona Doherty in stride. Her initial shot was blocked, but she stayed alert, collecting the rebound and slipping it past the keeper for Salmon Bay’s third of the night and to score in her club debut.

Second half adjustments came swiftly to see out the match. Sophie Hanay made way for Alex Chang in the 55th minute. Then a double change followed just six minutes later as Amelia Severn and Fiona Doherty subbed off for Freya Jupp and Kaya Hanson. Fresh legs maintained the intensity and kept Lane United pinned in their half.

In the 63rd, Jillian McBride created another promising opportunity, turning her defender inside the box and firing a near-post shot that was deflected out for a corner by the keeper. In the 70th minute, Bergford came off with Maya Courtenay entering the match to make her league debut.

Lane United kept pushing. In the 76th minute, the crowd got excited after a shot struck a Salmon Bay arm around the penalty box. However the foul occurred just outside the box, so the referee awarded a free kick, and not a penalty kick. The ensuing free kick flew just over the bar.

Two minutes later, Salmon Bay capitalized on some poor defensive work. Maia Tabion kept pushing through the Lane defense and eventually fought through a clearance and deflected directly to substitute Maya Courtenay. With a clever fake shot, she sent a defender sliding to the ground. She then took a touch and fired a powerful, rising shot that left the goalkeeper no chance, sealing the match at 4–0.

It was a complete performance from Salmon Bay FC. Clinical in the attack, composed in defense, and with considerable contribution from the bench, as they earned a well-deserved shutout on the road.

After Tuesday’s match, Salmon Bay FC remain the only team in USL W to not allow a single goal.

Player of the Match honors go to Maia Tabion, whose energy, vision, and precise distribution in midfield helped control the pace of the game. Her composed play and incredible crosses created valuable chances, helping Salmon Bay maintain its momentum throughout the match.

MATCH DETAILS

FULLTIME: Salmon Bay FC 4 – 0 Lane United FC

Starting XI: Milam, Hanay, A. Barker, K. Dockter, Hatteberg, A. Dockter, Doherty, Tabion, Severn, McBride, Bergford

Subs: Chang, Jupp, Hanson, Courtenay, Cullen, Ijams

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Maia Tabion with a complete midfield performance and an assist.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Salmon Bay FC return home on Saturday, June 14th for a Lane United rematch and the first match of the Flag Day doubleheader. They will kick off at 3pm before Ballard FC kick off at 7pm. Get tickets to the the organization’s first-ever double header with the buttons below!

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