Salmon Bay FC Battle Back to Earn 1–1 Draw on the Road

Salmon Bay FC came back to earn a well-deserved point on the road Tuesday evening. However, it will likely feel as if it was two dropped points after drawing 1–1 against the Tacoma Galaxy at Bellarmine Memorial Field.

The 7pm kickoff came under sunny skies and a light breeze, setting the stage for a tightly contested match that remained in the balance until the final minutes.

From the kickoff, Salmon Bay FC dominated possession and had the majority of the chances but ultimately could not do much with the opportunities.

Tacoma struck first in the 21st minute after anticipating a pass from Salmon Bay’s backline up the left side. Jensyn Lins stepped in to intercept and broke away down the flank. Lyns set up for a cross but mishit it and it flew past Elena Milam at the near post to give the hosts the lead.

Salmon Bay responded by settling into their rhythm and creating steady pressure, but the first half ended 1–0 in favor of the hosts. At halftime, Head Coach Malia Arrant made several key changes, bringing on Maia Tabion, Chloe Seelhoff, Sadie Sider-Echenberg, and Keeley Dockter in place of Alex Buck, Maya Courtenay, Fiona Doherty, and Freya Spiekerkoetter.

The energy shifted dramatically in the second half, with Salmon Bay taking control of possession and pressing higher into Tacoma’s half. Whether sparked by sharp tactical adjustments or a motivating halftime talk from Arrant, the team returned with renewed attacking urgency. With too many corners and close chances to count, Salmon Bay kept Tacoma pinned back for much of the half. In the 66th minute, Milly Bray nearly found the equalizer, unleashing a powerful strike from the top of the box that forced a diving save from Tacoma’s Chamberland.

Jillian McBride entered in the 72nd minute for Samiah Shell, adding fresh legs to the final push. Salmon Bay continued to knock on the door in the opposing half, applying constant pressure and winning territory through composed buildup and wide play. Several promising sequences were called back for offside, and despite the relentless energy, the team couldn’t quite find the finishing touch to even the score.

The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute. Juju Barker, charging up the left flank, played the ball back to Chloe Seelhoff, who had checked into space behind the run. Seelhoff took her first touch forward, and sent in a cross to the back post. The ball narrowly missed everyone as it bounced into the far corner past Chamberland.

Salmon Bay pushed for a winner in the closing minutes but ultimately were forced to settle for the 1-1 draw, an outcome earned through resilience, patience, and strong second-half play.

The draw means that Salmon Bay no longer control their own destiny. They need West Seattle Rhodies to earn at least point on Wednesday night against FC Olympia for Salmon Bay’s playoff hopes to stay alive.

Player of the Match honors go to Kaya Hanson, whose leadership and defensive command from the back line kept Salmon Bay within reach throughout the night. Her steady presence helped anchor a defense that weathered early pressure and stayed composed under counterattacks.

MATCH DETAILS

FULLTIME: Salmon Bay FC 1 – 1 Tacoma Galaxy

Starting XI: Milam, J. Barker, Spiekerkoetter, Hanson, Chang, A. Dockter, Doherty, Bray, Shell, Buck, Courtenay

Subs: Tabion, K. Dockter, Sider-Echenberg, Seelhoff, McBride, Jupp, Hanay, Carroll, Cullen

Player of the Match: Kaya Hanson

WHAT’S NEXT?

Salmon Bay FC travel to Olympia on Friday, June 27th for a top of the table clash with division leaders, FC Olympia. Then, their regular season finale is on Sunday, June 29th against Bigfoot FC at 2pm.

Get tickets to Sunday’s finale!

Written by Emily Battistoni