Salmon Bay FC Comeback Falls Short, Lose 2-1 to West Seattle Rhodies FC

After an early second half red card, it always looked like a loss was inevitable but the Salmon Sisters made it as close as it could be.

The match began with a fury at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex with both teams testing the goalkeepers early. Salmon Bay FC’s best chance fell to U’i Kaaihue who volleyed the ball over the bar from 12 yards out. Moments later the deadlock would be broken, but by the hosts.

Jordan Zaharris pounced onto bouncing ball that got through multiple Salmon Bay defenders, and she thrashed it into the back of the net from close range in the 19th minute.

After conceding the opener, Salmon Bay FC pushed hard for an equalizer for the res of the first half and were nearly rewarded multiple times.

In the 28th minute, Kaaihue forced two straight diving stops from Rhodies goalkeeper, Madi Manguia. Then, Samiah Shell had a breakaway a few minutes later but just couldn’t find the back of the net.

The half finished in contentious fashion as a free kick, rather than a penalty kick, was awarded after Eleanor Morrissey was brought down near the edge of the box. Despite protests from the Salmon Bay players and coaching staff, center referee Sya Magston stood by the original decision. The ensuing free kick did not amount to anything, and the halftime whistle was blown shortly after.

Head Coach Malia Arrant made one substitution at halftime as Maya Hindson replaced Ameera Hussen in midfield.

The visitors continued to push for an equalizer, but everything changed just 10 minutes after halftime. A Rhodies attacker stole the ball off Alicia Barker’s foot and broke through on goal. She dribbled past goalkeeper Blayke Warner, but Warner brought her down to prevent the scoring chance. Warner was shown a red card for Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO), though there was initially some confusion as a penalty kick was awarded despite the foul appearing to occur outside the box.

After discussion among the officiating crew, the decision was changed to a free kick. Backup goalkeeper Natalie Gram entered the match in place of Kaaihue so Salmon Bay FC could keep a goalkeeper on the field.

With the player advantage, Rhodies started take control of the match and had the majority of possession. Arrant made another substitution to try and change the tide as Maya Loudd came in for Rachel Reitz in the 67th minute.

West Seattle would continue to push for a second goal and they were rewarded in the 70th minute as Kunie Hirai ripped one past Gram with a first-time volley.

Despite being down two goals and down a player, Salmon Bay FC regained control after the second goal and would quickly cut the lead in half as Shell finished in the bottom corner from a tough angle in the 80th minute.

Arrant made her final change in the 85th minute as Seelhoff replaced Curran for a final push at the equalizer. In the end it was too little to late as Salmon Bay FC suffered their first defeat of the season. Now, they will need to win the rest of their matches to guarantee a playoff spot.

Salmon Bay FC will return to action this weekend as they travel to Maple Valley to take on Bigfoot FC on Saturday, May 30th at 7pm, then followed by another road match on Wednesday, June 3rd at 4pm. The Salmon Sisters will finally return home on Saturday, June 6th to take on the Portland Cherry Bombs at 3pm.

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Starting Lineup: Blayke Warner, Anna Menti, Alicia Barker, Juju Barker, Rachel Reitz, Jourdyn Curran, Eleanor Morrissey, U’i Kaaihue, Ginny Lackey, Samiah Shell, Ameera Hussen

Subs used: Maya Hindson, Natalie Gram, Maya Loudd, Chloe Seelhoff