Salmon Bay FC Notch Dominant Season Opening Win Against FC Olympia

Salmon Bay FC started their quest for the Northwest Division crown with some revenge, heading on the road and beating an FC Olympia team that bested them for the title last season with a dominant 4-0 scoreline.

It took just five minutes for Salmon Bay FC to open their 2026 account, with newcomer Eleanor Morrissey hitting a pinpoint diagonal ball to the top of the six-yard box, and Amelia Severn flicking in a beautiful header.

The hosts would look for a quick response in the 7th minute, as a left-footed shot from Olympia striker Olivia Collins struck the woodwork.

After that scare, Salmon Bay FC immediately got back in the driver’s seat, controlling possession and feeding Severn on the left wing, who created multiple chances off the dribble.

FC Olympia goalkeeper Molly McCabe was called into action multiple times to keep the scoreline 1-0, including a point-blank save on Ui Kaaihue in the 22nd minute.

The visitors’ near-constant pressure was finally rewarded again in the 36th minute when a Kaaihue cross deflected off the head of an FC Olympia defender and into the net to make it 2-0.

Through 45 minutes Salmon Bay dominated in possession, shots, and big chances created. FC Olympia struggled to create much in the first half against one of the best defenses in the country.

Three minutes into the second half, Eleanor Morrissey fed Kaaihue at the top of the box, and the Seattle University Redhawk’s right footed shot beat the keeper down to her left to make it 3-0.

The Ui Kaaihue show didn’t stop there, as two minutes later she would receive a pass from Amelia Severn off a throw-in and unleash a rocket from outside the area off the fingertips of McCabe and into the back of the net, 4-0.

FC Olympia nearly had their response in the 57th minute after a free kick routine led to a shot on a nearly-empty net, but a heroic goal-line clearance from Aliyah Dockter would maintain the clean sheet by a matter of inches.

Young Salmon Bay FC goalkeeper Natalie Gram was called into action in the 59th minute to stop and hold a shot from Katelyn Rigg. Gram is still in high school and is the youngest player in club history.

While Olympia would enjoy more attacking third possession late in the match as they looked to score their first of the season, Salmon Bay held them at bay and kept their comfortable lead intact.

Gram once again had to work for the clean sheet, with a kick save denying a Eleana Smith shot from eight yards out in the 78th minute.

As the rain poured down the two teams exchanged half-cances, but couldn’t find another tally as the game came to a close at 4-0.

Kaaihue was named player of the match with two goals and the corner that led to a third, while Gram posted a shutout in her first Salmon Bay start.

Match Notes

Salmon Bay FC remain undefeated against FC Olympia and have never conceded against the Artesians in three total matches, winning two and drawing one.

The result was the ninth shutout in 11 total USL-W games in club history, Salmon Bay has still only conceded two goals in club history.

Natalie Gram became just the second starting goalkeeper in Salmon Bay history, joining last year’s starter, Elena Milam.

Three different players ended the match with multiple goal-contributions for Salmon Bay: Ui Kaaihue (two goals), Amelia Severn (goal, assist) and Eleanor Morrissey (two assists).

Head coach Malia Arrant’s starting eleven included four newcomers (Jourdyn Curran , Rachel Reitz, Eleanor Morrissey, Natalie Gram) and seven returners.

Friday saw the debut of nine new Salmon Bay players: Jourdyn Curran, Rachel Reitz, Eleanor Morrissey, Natalie Gram, Ava Uribe, Caroline Studebaker, Morgan Mooney, Jaylee Reynolds and Megan Cardenas.

Starting Lineup: Natalie Gram, Aliyah Dockter, Alicia Barker, Juju Barker, Jourdyn Curran, Rachel Reitz, Eleanor Morrissey, Ameera Hussen, Amelia Severn, Chloe Seelhoff, U’i Kaaihue

Subs used: Ava Uribe, Caroline Studebaker, Andie Miller, Morgan Mooney, Jaylee Reynolds, and Megan Cardenas