Salmon Bay FC get back in the win Column, Defeat FC Olympia 3-1

After a disappointing 1-1 draw against the Portland Cherry Bombs last weekend, Salmon Bay FC got back to winning ways with a 3-1 win over the back-to-back NW Division Champs.

A brace from Ameera Hussen and a stoppage time insurance goal from Chloe Seelhoff were enough to get the Salmon Sisters a big win as they keep pace in the division title race.

The match started with a bang. Just before the first minute had passed a goal had already been scored, as Ginny Lackey found Ameera Hussen to open the scoring.

A back to front move from the hosts found Lackey with the ball on the right flank and her cross fell to Hussen who calmly collected the ball and shifted it to her right foot to lash home the opener.

From the opening whistle until the halftime break, the hosts dominated the ball and controlled the match. However, the score stayed at 1-0 in large part due to FC Olympia goalkeeper Azul Alvarez who made multiple diving stops to keep the match close.

The second half started with much of the same as Salmon Bay FC continued to be dominant and create the majority of the chances.

The second goal would finally come in the 54th minute as Hussen got her brace. Jourdyn Curran’s cross went through the entire crowd and hit the far post before being claimed by Lackey. Lackey unleashed a shot with her left that saved saved by Alvarez but the ball rebounded right into the path of Hussen who buried it to double the advantage.

From that point on, the match seemed like it was over and the final 35 minutes would be inconsequential. Salmon Bay FC made all 7 of their changes from the 62nd to the 79th minute with goalkeeper Anica Carpenter making her club debut after subbing on for starter Natalie Gram.

However everything changed in the 81st minute as the visitors scored with their first shot of the match to cut the lead in half and create an uncomfortable final ten minutes at Interbay Stadium.

Despite the goal, Salmon Bay continued to have most of the ball and pushed to restore the two goal advantage.

In the first minute of stoppage time, Seelhoff would finally settle the nerves and make it 3-1 as she capped off a brilliant move that featured Caroline Studebaker, Lauder Headrick, and Megan Cardenas in build up as well.

Two minutes later the center referee blew for full time with the hosts taking all three points.

Friday’s victory keeps Salmon Bay FC in the division title race and in control of their own destiny as they can guarantee a playoff appearance and division title by winning their remaining five matches.

The first of those five is tomorrow, June 14th as Salmon Bay FC travel to Portland to take on the Cherry Bombs at 3pm.

Written by Max Dresbach