Ballard FC advance to second USL2 national title game in three years

It didn’t come easy but Ballard FC overcame several challenges to advance to the USL2 Championship Game with a 2-1 win over Flint City Bucks on Sunday.

Having played just a few days earlier, Ballard FC had to make one change from the previous victory over Ventura County as Beto Apolinar’s injury kept him out of the starting XI. The club’s injury issues didn’t stop there as captain Engmann had to be replaced in the 22nd minute after what appeared to be a hamstring injury. This continues a frustrating period for Engmann who has also missed most of the last two college seasons with injuries.

The first half was fairly balanced with neither side having any truly dangerous changes. Ballard was able to keep more possession but wasn't as successful in moving the ball to the wingers to isolate the opposing outside backs. Flint City was happy to cede possession but were quick to counterattack after any recovery and get their two forwards into space. Ultimately the 0-0 scoreline going into the halftime break was fair to both sides.

While the first half was cagey, the second half was the opposite. After only 5 minutes, Flint City opened the scoring off a deep cross to the back post where Carnevale had lost Ballard left back Ketchum. Carnevale was able to cross the ball to the top of the 6 where the main danger man Philip put away the easy finish.

Giving up the goal seemed to wake up the Ballard boys as they increased the intensity and quality of their attacking movements. The equalizer then came in the 58th minute where right back Grey was able to get a cross off that went unchallenged to Aman on the back post. He then put the ball back across the 6 where Kosakoff put it away. The striker was not done for the night as in the 75th minute Ballard had a corner that fell to Apolinar at the top of the box. He was able to force the ball to Kosakoff who slotted a shot inside the near post, ultimately becoming the game winner.

Ballard FC will now travel to Burlington, Vermont for the chance to win their second USL2 Championship against Vermont Green FC on Saturday, August 2nd at 4PM PST. This marks Ballard’s second trip to the final in three years.