Wenatchee United opener brings elite men’s soccer to the Apple Capital

WENATCHEE, WA— Wenatchee United FC played their EPLWA and home opener on Sunday May 4 at the Apple Bowl to help culminate a big weekend of Apple Blossom Festival events.

Wenatchee United debut their home Joma kits. (David Falk)

It was an electric crowd of 621 fans and a wild start that saw the Capitals take the lead after only two minutes on a goal from Brazilian Cesar Ceppi.

Before the match a downpour covered downtown Wenatchee, leaving early-arriving fans to run for cover. It was Bellingham that provided the in-match downpour as they scored four quick goals to answer the early WUFC strike. By the 20th minute it was 4-1 Bellingham.

Tyler Bjork scored in the 7th, and 20th (penalty kick conversion) to keep the Hammers bench busy with celebrations. Conlon Kifney gave the Hammers the lead in the 11th minute when he collected and converted a Bjork shot off of the Wenatchee goalkeeper. Muhammad Mareneh unloaded a bomb for the Hammers in the 14th minute as the Capitals defense was left reeling.

Happy Bjork-day: Tyler Bjork's first-half hat trick led Bellingham over Wenatchee, 5-2. (David Falk) — Happy Bjork-day: Tyler Bjork’s first-half brace led Bellingham over Wenatchee, 5-2. (David Falk)

Photo Galleries: Facebook.com/EvergreenPremierLeague and Wenatchee World

galleryIMG_4019 — Cesar Ceppi gets ready to high-five Wenatchee head coach John Wright after scoring the first-ever WUFC goal in the second minute. (David Falk)

Wenatchee got one back right before halftime on a header from Francisco Medina. Bellingham added a second-half tally from DJ Drevich in the 90th minute for a 5-2 final.

The match was also the debut for The Bridge Mafia, who took over part of the new stand and shared flags with fans, creating a green and white scene.

Wenatchee United FC (0-1-0) next goes to South Sound on May 10 for the Shock’s home opener. Bellingham (3-0-0) hosts WestSound FC on Sunday May 11.

The Bridge Mafia chanted "Throw him off the bridge" when the opponent was called for a foul. (David Falk) — The Bridge Mafia chanted “Throw him off the bridge” when the opponent was called for a foul. (David Falk)

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