WestSound strikes for first home win

SILVERDALE, WA — WestSound FC has been building towards a home victory for a few weeks now. They recently drew with Bellingham United 1-1 at Silverdale Stadium. On Sunday June 8 a late goal gave the club a 2-1 win over the Seattle Stars.

Leo Potts takes a spill. Later he scored both goals as WestSound FC won against Seattle. (David Falk)

A sunny Sunday in Silverdale was the perfect backdrop for home side WestSound FC Men to celebrate their first-ever home league win. Standing in their way were Seattle Stars FC, who have also shown signs of life in recent weeks with points against Yakima and a dramatic win in Wenatchee. These are the two lowest-scoring clubs in the EPLWA, so it figured to be a tight contest, and it was.

MATCH PHOTOS: See a full gallery of 80 shots here!

Seattle struck first. In the 27th minute Jonathan Maqueda sharply crossed a ball in front of the WestSound goal where Buba Jammeh was waiting to blast it home.

The Stars road that 1-0 lead all the way into the break. Both sides were creating chances and both goalkeepers were busy.

WestSound drew level in the 52nd minute on a fast break that surprised the Seattle defense.

Leo Potts, still wearing his captian's armband, takes a breather after being subbed out in stoppage time. (David Falk) — Leo Potts, still wearing his captian’s armband, takes a breather after being subbed out in stoppage time. (David Falk)

Cameron Stone and Leo Potts were ahead of the pack and rushing goalward. Stone led Potts perfectly with a through ball and Leo placed a shot to the far left of Seattle goalkeeper Scott Barnum. It hit the inside of the post and pinged into the goal as the home fans (100 in attendance) jumped to their feet.

Seattle Stars had several chances to regain the lead and Jammeh, who had been offsides a number of times in the first half, was causing WestSound trouble down the left side. The match looked like it might not have a winner, but with just a few minutes left Potts struck again.

WestSound FC was winning a series of throw-ins down the right touch-line, inching closer and closer to the Seattle goal. On the fourth straight throwin (by Kyle Schoales), the ball was touched and tipped into the center of the box and back out by Barnum. His clearance wasn’t far enough to be safe though, and Leo Potts was on the end of it to send it back over the line. At the 88 minute mark WestSound FC had their first home lead of the season. A few moments later there was clear relief from the players of the home side as they held for the win.

WestSound FC improves to 2-5-1 (7 points) while the Seattle Stars are now 1-4-1 (4 points.)