Hammers, Victory move closer to top of table with big wins

On a scorching hot Saturday June 24 Bellingham United traveled to Port Orchard to play the Olympic Force while Vancouver Victory hosted Yakima United in Ridgefield. When the final whistles blew the Hammers and Victory were winners and 3 points closer to catching Seattle Stars FC at the top of the Evergreen Premier League table.

Olympic Force 0-4 Bellingham United

PORT ORCHARD, WA— Bellingham United FC (5-2-1) got a pair of goals in each half to dim the Force (3-3-2) at South Kitsap High School on Saturday June 24. Christian Thode gave the Hammers an early advantage with a breakaway goal in the 7th minute of play. They made it 2-0 just before halftime when Zach Wanne crossed a ball from long-range that froze everyone and ended up in the inside of the Olympic goal. In the 51st minute Richard Henderson converted a penalty kick to give the Hammers a 3-0 lead. The scoring was complete when Christian Garcia eluded the Force defense and slotted a ball far post late in the second half.

Photo Gallery: Force v. Hammers

Bellingham goals: Christian Thode, Zach Wanne, Richard Henderson, Christian Garcia

Vancouver Victory 4-2 Yakima United

RIDGEFIELD, WA—The Vancouver Victory (4-1-1) pushed out to a 3-0 lead before holding off the Hoppers of Yakima United (2-5-2) on June 24 at Ridgefield Stadium. It was 108 degrees on the pitch at kickoff. The home side went up 1-0 in the 16th minute on a goal by Reed Baez. About 20 minutes later Jake Brady made it 2-0 for the Victory. It was looking like the rout was on when Vancouver took a 3-0 lead in the 54th minute on a goal from Stefan Wutte. The Hoppers hung around though, and got two goals from their leading scorer Alex Molchan. His first came in the 61st minute to make it 3-1. His second was a penalty kick conversion in the 66th that made it 3-2. The Victory sealed the win with a second goal from Stefan Wutte in added time.

Vancouver Victory goals: Stefan Wutte (2), Reed Baez, Jake Brady

Yakima United goals: Alex Molchan (2)