Ballard continues to bash through defenses, pinning five goals on Oly Town in shutout victory
By Charles Hamaker
Interbay, WA – Through five matches played in USL League two regular season play, Ballard FC has only conceded one goal and buried 21 of their own. That’s an obvious recipe for success, as the depth of the clubs scoring continues to shine through, even despite today’s weather in the Pacific Northwest that called for rain. Forward Alex Mejia continues to light the league on fire, tallying a hat trick while Stas Korzeniowski and Cameron Yriondo scored as well to beat Oly Town FC, 5-0. Goalkeeper Lars Helleren and the Ballard backline tallied another clean sheet, even doing so without Christian Engmann. The victories continue to rack up for the boys from Ballard, and they’re looking like a juggernaut so far.
Ballard FC’s starting XI ahead of their 5-0 victory over Oly Town FC (Photo by Anthony May)
El Tigre’s on the prowl
Forward Alex Mejia continues to impress on this deep Ballard FC roster, just a year after leading the club in scoring. While it didn’t seem like things were going to be similar in year two for Mejia as he didn’t start to begin the year, El Tigre has kicked the door down and earned that spot in the starting eleven. Mejia’s goal scoring ability has been shown in different forms, and that was true in today’s match. The first goal of the night came off a slightly redirected ball by Mejia, off a free kick by midfielder Danny Robles. That goal got Ballard’s scoring going, and Mejia’s two other goals later in the match helped put the match away. With Oly Town pressing late to find a goal, Ballard took advantage of risky passing. Peter Kingston sent a clean through-ball to a streaking Mejia, who tucked his second goal of the night near post. His third and final goal of the night to complete the hat trick, came as Mejia took advantage of Oly Town’s mistake as their keeper misplayed a pass back that was snapped up quickly for an easy score.
Ballard FC celebrates their first goal of the match (Photo by Anthony May)
Cleanest sheets in the Pacific Northwest
Despite Christian Engmann not being available for selection in this match, the Ballard defensive unit and goalkeeper Lars Helleren remained strong. Ballard recorded their fourth clean sheet of the season through five matches, while it was Helleren’s third through four appearances. While the defensive backline of Brisco, Burney, Thetsane, and the addition of Demian Alvarez held things down and didn’t allow a ton of shots, Helleren was able to step up when needed. That included just a minute into the second half, when Oly Town got a one-on-one opportunity that the keeper was able to deny.
Ballard FC forward Stas Korzeniowski buries his penalty kick in the 20th minute (Photo by Anthony May)
Well-oiled machine continues to rumble
It was said last week following the big victory over PDX FC and it can apply after this victory: Ballard is looking unstoppable. It’s only five matches into the season, and a lot can happen, but it’s hard to imagine that the club is going to slow down much. While Christian Engmann, considered one of the most likely players in all of USL League two to go pro, was seen in a leg brace, the backline was able to perform well with Demian Alvarez slotted into Engmann’s spot. The offensive scoring coming from the three-headed monster of Mejia, Kingston, and Korzeniowski hasn’t slowed down yet and even if it does, there are other options that can produce. There’s still some solid season to go, but it’s a near perfect start.
Some of the quieter moments from the match (Photos by Anthony May)
Quick Notes
Through five games, forward Alex Mejia’s seven goals is tied for the second most in all of USL League two.
Alex Mejia leads the club with seven, followed by Stas Korzeniowski’s four.
Forward Peter Kingston leads the club in assists with five.
Kingston is also the club's third leading scorer, with three goals.
Ballard has nine unique goal scorers
There are five players tied with one goal
All but three of the players on Ballard FC’s listed roster have made appearances this season.
Those three that have not seen minutes are Charlie Holmes, Imanol Rosales, and Johnny Ramirez.
What’s next?
Following today’s thrashing of Oly Town, Ballard FC now heads back out on the road following a two-game homestand. Their next contest is on Friday, June 16th, against Lane United FC at Civic Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. It’s a rematch of the week two matchup between the two clubs, and the first home match of the season for Ballard, when the team that calls Interbay home won 3-0. The boys from Ballard are looking to maintain their undefeated record, while Lane United looks to get above the .500 mark as they sit at 2-2. This match is the first of two in a row that Ballard plays in the state of Oregon, as after the Lane United FC battle the club will play PDX FC just two days later.