(Portland, OR)- On Saturday May 15th, Washington Crossfire (0-1-0) played to a 1-3 loss in front of just over 300 at PGE Park. An uncollected start in the first 30 minutes led to nervous mistakes and near misses by the Timbers strikers. In the 39th minute Timber forward Brent Richards would finally make Crossfire pay for their lapses and delivered a low curling ball from outside the box that clipped the inside of the left post and settled into the back of the net.
Seth Spidahl commented. "We got off to very slow start in the first half...I thought we had settled down enough to go into halftime 0-0 but Richards had a great first goal. The second goal was the most disappointing one as it was an "effort" goal and right before the half. Our second half performance was much better, and much more even. We created enough chances to get a couple of goals but only one came through. It's not the start we were looking for, but we are still growing and finding our team identity."
Crossfire began a push forward towards the end of the half, but were caught oncemore with a Portland forward left unmarked on the left side, allowing a strike that left Keeper Chris Blais no options, settling into the back of the net in first half extra time.
The second half was a more promising half for Crossfire, as they began the push for their elusive first goal of the season. Unfortunately they were caught in the 59th minute on a counter that was well played by midfielder into Brent Richards once more, who delivered an artful curving ball into the back of the rightside of the net to put Portland ahead 3-0.
Crossfire did not give in throughout the remaining minutes and continued to push admirably. This ultimately resulted in a goal for Crossfire through an excellent combination of play between former Seattle Sounder FC player and Crossfire Premier Coach Kevin Forrest and University of Portland striker Ryan Luke, with Luke sliding a shot below the outstreached hands of Portland keeper Jake Gleeson. Crossfire had a few more glancing chances that were dodged by the clever goalkeeping on the New Zealander Gleeson. Ultimately this would remain the final score as the whistle blew, giving Washington Crossfire their first loss of the season, 1-3. Washington Crossfire travel next Saturday to face the division leading Kitsap Pumas, in a battle between east and west sound rivals.
Please direct any questions you have about this announcement or any other questions regarding Washington Crossfire to Jeremy Supinski at jdsupinski@gmail.com or 425.273.5394
