by Owen Cameros
Two Seattle clubs, two undefeated sides, the defending national champs, and the upstart newcomers ready to change the balance of the entire league.
West Seattle’s introduction to the USL 2 has started about as well as possible. Through three games, the club drew Capital FC United PDX and won their first ever match, beating Lane United Friday night,
But Ballard FC is a cut above. While the club’s title defense started off rocky, consecutive victories over Midlakes and Olympia propelled Ballard straight to the top of the Northwest division.
Junction FC has lined up in a diamond formation this season, relying heavily on its two central midfielders to control the game. If Eric Oman decides to go with the same midfield that started versus Portland, then Julian Kuhr and Caden Buckley will have their hands full against one of the best midfield units in the league.
Taketo Onodera leads Ballard FC with three goals this season. The Seattle United standout has stepped up this season, becoming a key addition to Ballard FC’s midfield which already features Peter Kingson. Kingston returned to Ballard for a third season after being named the 2023 USL 2 Final MVP. The 22-year-old was named as a USL 2 player to watch for the 2024 season, where he was labeled as a “technical specialist” and a pinpoint crosser.
Standing in the way of Kingston’s crosses are two of his University of Washington teammates in Mani Diop and Jack Maguire. The pair played center back together for the first time on Sunday in Junction FC’s 1-1 draw versus PDX. Both Maguire and Diop were excellent against Portland, and hope to display an equally good performance against their crosstown foes. And Diop will be happy to provide another attacking option as he did during Junction FC’s 2-2 draw versus Capital.
Junction FC’s first ever derby versus Ballard FC will take place at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Memorial Stadium in downtown Seattle. Junction fans can meet at 4:30pm at Citizen Campfire before the game and march to the match together.
