by Owen Cameros
Junction FC’s first journey across the Columbia river began fruitlessly, with the club suffering a frustrating defeat at the hands of Capital FC. However, a never say die mentality, and a moment of magic from James Lear, gave Junction FC the season sweep versus Lane United.
West Seattle’s inaugural match was nearly spoiled by Umechi Akuazaoku and Fumiya Shiraishi who each found the back of the net in the first fixture. Shiraishi would start on the bench in this fixture, but Umechi Akuazaoku made his first start since the previous matchup between these sides, and was quick to punish Junction. In the 13th minute, the striker latched onto a lofted through ball before cutting back into his left foot and curling a ball into the side netting. Similar to the first meeting between these clubs, Akuazaoku struck first to put Capital up 1-0.
The deja vu continued for the West Seattle back line, as once again a Capital counterattack would end with Akuazaoku one on one with Junction’s goalkeeper. Liam Ryan was unable to stop the striker who doubled the hosts lead in the 23rd minute.
Seven minutes later, Junction FC would fall into an even deeper hole as Francisco Magana, put his name on the scoresheet scoring from yet another breakaway.
West Seattle fared much better in the second half, methodically testing Capital’s back line, finally breaking the defensive unit in the 64th minute as Aaron Stapleton stabbed home a loose ball in the box notching his first goal of the season.
However, just seven minutes after Fumiya Shiraishi entered the match, he won and converted a penalty for Capital FC, sealing the match for the Salem side.
While the result may not have been in Junction FC’s favor, a superb debut from newcomer Alex Hall gave the team something to be excited about.
Hall transferred to West Seattle from fellow USL 2 side Tacoma, will join his University of Washington teammates in the Junction blue. His ability to play in tight spaces and run at defenders is desperately needed in a Junction FC attack that has struggled to produce big chances this season.
Junction FC came into Eugene desperately needing a win after three consecutive road losses. The team rotated its lineup, giving Kellen Pierce, Sam Dagg, and Cooper Gersch their first squad inclusions, the latter making a start as well.
Less than ten minutes into the match, the referee’s whistle was once again cruel to West Seattle. A ball ricocheted onto the arm of Jake Larson inside the box and for the second time in as many matches, Junction gave up a penalty. Tate Richards converted the spot kick and Junction found themselves down a goal early in the match.
Just past the 30th minute mark, Junction FC got the chance to equalize from the spot with Scott Gustafson bringing down Will Maschmedt from behind. Maschmedt handed the ball off to his striking partner Michael Divano who placed his penalty into the bottom left corner bringing Junction level heading into half time.
Twenty minutes into the second half, Riki Kobayashi, wearing the captain’s armband for the first time this season, knocked the ball from Gustafson and to James Lear who whipped a cross in from the byline finding Maschmedt. Willem Fiore made an excellent save on Maschmedt’s shot but the ball fell right to Alex Hall who finished off the chance, scoring in just his second match for Junction FC.
However, Lane United had luck on their side. With just over ten minutes left in the match, Lane put in a cross looking towards Ede Gramberg and the ball cascaded off Jake Larson finding the top corner notting the match at two.
But James Lear, paramount in the first goal, decided to take West Seattle’s fate into his own hands. The striker picked up a loose ball at midfield, saw Willem Ficek off his line, and chipped the keeper from 45 yards away. Lear’s first goal for Junction FC is certainly a candidate for goal of the season.
Junction has one more match left on this long away run, this time it’s a trip across Lake Washington for an east meets west derby versus Midlakes. After that the side returns home to face Tacoma on Father’s Day.
