SEATTLE, Wash. — As preparations continue for the new USL League Two season, West Seattle Junction FC is already starting to heat up, as the Blues recorded a 2-2 draw last Sunday in a friendly against local UPSL side, Bellevue Athletic FC.
Sunday’s friendly was a great chance for head coach Erik Oman and the rest of his staff to see how their squad has been coming together, with just one week worth of training sessions under their belts. “Overall, we were very pleased with the scrimmage against Bellevue – they are a very good, physical team in mid-season form, so this was not an easy opponent to open up against,” shared Oman. “We had a few local high school players who stepped in and did a great job to supplement our numbers and allow us to get a good quality 90 minutes out of the day.”
Junction eventually broke the deadlock just over halfway through the contest, when Jacen Stein skillfully navigated through Bellevue’s box before firing his shot into the top right corner, all thanks to a quick throw-in from fellow forward, Alex Mejia.
Photo by Earving Marquez
Stein and Mejia gave the Thistle Street faithful a preview of what they can expect from the forwards this season, as the pair were a constant threat for the entirety of the game. “Jacen started the season just as he left off last year, as a key leader in the team and a tremendous competitor. He has done a great job bringing the new players into the fold with the returning guys and helping to build a cohesive team in a very short time.” When asked about new addition Mejia, Oman shared, “Alex has been fun to work with and has had a great influence on the group so far in training. He is a little bit older and brings a wealth of experience as a player.”
The visitors quickly turned the game on its head late in the contest, scoring two goals in just about a minute. Despite not being able to maintain the clean sheet, Oman had nothing but words of praise for his backline. “We played in a new formation and Julian Rangel anchored the backline along with new additions Rex Karjian and Theo Faloona. I was really pleased with the performance of all three.”
Despite seeing their lead slip from their grasp, the hosts did well to find their way back into the game, with their hard work paying off and resulting in a goal from Bryan de la Rosa. The winger managed to get on the end of a corner from Lunden Fenster, and powered his header past the outstretched hands of Bellevue’s goalkeeper.
Photo by Earving Marquez
“Given the fact that we played this match with only a handful of our first team players available, I am really excited about the team and the potential that they have,” Oman added. “The group put in a great effort and a good performance that will help to set the tone for our season ahead.”
Sunday’s draw was a great first test for the Blues, with quite a few members of the squad still yet to join up with the rest of the team.
Junction FC will be back in action in just ten days’ time, as they hit the road to take on the Tacoma Stars, before returning home to host Lane United FC. To secure your tickets, click HERE.
