SEATTLE, Wash. — West Seattle Junction FC’s matchup against FC Olympia (1-2-1) was exactly what any neutral fan would have asked for, with goals, drama, and constant excitement for the entirety of the contest. Ultimately it was the hosts who came up just short, suffering a 5-4 loss at the hands of the Artesians, who leapfrogged the Blues in the Northwest Division standings following Sunday’s defeat.
“Yesterday’s result was really difficult to swallow,” shared head coach Erik Oman. “It’s very rare that you score four goals and lose a game, but tremendous credit goes to Olympia for their perseverance and tenacity to fight back multiple times and come out with the win.”
Junction (0-2-1) started Sunday’s contest on the front foot, as the hosts opened the scoring in just the 8th minute after Alex Mejia pounced on a mistake from Olympia’s goalkeeper, scoring his first of the season.
The Blues maintained control of the game throughout the early stages of the first half, as they quickly doubled their lead thanks to a header from Jake Larson, who got on the end of a well-delivered freekick from Joschi Schelb to score his second goal in as many games.
Despite their quick start, the visitors managed to find their way back into the contest thanks to a pair of goals from former Junction forward, Michael Divano, who scored in the 24th and 44th minutes to level the scoreline.
The hosts quickly snapped back and responded with a goal of their own to start the second half, restoring their lead thanks to a brilliant strike from Schelb, who connected with a pass from winger Rex Karjian. Olympia showed no intentions of letting up, as they continued to force the Blues into uncomfortable positions defensively. The Artesians nearly leveled the scoreline in the 50th minute, had it not been for Larson with a goalline clearance after some miscommunication between the defender and Lucas Martin in goal for the hosts.
The visitors did inevitably find an equalizer in the 55th minute, thanks to a goal from Yuta Shimazu who capped off a counterattack for Olympia.
Again, it was the hosts who were able to immediately answer back with a goal of their own. This time it was Mejia, who scored an absolute screamer for his second of the afternoon in the 58th minute. The forward volleyed his shot into the top left corner following an attempted clearance from an Olympia defender, stunning the visitors into silence.
The hosts remained in control, generating numerous chances to extend their lead. However, the goalfest would turn the way of the visitors yet again, with the Artesians tying the contest 4-4 in the 78th after Cris Lozano capped off another counter attack following a giveaway in midfield from Julian Rangel.
Despite their efforts to see out the contest and secure a draw at home, Junction conceded a fifth and final goal in the 89th minute through Allen Mabia, who got on the end of a cross from Manny Nicasio and guided his shot past Martin in goal.
“The coaching staff and I believe in our team and the potential that we have to be a top club in the league,” added Oman. “The key for us at this point is being more consistent and having the mindset to put games away when we have built a lead. We have the tools, we just need to be more disciplined in key moments in the game.”
With nowhere to go but up, Junction FC will look to secure their first win of the season on the road this week, as they travel to Eugene, Oregon for a rematch against Lane United FC. Tickets and match details can be found HERE.
