On Tuesday, June 11th, The Lane United Men’s Team took on West Seattle Junction FC in a 3-2 thriller that unfortunately ended in a defeat for the Reds, likely removing playoffs from the picture.
The first half was fairly even with both teams splitting possession. In the 9th minute of action, Lane United was awarded a penalty from a handball on a cross. Midfielder Tate Richards stepped up to the penalty spot and cooly placed the ball in the bottom left corner giving the Reds a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, the lead was short-lived as Lane United would also concede a penalty to Junction FC in the 32nd minute when a Junction player would go down a bit easy to a challenge by defender, Scott Gustafson. Junction FC’s penalty was smashed into the bottom left corner by number 11 Michael Diavano. Which made the game 1-1 heading into the second half.
The second half was also full of drama. Lane United would dominate possession, moving the ball swiftly from side to side. However Junction FC was dangerous on the counter-attack, and in the first 15 minutes of the half, it culminated in a 66th-minute rebound goal by number 10 Alex Hall, making the score 2-1 in Junction FC’s favor. Things continued to look dicey for the Reds as they conceded another penalty in the 69th minute. Which fortunately was struck wide by number 27 Will Masch. When asked about the officiating, Head Coach John Galas of the Lane United Men’s Team expressed his concerns saying, “Fine me, I don’t care… they were awful.”
Shortly after Junction’s goal, substitute Ede Gramberg for Lane United would come into the match brining new attacking threat. Within 10 minutes of the subtitution, a ball was whipped in from right back Enzo Nguelle for LUFC, and found a cluster of players including Gramberg, who will claim the headed goal which brought the game level once again.
To Lane United’s luck, the 2-2 scoreline was short lived after an 82nd minute wonder goal from Junction FC. Number 17 James Lear caught Reds goalkeeper, Will Ficeck, off his line and chipped him from 40 yards out. Making the score 3-2. The whistle would blow for full-time giving the Reds yet another heartbreak at home.
Overall, it was a very chippy match that could have gone either way. Lane United will look to get back on track with a win in their next match against 2023 USL League 2 champions, Ballard FC, on June 14th.
