USL League Two 3+1
USL League Two is kicking off all over the country and we’ve got three match reviews and one preview for next week!
Review
Ballard FC 4-1 Midlakes United
It was the defending champion’s home opener and Ballard put on a show for its homefans. Certainly the team might feel the need to bounce back after a disappointing season opening draw with Tacoma. Midlakes United was trying to right its own ship, losing the first match of the season 3-1 against Lane United. This match would be more of the same.
Ballard would score and score often in this match. Taketo Onodera had a brace, including the match opener. Joseph Dale and Raymundo Mendez would add goals of their own in front of the packed crowd at Memorial Stadium. Midlakes’ Cyril Engmann would score the lone goal for the visiting side, but back to back losses were in order. For Ballard the win is a big one as the team seeks to defend its title. Thankfully for the champs, the Northwest Division is a bloodbath with teams shedding points all over the table. Ballard is currently back in first place in the standings.
Spectacular tifo at the home opener. Image courtesy of Ballard FC
Little Rock Rangers 2 - 0 Brilla FC
One of the most stable teams in amateur soccer, Little Rock Rangers is looking very strong defensively so far this season. The Rangers have yet to give up a goal in three matches, which has gotten them into the top spot in the Mid South Division. This match would add to that run of defensive dominance, but would add some goal scoring (something desperately needed to win matches). Ethan Blake would score the opener while Rowan Laufer would add an insurance goal in the second half. Plenty of yellows in this match, with both sides taking home 4 apiece.
As of now, this division looks like Little Rock and Louisiana Krewe. They battled to scoreless draw last week, so how they do against the rest of the table will break the deadlock. Should be a good one!
Vermont Green 1-1 Pathfinder FC
Riding the club’s success last season and this year’s Open Cup, it’s hardly shocking that 2,500 fans packed Virtue Field for a home opener sellout. Their fans have every reason to expect the team to do well this season in the USL League Two, which is why the result had to be a little bit of a letdown. The Northeast Division was tight last year, with Vermont just outside of playoff position by 2 points. Matches like these matter.
Those shirts are beautiful. Image courtesy of Vermont Green
Vermont opened the scoring in the match, when Yaniv Bazini scored off a headed cross into the box. The goal set the packed crowd off and it certainly felt like the home side would have the best of it today. Instead, Elijah Rhodes would find the equalizer in last ten minutes, splitting the points for Pathfinder. Vermont will look to extend its undefeated streak against Black Rock FC midweek, while Pathfinder will get the Boston Bolts on the weekend.
Preview
River Light FC vs Des Moines Menace
River Light FC has back to back matches this week, with the midweek home opener against St. Charles FC (which I think is definitely a winnable match for the expansion side), but I’m keeping my eyes on this one from the weekend. Des Moines is undefeated and outscoring opponents 10-2 so far this season. It will be a real test for River Light to win this one at home against one of the big boys in amateur soccer.
- Dan Vaughn