WEST SEATTLE, WA — Rhodies FC continued their remarkable 2026 USL W League campaign on Sunday night with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over rival Salmon Bay FC in the latest edition of the “Battle of the Bridges” at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
With the win, West Seattle improved to 5-0-0 on the season, maintaining both their undefeated record and their position as the #1 ranked team nationally in the USL W League standings. Rhodies FC also retained the #1 spot in the USL W League Power Rankings entering Week 3 of the season.
The highly anticipated Northwest Division matchup featured two unbeaten clubs entering the evening, with Salmon Bay FC arriving ranked 12th nationally. The match showcased the high level of talent within the league, including international and collegiate standouts such as Philippines Women’s National Team player Alicia Barker and reigning 2025 Northwest MVP Jenny Lackey.
Rhodies FC opened the scoring in the first half when Jordan Zaharris finished a perfectly delivered corner kick from Andrea Leyva with a left-footed volley into the back of the net.
West Seattle doubled the lead early in the second half behind the red-hot form of Kuni Hirai, who struck a half-volley from outside the penalty area for her seventh goal of the season.
A pivotal moment came shortly after when Salmon Bay goalkeeper Blake Warner received a red card for a challenge on Hirai outside the penalty box, forcing Salmon Bay to play down a player for the remainder of the match. Natalie Graham entered in relief following the ejection.
Despite the disadvantage, Salmon Bay responded late when Samiah Shell scored in the 80th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1 and set up a tense finish.
Rhodies FC goalkeeper Madi Mungia delivered a standout first-half performance with nine saves before Sophia Hills entered in relief during the second half to help preserve the victory.
Beyond the action on the field, the match once again highlighted the hyper-local identity and growing community impact of both clubs. Rhodies FC and Salmon Bay FC continue to provide pathways for elite collegiate players pursuing professional opportunities while remaining deeply connected to their neighborhoods through free youth clinics, fan engagement initiatives, and community programming.
Match Summary
● Final Score: Rhodies FC 2, Salmon Bay FC 1
● Rhodies FC Goal Scorers: Jordan Zaharris, Kuni Hirai
● Salmon Bay FC Goal Scorer: Samiah Shell
● Rhodies FC Record: 5-0-0
● Salmon Bay FC Record: 2-1-0
Rhodies FC returns to action on Friday, May 29 at 7:00 PM as they travel to face FC Olympia in another key USL W League Northwest Division matchup.
For home game tickets and schedule information, visit West Seattle Rhodies FC.
