SEATTLE, Wash. — Following months of build up, anticipation and training, West Seattle Rhodies FC opened up their inaugural USL W League campaign yesterday with a hard-fought goalless draw against Salmon Bay FC in front of an electric crowd at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
“It was really great for me and the coaching staff to see the girls in an actual game – to see them out there competing and playing hard,” shared head coach Lyndsey Patterson following yesterday’s draw. “I thought both teams created good chances, and had momentum at times. Hopefully the fans enjoyed it as well.”
Despite the fact that the points were split on Sunday, both teams had numerous opportunities to break the deadlock, in what was a tightly contested battle all afternoon. The Rhodies started the contest strongly, creating promising chances, but were unable to find a way past Elena Milam in goal for the visitors. Salmon Bay continued to grow into the contest as the first half wore on, but the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 heading into the halftime interval.
The visitors maintained their momentum in the early stages of the second half, with a chance in the 54th minute saved by Olivia Sides off the goal line, after a corner kick rattled around the penalty area before being cleared away by the Rhodies’ defender in the nick of time.
One of the defining moments in the game came from goalkeeper Madi Munguia in the 79th minute, after she flew through the air to deny Maia Tabion’s goal-bound freekick. Munguia’s goalkeeping heroics were enough for her to be named the Player of the Match following Sunday’s draw.
With yesterday’s result, the Rhodies sit level on points with Salmon Bay in third place in the Northwest Division.
“It was an exciting first game from both sides,” added assistant coach and player mentor Tziarra King. “There’s a lot to build off [with this result], a lot to be excited about, and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next.”
The Rhodies will be back in action at home in a week’s time, as they look to secure their first win of the season against Lane United FC at 2:00 pm, with tickets still available for purchase HERE.
