MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. — In a match that was filled with clear cut chances for the visitors, it was the hosts who snapped the West Seattle Rhodies’ four-game unbeaten streak, as Bigfoot FC recorded their first win of the season thanks to a late goal from Jazmin Brown. The Rhodies, who suffered just their second loss of their inaugural campaign last night, still sit poised to secure a post-season playoff spot with two games remaining in the regular season.
Coming off their recent victory against the #10-ranked team in the country in Salmon Bay FC, the Rhodies looked dominant in the opening minutes of Saturday’s contest. The visitors applied the pressure early, earning a pair of corner kicks within the first three minutes. The Rhodies’ first real chance on goal came in the fourth minute, when Allison Bennett picked out Kalea Eichenberger open on the back post, whose header was carefully saved by Murphy Sheaff in goal for the hosts.
Eichenberger was at the heart of everything the Rhodies had going forward throughout much of the first half, with the forward doing well to dictate play and effectively move the ball forward. Another scoring opportunity was presented to Eichenberger in the 17th minute, with the forward firing her shot from the edge of the box into the hands of Sheaff.
The visitors continued to control possession for long periods throughout the first half, while also making it difficult for Bigfoot to break them down on the opposite side of the ball. Sophia Hills had a relatively quiet half in net for the Rhodies, with the hosts unable to capitalize on the few opportunities they’d created going forward.
It was more of the same from the Rhodies in the second half, although it was clear that Bigfoot was continuing to grow into the contest. The hosts provided a solid defensive effort, focusing on game management against a strong Rhodies side while still looking for opportunities to break the deadlock.
Nothing seemed to go the way of the Rhodies as the half wore on, even with the additions of substitutes Andrea Leyva, Giovanna Hansen, and Hailey Still, each of which have played a major role in the Rhodies attack this season.
A deflected cross from Hansen in the 71st minute led to another chance for Eichenberger, who saw her attempt smartly pushed away by Sheaff. Just over 10 minutes later, Bigfoot saw their best chance of the afternoon saved by Hills, as Audrey Schlotfeldt pounced on an uncleared ball in the Rhodies’ box.
The hosts’ spell of pressure continued, resulting in the corner kick that led to the lone goal of the afternoon. Brown’s headed effort flew into the back of the net in the 84th minute, leaving the Rhodies scrambling to find an equalizer and keep their unbeaten streak alive.
Ultimately, Bigfoot was able to hold on and secure their first win of the season, while the Rhodies dropped to 4-2-2 on the year after conceding for the first time in the last four games.
With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Rhodies will look to end their inaugural season on a high note with matchups against FC Olympia and a rematch against Bigfoot FC. First up is a midweek contest at home against the current division leaders. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 25th at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex, with tickets available for purchase starting at just $15.
