Lane United FC Women took on Salmon Bay FC at Civic Park in a challenging matchup that tested the Reds across the field. Salmon Bay proved to be tough competitors, finishing the match with a 0-4 victory. Despite the loss, Lane sees this game as a learning opportunity with a chance for redemption just four days later, as they face Salmon Bay FC again on the road on June 14th.
Salmon Bay FC came out sharp, opening the scoring in the 8th minute with a team effort that started from a flick, turned into a fast break, and finished with a composed goal. Just four minutes later, they struck again, this time off a well-placed cross and a powerful header to make it 0-2 by the 12th minute. From the opening whistle, Salmon Bay FC controlled the pace and possession, stretching Lane United FC’s defense with well-timed runs and quick, forward-thinking passes. Their ability to find the open player and create space inside the box proved difficult for Lane to defend. Lane struggled to maintain any meaningful midfield presence, far from the composed play they’ve shown in previous matches. “Yeah, today, they were a very good team,” said Lexis Canyete-Asato. “I think, for us, it was just retaining the ball and keeping it when we needed to. I felt it was transition after transition, so it was just very tiring for us.” By the 33rd minute, Salmon Bay FC had three shots on goal and converted two. Lane had attempts on goal but lacked precision and buildup. The half closed with Salmon Bay FC leading 0-2.
Salmon Bay FC continued their pressure early in the second half, adding a third goal in the 52nd minute. In the 60th minute Lane strung together back-to-back shots and gained some control of possession. Despite the improved energy, Salmon’s organization in the midfield and calmness in the final third kept Lane from building real momentum. In the 78th minute, Salmon Bay FC capitalized on a Lane turnover near midfield that led to a quick break. Even with defenders tracking back, Salmon Bay FC’s forward broke through and placed a precise shot for their fourth goal of the day. Coach Halle Meadows reflected on the performance, saying, “Yeah, their team’s really good and we just couldn’t retain the ball at all today. It came down to the details and we just couldn’t do what we needed to.” Despite the 0-4 loss, both Canyete-Asato and Coach Meadows emphasized the need to clean up the little things moving forward. “We had, you know, 10 shots,” Coach Meadows said. “We had the opportunities, we just didn’t finish them.”
Lane United FC Women take on Salmon Bay FC once again on the road this Saturday, June 14th at 3pm for their final away match of the season. The LUFC Men will also play Ballard FC the same night, at 7pm. Hit the road this Saturday and support your Reds at Interbay Stadium!
Story Written by Lauren Langvin