FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 7, 2023
The team looks to bounce back at home in the coming weeks against OlyPen Force
Vancouver, Washington: Saturday afternoon’s Evergreen Premier League matchup between the Vancouver Victory and the opposing Everett Jets had everything. From quick counter attacks to crunching tackles on both sides of the ball, the Victory did everything in their power to come away from the game with a win on the road. Despite their efforts, they lost 1-4 on penalties and headed back to Vancouver, Washington empty handed.
Vancouver’s attack got started right away, scoring two goals within the first 6 minutes. Hunter Leach, an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention with Warner Pacific University last fall, grabbed the second goal and was a constant threat for the full 90 minutes. With some great saves from the Victory keeper, the men headed into halftime with their 2-nil lead intact.
The Everett Jets came out hard in the second half, grabbing a goal in the 52nd minute and cutting the Victory’s lead down to just one goal. The game started to get pretty chippy between the two teams, which came to a breaking point when a member of the Everett Jet’s coaching staff was given a red card and ejected from the game in the 66th minute. The Victory stayed strong defensively, but Everett broke through and found the equalizer in the 90th minute. Forward Hunter Leach then had an opportunity to put the game away when Vancouver was awarded a penalty in extra time, but saw his attempt saved by the Jets goalkeeper.
Per new league rules, if a game ends in a tie after 90 minutes, the outcome will be decided via a penalty kick shootout. Everett came out on top, winning 4-1 in the shootout, but Vancouver will have a chance to get their revenge later in the season when they take on the Jets at home in June.
