OLYMPIA, Wash. – In a fast paced, back and forth game, it took 86 minutes before either team could break through, and goals by Angel Trejo-Delgado in the 86th minute for Oly Town and a penalty kick goal by Yakima’s Alonso Rojas a minute later, led to a 1-1 draw at Black Hills High School on Saturday evening.
Both teams had plenty of chances, especially during the first half, with Oly racking up seven shots including six by Chalie Spurr. But some bad luck and good play by Yakima’s goalkeeper Tony Madera kept the Artesians off the scoresheet through the first 45 minutes. Yakima took a handful of shots and kept the pressure on, but couldn’t put a single one on frame.
The second half was more of the same back and forth action, but more physical, with four total yellow cards including three to Yakima United. Finally, Angel Trejo-Delgado took advantage of the keeper coming out and popped a soft shot over the top to break the deadlock and give Oly a 1-0 lead in the 86th minute. Nate Boatright was credited with the save.
But just a minute later, Yakima United was awarded a penalty kick after Oly defender Marcos Borja slid in to block a shot and the ball hit him on the arm. The controversial call led to Alonso Rojas pushing one to the right of Artesians keeper JJ Olson to tie the game up at 1-1.
Both teams continued to press during the final minutes, but neither could break the tie and each earned a well deserved point. Oly moved to 1-0-2 this season while Yakima got their first point and are 0-2-1.
The Artesians and the EPLWA take a break for Memorial Day but will return to action at Wembley Soccer Shop Field at Black Hills High School on Saturday, June 2nd against the Spokane Shadow. First kick is set for 6:00 PM.