BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Oly Town Artesians held the high powered Bellingham United offense to their lowest score at the Bellingham Sportsplex this season, but were also held to their lowest score of the season by the Hammers defense in an 8-1 loss on Saturday night. Nick Cashmere scored three times and chipped in three assists for Bellingham in the win.
Bellingham got off on the right foot with a goal by Richard Henderson just 15 seconds into the first period, but the Artesians defense rallied and held the Hammers to just the one goal through the first 15 minutes. Nick Cashmere scored the first of his three goals 45 seconds into the second period and then assisted on Rene Caro’s power play goal at the 9:37 mark. JJ Olson made a series of fantastic saves, facing numerous shots, but Noe Betancourt Cruz scored with 2:49 left in the half to break the game wide open and give Bellingham a 4-0 lead at the break.
United scored goals in the first minute of the third and fourth quarters to go up 6-0 and then took advantage of the Artesians’ second foul accumulation penalty and a blue card for boarding to score a 5-on-3 power play goal and another goal just after the 5-on-4 power play expired to take an 8-0 lead with 10:42 left in the fourth quarter. Christian Segovia finally got the Artesians on the board with 4:26 left when he tucked a low dribbler through traffic and past Bellingham keeper Nate Salveson to avoid the shutout.
Oly Town was whistled for 15 fouls in the game and served three blue card penalties while Bellingham was called for just six fouls. The loss dropped Oly Town to 2-2-0 this season while Bellingham improved to 3-1-0.
The Artesians return home for their last game of the first half and last game of 2019 when they face the first place and defending champion Tacoma Stars Reserves on Saturday, December 21st. First kick at The Pavilion at Evergreen is set for 6:35. The Well 80 Beer Garden will be open and there will be giveaways and other festivities all game long. Tickets are just $8 for adults at the door.
Bellingham United goals: Nick Cashmere (3), Noe Betancourt Cruz, Rene Caro, Gus Diehl, Richard Henderson, Spencer Wolfe
Oly Town Artesians goal: Christian Segovia