Artesian Report: Women Pepper Lane while Men Lose Rivalry Opener

OLYMPIA, WA – The Oly Town Artesians club had a busy weekend with the women on the road in Eugene last Friday May 19th while the men hosted Ballard FC Sunday May 21. Match reports and photo galleries below.

The Artesian women drove the 4.5 hours to Eugene, OR for an 80 degree Friday evening kickoff to play their second USL W League match of the season. The team coming off a 2-0 victory against PDX FC. This match however had a much different cast including newcomers Mariah Lee, Alex Schoenstadt, Micaela Castain, Ally Beavers and more.

Oly Town opened play with a quick 16 minute mark goal from Shaelan Murison assisted by Mariah Lee. Oly Town would only concede one goal as Shu Ohba and Diera Walton split time in goal holding the Lane attackers at bay most of the night.

Mariah Lee would end up wowing the crowd with 3 goals for the Artesians including one assisted by Ally Beavers. The Lane United Goalkeeper Liv Riddel peppered most of the night recorded 18 saves. The Artesian offensive prowess allowed Oly coaches Chris Wells and Rachel Ross to substitute players in for extra game action with the comfortable lead.

“It was a great trip to Eugene” said Coach Chris Wells. “We played a very organized and well coached group in Lane and it felt like our players adapted to the game well.”

The women winning moves them squarely into first place in the Northwest Division at 2-0-0. United PDX beat PDX FC 10-1 Friday May 19th as well.

“Saturday is a big one for us. With United PDX coming off a notable win, they put themselves in the spot as the team to beat in the region. We are looking for the challenge and the opportunity” said Wells.

The women return home May 27 to host United PDX, a 2PM kickoff at South Sound Stadium. Tickets and livestream info available at olytownfc.com.

Photographs by Lane United Photographer Peter Bellerby w/ NW Sports Pics, Barbara Minkler as well as Oly Town GM Vanessa Crisp.

The Artesian men were thumped at home to open their 3-game rivalry series with Ballard FC. The 0-4 loss comes after the men beat PDX FC on May 14th 3-0. The match featured some newcomers to the 18-man roster and starting lineup including 17 year old Gabe Fernandez. The match also saw a change at goalkeeper with Dante Perez starting at goal.

Perez and the defense were unable to overcome costly defensive mistakes as Ballard got on the board in the 6th minute after opening kickoff with a goal from Stas Korzseniowski who would net two total goals in the game.

Charlie Gaffney and Danny Robles would end up on the scoring sheet as well in the second half and the Artesians lost 4-0. Oly Town battled back with 6 shots and 6 corners in the match but could not muster a sound shot on goal for most of the day.

“In a season like this one, it’s best to get your moments of adversity out of the way as early as possible” said Coach Liviu Bird. “It’s also important to take the lessons that each game gives you so that you can continue to improve as a team.”

Artesians have a quick four day turnaround as they head to Portland on Friday to face newcomer United PDX, 7PM kickoff at Oregon Episcopal Stadium.

“We’ll be playing a new team to the league playing their first game at home and looking to start their USL2 slate with a win so we’ll have to be up for the game” said Bird.

Match livestream and ticket updates will be provided on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram this week so be sure to follow there.

Photo Gallery by C-Sharp Images below.

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