Ballard FC 3-1 West Seattle Junction: Ballard Dominate Seattle Derby

Seattle, WA – June 25, 2026 – Ballard FC made a strong statement in the Seattle-area USL League Two derby, defeating West Seattle Junction 3-1 at a packed Interbay Stadium. The home side's intensity and clinical finishing proved too much for their local rivals.

Match Overview

The derby atmosphere was electric from the start, with both teams eager to claim bragging rights. Ballard took control early, scoring twice in the first half hour. West Seattle pulled one back before halftime, but Ballard restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half and managed the game comfortably thereafter.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal by Tommy Lindstrom (1-0): A well-worked team move ended with Lindstrom slotting home from 12 yards.
• 28' – Goal by Oscar Vega (2-0): Vega headed in a corner, showing Ballard's set-piece prowess.
• 41' – Goal by West Seattle's Jared Holt (2-1): Holt capitalized on a defensive mix-up to poke home.
• 55' – Goal by Samir Ali (3-1): Ali spun his marker and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

Tactical Story

Ballard's high-energy press forced West Seattle into mistakes in their own half. The home side's midfield triangle, anchored by captain Liam O'Connor, won the second balls and quickly transitioned to attack. West Seattle struggled to build through the middle and relied on long balls, which Ballard's center-backs dealt with comfortably. The visitors' goal came from a rare defensive lapse, but overall Ballard controlled the narrative.

Standout Players

• Samir Ali (Ballard): A goal and an assist, plus constant movement that troubled the West Seattle defense.
• Tommy Lindstrom (Ballard): Scored the opener and was a threat all night on the left wing.
• Jared Holt (West Seattle): The lone goal scorer for the visitors, fighting until the final whistle.

Season Impact

The win lifts Ballard FC into second place in the Northwest Division of USL League Two, keeping pace with the division leaders. West Seattle Junction drops to sixth and will need to tighten their defense to stay in playoff contention. The derby bragging rights now reside firmly in Ballard, and the rematch later this season is already highly anticipated.