Photos by Max Aquino & Casey Woodrum Captions by Max Aquino
Since 2010, the recreational amateur sporting clubs of the Emerald City Supporters and the Timbers Army have faced off in annual series of games coinciding with a Sounders vs Timbers match on the same weekend. What began as a single match between the two groups in March of 2010 has grown into an annual event, rotating between host cities. The 2015 match was held at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, WA on August 29.
North End United won the championship in the TAFC league to earn the right to represent the Timbers Army FC during the Mens II game.
ECS FC II is comprised of players from several ECS FC teams across several Greater Seattle Soccer League divisions.
An early mistake by the ECS FC II defense led to a goal for North End United, as Marcus Nelson slotted the loose ball home to give the away side the lead.
Both sides played attacking soccer – ECS FC hungry to find the equalizer and North End United not willing to sit on a one goal lead.
North End United goalkeeper Michael Holmgren had a solid game, making several key saves to end the half up a goal.
North End United doubled their lead early into the second half, as Mark Kercher beat the offside trap and scored their second goal.
A change in tactics proved to be a turning point. The momentum changed when Nic Madore-Girouard was moved into the attack, giving the ECS FC offense a spark.
ECS FC was granted a penalty when Matt Hara was brought down in the box. Adam Chromy converted the penalty, cutting North End United’s lead to one.
ECS FC equalized when Matt Hara beat goalkeeper Michael Holmgren to a loose ball, passing to James Hong for an easy tap-in.
James Hong scored again to give ECS FC the lead. The goal was controversial, as there were shouts from North End United that goalkeeper Michael Holmgren was fouled while playing the cross.
The final minutes of the game were an intense affair, with the ECS FC trying to hold the ball in the corner and North End United pressing to get one final shot on goal.
The game ended with a victory for ECS FC Mens II, with the final score 3-2.
