Greg Van Belle

2 weeks ago | sounderatheart.com | Tim Ostlund-Foss |Greg Van Belle |Jeremiah Oshan |Ari Liljenwall

Over 120 minutes, Ballard FC had gone toe-to-toe with Spokane Velocity. The two Washington-based soccer teams were facing off in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup for the second straight year, and despite the teams' difference in professional status, there was virtually no daylight between them. As was the case in 2024, Velocity brought a full squad of professional players into their cross-state derby. And as was the case in 2024, Ballard was composed entirely of amateur talent.

1 month ago | sounderatheart.com | Greg Van Belle |Jeremiah Oshan

SEATTLE — They say that history doesn’t repeat, it rhymes. For the second straight year, Ballard FC fell to Spokane Velocity in the opening round of the U.S. Open Cup, this time 1-0 in overtime. The back-and-forth match ended 0-0 in regulation. After 28 minutes of overtime soccer, Spokane found the eventual game-winner on a shot that deflected and caught Ballard keeper Charlie Lanphier wrong-footed, and that 1-0 scoreline would hold, if just barely.

1 month ago | sounderatheart.com | Michael Battista |Greg Van Belle

The 2025 U.S. Open Cup will kick off this week with a round of amateur teams taking on lower-division professional sides. As the Seattle Sounders sit on the sidelines for the first time since joining MLS, the Tacoma Defiance of MLS Next Pro will instead take the field in the First Round. Across the field is a team with experience – under a name most in Seattle will recognize – and is making their Open Cup debut.

Jan 24, 2025 | sounderatheart.com | Greg Van Belle |Jeremiah Oshan

The 2025 U.S. Open Cup field is beginning to take shape. While the Seattle Sounders will effectively have their spot filled by Tacoma Defiance, sources tell Sounder at Heart that Ballard FC has once again qualified for and will compete in this year’s tournament. Ballard FC is one of only nine teams from 130 USL2 clubs to qualify for this year’s tournament. The club qualified based on their regular season points-per-game total and Northwest Division championship.

Nov 30, 2024 | sounderatheart.com | Michael Battista |Greg Van Belle |Jeremiah Oshan

Two local sides from the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), one of the top non-professional leagues in the country, had a thrilling playoff match cut short over the weekend. Last Saturday, a match in Seattle was abruptly suspended after frustrated players crowded a referee, who was eventually chased off the field by a large crowd. Although a police report was filed, as of now no arrests have been made. This report is possible due to a collaborative effort with Lower League Scout NW.