Submitted by FC Olympia
The Artesians began USL W League play Saturday March 18 at South Sound Stadium in front of a supporters crowd that weathered the rainy conditions under the cover of grandstands. The reigning Northwest Division USL W League Champions fielded their newest team under new head coach Ben Willis and the result was a 4-0 victory over Tacoma Stars Women’s team.
The first half was a back and forth affair with several key build ups for FC Olympia which saw a goal from returning veteran Mariah Lee who is home from a pro Australia soccer contract with Adelaide United. Lee scored in the 7th minute assisted by Radisson Banks (University of Washington).
Murphy Sheaff, New Zealand international player and DI Kansas State University goalkeeper got the nod to start in goal by Coach Willis. Sheaff would collect all troublesome 50/50 plays in the penalty box and hold onto the shutout for her first appearance in the USL W.
“The first half the players were learning about each other ” said Ben Willis. “The second half we started to click.”
The second half saw three Artesians record goals including Ameera Hussen, Kailee Wilson and Sadie Sider-Echenberg (penalty kick). The legs of the Artesians kept the pace for a full 90 minutes as FC Olympia pulls away from the Tacoma Stars women’s soccer franchise.
“I’m proud of this group” said Ben Willis. “First game of the season, never playing a game together before and they competed from minute one together. I’m excited to see this group grow through this week and compete against Lane on Friday.”
The Artesians have a 6-day break before traveling to Eugene, Oregon to play against Lane United. Match is set for 7 p.m. at Civic Park.
The FC Olympia women return home June 2 to play against the Reign FC (WPSL).
The USL Men of FC Olympia begin conference play Friday May 24 on the road at Tacoma 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Bellarmine Prep High School.
Next home match for the Artesians is Sunday, May 26, as the USL Men have their home opener against Lane United at 2 p.m. Tickets can be found at fcoly.com.
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Box Score | FC Olympia 4 Tacoma 0
Goals: Mariah Lee 7th Min (assisted by Radisson Banks), Kailee Wilson 55th Min (Serita Thurton), Ameera Hussen 67th Min (Peyton Chick), Sadie Sider-Echenberg 69th Min
Shutout: Murphy Sheaff, 90 minutes, 1 Save
