(Felipe Aguilera photo)
SMOKEY POINT, WA— Carlos Rodriguez became the first Steelhead to score a hat trick (3 goals in one match) on Sunday March 28 as the Snohomish County FC Steelheads edged Gala FC Pro Focus Academy 3-2 at a blustery Dick Cardinal Stadium.
It was the first match for SnoCo FC outdoors since winning the Western Washington Premier League (WWPL) back in July of 2019. Gala FC were playing their second ever match after dropping a close 1-0 decision at Cultures United on March 14. Gala will debut this season in the WWPL Second Division as the official second team of the Steelheads.
Rodriguez (Mariner High School, Everett College soccer) is the all-time assist leader for the Steelheads. In 2019 he scored 5 goals and dished out six assists during the SnoCo FC championship season. His match-winner against Gala FC was a clever heel shot.
Rdoriguez’ first goal was unassisted. His second goal came off of a volley from John Troka that was initially saved by Gala FC goalkeeper Alexis “Regis” Viteri. Carlos knocked home the rebound. The match-winner was a cross to the near post sent in by Homero Osuna that Rodriguez heel-flicked into the goal.
Anfaal Jadama made an impression for Gala, scoring both of the club’s goals. Head Coach Dagi Kesim was able to watch his own system of play battle against itself. Kesim founded Gala FC back in 2013 and became head coach of the Steelheads in 2017. Kesim was generally happy with what he saw and everyone was glad to finally get back to the pitch after the lengthy Covid-19 stoppage.
The Steelheads open WWPL play Saturday April 3 at 2 PM against the Grays Harbor Gulls at Stewart Field in Aberdeen. Gala FC opens WWPL2 play Saturday night April 24 away versus Seattle Umoja FC at Saghalie Park in Federal Way.
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