SMOKEY POINT, WA— The Snohomish County FC Steelheads edged Nido Aguila Club America Seattle 1-0 on Sunday May 16 at Dick Cardinal Stadium. New and returning players led the charge as the defense recorded its first shutout of the season. The result ended Nido’s 15-match unbeaten streak in WWPL play, dating back to April 2019.
Defender Cade Cooke made his first appearance of 2021 now that his Seattle Pacific University season has ended. Defenders John Troka, Gunnar Stohl, Garret Robinson and Hector Palomera were all back. Adding depth at the goalkeeper position, Luke Brezak returned from college as well. Dorian Lair played the full 90 in goal and recorded the blank sheet.
“Our defense was back, and this looked more like the Steelheads we all remember,” said Dorian Lair. “We have a great system, and when we all click in our roles, we can deliver results like the one we got today.”
PHOTOS: Gallery from the May 16 soccer double header
The tight contest looked like it might end in a scoreless draw, but new forward Kojo Dadzie had other ideas. In the 83rd minute he accepted a nice through ball into the box from Randy Galvan and finished his second goal in two matches to put the home side up 1-0. The Fish were able to hold off the Eagles the rest of the way, earning a historic result for SnoCo FC.
Head Coach Dagi Kesim was happy to see his side bounce back from a defeat at the very next time of asking. “We know how Nido feels today because just last week it was us having our 13-match unbeaten streak stopped. Now it’s their turn. But they are a very good club and we respect them. It’s an honor to be the team that did it. But for Steelheads, what is more important is we got back to playing our system and fighting for each other.”
The Fish are now 2-1-2 in the WWPL with 8 standings points. Nido are now 4-1-1 with 13 points. The two clubs will meet again at Nido’s place in early June.
Gala 1-1 Nido 2
In the first match of the double header, Gala FC (Official Second Team of the Steelheads) drew 1-1 with Nido 2, the second team of Nido Aguila Club America Seattle. Gala goalkeeper Regis Viteri had a great match which included a stretched out diving one handed save of a penalty kick. Fabian Panduro scored to put Gala up 1-0 on an assist from Mustafa “Moose” Bilal. Near the end Nido 2 were awarded a second penalty kick and this time they converted. It was Gala FC’s first ever league draw, following last week’s first-ever win.
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