The defending Northwest Premier League Champion Washington Timbers and last season’s runners up Seattle Stars FC both won their semifinal matches on Sunday night July 15 to advance to a rematch in the 2018 NWPL Final.
Washington Timbers 5-3 Capital FC
VANCOUVER, WA— The two southernmost NWPL clubs battled in 100+ degree heat on Sunday night July 15 at Harmony Sports Complex with the home Timbers eventually claiming the win in a wild 8-goal semifinal.
The match featured an explosive start with 5 goals in the first 25 minutes. When the officials called for the first half water break it was already 3-2 in favor of the Timbers. It was 4-3 at the half before the second period calmed down and the Timbers held for a 2 goal win. Isabelle Morales scored a hat trick and Sarah Teubner notched a brace for the Timbers.
The win for WTFC advanced them to the NWPL Final in a rematch against Seattle Stars FC. Capital FC’s season ends but their first season in the NWPL was a competitive success.
Washington Timbers goals: Sarah Teubner 1′, Isabelle Morales 20′, Teubner 25′, Morales 45′, Morales 65′.
Capital FC goals: Nadine Correa 5′, Laadi Issaka 10′, Whitney Pitalo 34′
The Timbers beat the heat and a hefty challenge from Salem Oregon’s Capital FC.
Seattle Stars starting 11 in their NWPL Semifinal match.
Seattle Stars 5-0 Washington Premier
TUKWILA, WA— The Seattle Stars led 1-0 at halftime before breaking away from visiting WPFC late on Sunday night July 15 at Starfire Stadium. It was a 1-0 match until the 73rd minute when a flurry of goals gave Seattle breathing room.
The Stars advance to host their second straight NWPL Final. Last season Seattle dropped a dramatic 2-1 affair at Starfire to the Washington Timbers, who will also be this year’s foe.
Seattle Stars goals: Gabby Clark 14′, Ariela Lewis 73′, Lewis 78′, Cara Maher 83′, Morgan Treser 90′
Seattle Stars shut out: Lee Erickson
Below: WPFC was featured in the Tacoma Weekly the week of the semifinal.
