Huber’s Strike Not Enough as Bangers Fall to Bigfoot FC

Maple Valley, WA — The Bangers traveled north to Maple Valley on Sunday to conclude their three-match road swing, facing a pivotal showdown in the USL2 Northwest Division. With just one point separating the two sides in the standings, the stakes were high as the playoff race began to take shape. This marked the second meeting between the clubs this season, with Bigfoot FC earning a 3-0 victory in their previous encounter in Portland, a result that remains their only win of the year, accounting for three of their four total points heading into the match.

In the 15th minute, Bigfoot FC nearly capitalized on a long throw-in after a failed Portland clearance. The danger prompted a spectacular intervention from Bangers goalkeeper Marcus Norris, who leapt to tip a full-volley strike over the crossbar, keeping the game level.

Portland appeared to respond moments later. A well-placed inswinging corner from Loic Baures found the head of Michael Dunne, who buried the ball into the net with authority. However, the goal was swiftly overturned as the referee blew for a push in the back during the corner build-up, denying the Bangers a much-needed breakthrough.

Shortly after, Portland created a golden opportunity on the counter. Nico Lopez picked up the ball near midfield and fed a streaking Vance Sheffield, who found himself one-on-one with the Bigfoot goalkeeper. Sheffield opted for power, aiming high from the edge of the box, but was met with a brilliant save that preserved the deadlock—and extended the Bangers’ goal drought to five and a half consecutive matches.

As the half wore on, Portland continued to press. Vala Saghafi floated a precise ball into the path of Sheffield, who sprinted toward the top of the 18-yard box. His first-time cross sliced across the face of goal, but no Bangers players were in position to finish the move.

Despite quality chances from both sides, only one was converted. As the teams headed into the break, it was Bigfoot FC holding a narrow 1-0 advantage over the Portland Bangers.

It took only six minutes in the half for Portland to start putting pressure on the Bigfoot defense, Vala Saghafi with two quick chances back-to-back. The first came on a counter attack opportunity with the Bigfoot centerback misplaying a ball finding Saghafi’s feet. He took two quick dribbles and fired a shot that rocketed over the bar. The next came only a minute later as Lukas Fisher found the youngster running across the box leading to an off-balance shot that did not seem to trouble the goal keeper very much.

GOALLLLLLLL!!!!!! Loic Baures with the quick throw in finds the feet of the newly substituted Evan Huber whose quick skill left the Bigfoot defender reaching for air. Huber hit a quick step over and sprung to his favored left foot and unleashed a strike that went right in between the Bigfoot goalkeeper's legs and into the back of the net, finally breaking the scoring drought. 

Bigfoot FC emerged victorious in a tightly contested match, securing a 2-1 win thanks to a decisive goal in the 80th minute. Despite a strong push from the Bangers in the final stages, they were unable to find the equalizer. The result gives Bigfoot a crucial three points, lifting them further up the Northwest Division standings and tightening the playoff race. For Portland, it’s a frustrating end to their road stretch, with the focus now shifting to regrouping at home and reigniting their postseason ambitions.

Match Timeline: Bigfoot FC 2 – 1 Portland Bangers

First Half
17’ – ⚽ Goal: Patrick Kearney (Bigfoot FC)

Second Half
57’ – 🔁 Substitution: Evan Huber enters for Portland
68’ – 🔁 Substitution: Jaime Villanueva enters for Portland
68’ – 🔁 Substitution: Andrew Lovell enters for Portland
72’ – ⚽ Goal: Evan Huber (Portland Bangers)
72’ – 🎯 Assist: Loic Baures (Portland Bangers)
80’ – ⚽ Goal: Bigfoot FC
84’ – 🔁 Substitution: Ritter Sundby enters for Portland
84’ – 🔁 Substitution: Volodymyr Kubrakov enters for Portland

Starting XI – Portland Bangers

GK: Norris
Defenders: McClellan, Dunne, Salaudeen, Baures
Midfielders: Mendoza-Soto, Lopez, Jeppe
Forwards: Sheffield, Fisher, Saghafi

Substitutes Used: Huber (57’), Villanueva (68’), Lovell (68’), Sundby (84’), Kubrakov (84’)
Unused Subs: Glock, Rogers, Klein