VIDEO: It’s more than a match as soccer traditions accompany West Seattle Junction FC’s debut

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

If you aren’t steeped in soccer match-day traditions, this is a great time to learn, as West Seattle Junction FC starts its first-ever season. Above, our video shows supporters approaching Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex to conclude their March to the Match, which started about half a mile away at The Westy. Those arriving at the stadium found a banner emblazoned with West Seattle neighborhood names:

Inside the stadium, a chance to buy merch:

Community businesses there included WSB sponsor Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle:

On the field, the players walked onto the field with youth accompanying them:

But first, a huddle with head coach Erik Oman:

In the stands, even before the match, a sense of fun:

So what about the soccer? you ask. The match, against Capital FC from Salem, Oregon, ended in a draw, 2-2. The match was streamed, and archived on YouTube – watch the first half here, second half here. Junction FC’s two goals were by Jacen Stein and Mani Diop. Next home match: Friday (May 24), 7 pm, vs. Lane United FC (also from Oregon); tickets are available online.

JMP1973 May 20, 2024 (6:52 am)

That was SO much fun! Thank you to the hundreds of people who filled our stands and cheered on our hard working players! I’m ready to do it all again this weekend for our double header!!

Seth May 20, 2024 (8:17 am)

Maybe you might be able to help, I ordered one of yalls jerseys online like 2 months ago and i havnt heard any updates. Is there a delay or waiting for a new batch? They jerseys are sick btw props to whoever made them,.
- Jpierce May 20, 2024 (10:16 pm)
  
  The store opened on April 17. While 4 weeks isn’t the best it was the same time our kit was final. We did check in with production now that players have received theirs. Hummel assured us they are printing this week. You can always reach us at info@wsjunctionfc.club when you need any help!

SC May 20, 2024 (11:10 am)

Is it just me or are the tickets a bit pricey for an amateur league? I can go to a Mariners game for basically the same price. If they were $5 each I’d take my 2 small children, but $50 for 3 tickets is just too steep for the quality of play IMO.

Jason May 20, 2024 (12:28 pm)

Semi Pro isn’t quite “amateur” it is part of the USL League 2. It’s like the Independent or Mexican league equivalent in MLB. More likely closer to what Single A+ in MLB is.
Pete May 20, 2024 (12:45 pm)

It’s 12.50 a ticket online. And it’s supporting a community team that will be running free coaching clinics etc. perhaps child price tickets for five bucks might be an option in the future. Send them an email, I’m sure they’d like the feedback :)
- Jpierce May 20, 2024 (10:23 pm)
  
  We tried that but unfortunately Ballard FC fans were buying them up as adults and 0.00 tickets for 3 and under and we don’t want to check ID at a community event so we had to I still other ways for kids to get in at a discount. We’ve circulated lots of discount codes and many free tickets all over town to compensate….Some people have to ruin it for others.
jissy May 20, 2024 (1:16 pm)

Interesting perspective, SC, I was thinking just the opposite as I sat there with my neighbors and 2 teens yesterday. But I was comparing to Sounders ticket prices, not M’s… little bit apples v. oranges. I will say I didn’t appreciate the online ticket ordering only — purposefully didn’t buy tickets beforehand believing there would be a walk-up option/ticket office to forego “service fees”… those piss me off.
Curtis May 20, 2024 (2:22 pm)

This is much cheaper than going to the movies or a Sounders game for that matter. Have you been to a Sounders game with your kids? How much is the food there?Do you kids play soccer in West Seattle? The WSSC is offering free front row tickets to member families for just sending in some decent pictures of your Sunday games. Check any of their social media sites for details.Junction FC is also offering free tickets for kids to do the walkouts with the players. 11 WSSC players took advantage of that last Sunday and had a great time. Every WSSC coach has received info on how to request. Ask your WSSC coach if you are interested.There were probably 100 kids there in their soccer uniforms on Sunday all having a lot of fun.
Randall May 20, 2024 (4:28 pm)

It’s just you. I’d pay more just for not having to leave the hood and being from seat to front door in under 15 minutes. See also Dub Sea Fish Sticks.
- Pete May 20, 2024 (8:20 pm)
  
  I second the fishsticks!
Jpierce May 20, 2024 (10:20 pm)

4 different price levels exist. Free-100 dropped at YMCA every week, $10, $12, or $15.00. If you volunteer you get a free ticket. If you child does walk outs, they get in free and you get a discounted ticket.

Lina May 20, 2024 (1:18 pm)

That match was so much fun! Lots of action, lots of shots, great game play and I can’t wait to see them grow as a team. Awesome to see this new team’s first goal(s) of regular season too!Go Junction FC! Our family will be back for sure!

KFGohlke May 21, 2024 (10:49 pm)

It was such a fun and energetic game! What a wonderful way to get involved in the community and support a local team. I was impressed with the turnout and hope it continues to grow. I did pay to sit in the most expensive section but then there was absolutely no regulation on that front and felt the extra price wasn’t worth it because no one was there to check which section you bought seats for I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t an area like Ballard FC has for a beer garden. Their tent is sponsored by Reuben’s and is a great addition to the atmosphere. I can’t imagine that Ounces being a sponsor wouldn’t want to have that. I understand it’s on school property so hopefully this is thought about in the future. Of course this isn’t the reason we go to soccer games, but it certainly does appeal to a certain crowd. Overall, I’m excited for this season and can’t wait for the next game! What a wonderful and fun experience for us West Seattleites.

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