By: Henry Krueger, Gonzaga University ’25
Spokane Velocity FC has achieved a number of firsts in its inaugural season, but Wednesday’s game will add another mark to the history book of ONE Spokane Stadium.
Velocity was riding a three-game winning streak before the Independence scored a goal in the 96 minute to capture its first victory of the season. Veidman’s squad currently sits in third place in USL League One. “We learn and grow and we shift our focus to being back at ONE Spokane Stadium with our fans behind us on Wednesday vs. LA Force in the U.S. Open Cup,” Veidman said.
The venue will host the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time when Velocity welcomes the Los Angeles Force for a second-round matchup at 7:30 p.m. The Open Cup tournament is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the nation.
“It’s incredible,” said Velocity FC head coach Leigh Veidman. “I think it’s the first time the Open Cup has been to this city, so it’s going to be really cool to have fans there who haven’t experienced it and we have a strong opponent in LA Force. Open Cup games are traditionally difficult.”
Velocity advanced in the tournament after defeating Ballard FC in Seattle on March 20. The victory was sealed by midfielder Andre Lewis, who scored the game’s only goal in the 97th minute.
Since then, Velocity has played two USL League One matches, which saw the club edge out a 1-0 win over Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC at home before last Thursday’s 2-1 loss against the Charlotte Independence on the road.
Los Angeles reached the second round of the U.S. Open Cup after notching a 2-1 victory over Redlands FC on March 20. The Force’s goals were scored by Joel Quist in the 40 minute and Jose Montes de Oca in the 84th minute.
On Wednesday, Velocity will look to preserve its undefeated record at the venue, which hosted the club’s 2-1 victory in its home opener against the Richmond Kickers on March 16.
The 509 Syndicate will gather 90 minutes before kickoff, and march 60 mins to kick off from the Rotary Fountain in Riverfront Park to the stadium with drums, flags and lots of cheering. This is a tradition prior to every home game.
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