SPOKANE, WA — Spokane Velocity FC was locked into a scoreless battle against Chattanooga for 89 minutes before Nil Vinyals scored a game-winning goal in the 90th minute to secure Spokane three crucial points in the League One table.
Leigh Veidman reflected on Saturday’s massive win.
“I’m just really happy for the fans, and that we were able to finish with a win at home, we gave them an entertaining game,” said Veidman. “Everyone’s going home with a smile on their face.”
Neither team scored in the first half, however, both had chances to do so. In the 6th minute, Chattanooga forward Pedro Hernandez had a header attempt in the center of the goal that was saved by Velocity FC goalkeeper Sean Lewis.
Hernandez kept going, finding himself open for a shot right outside the box in the 24th minute. His attempt did not get past Spokane defender Derek Waldeck, who deflected the shot before it threatened Lewis’s goal.
Spokane almost scored in the 43th minute when Luis Gil sent a left-footed strike near the top of the box on frame. Gil’s shot required a diving effort by Red Wolves goalkeeper Jason Smith to save, ending the first 45 minutes scoreless.
Gil reflected on the perseverance the team has needed in matches to get results in the final minutes like they did on Saturday.
“Obviously, this is something we don’t want to happen, last minute things,” said Gil. “To be able to come out with a win like that, especially this late in the season when points are really needed, is great.”
The match remained scoreless until the waning moments of the second half, when Vinyals knocked in a goal from point blank range to give Velocity FC the go-ahead score over the Red Wolves. Spokane defender Lucky Opara sent in a perfect cross to Vinyals for the goal, which was his fifth in league play this season.
Vinyals spoke on how important the fans played in helping Velocity FC get over the hump against Chattanooga.
“They gave us that energy in the last 10 minutes to keep going, so it was super important to have their support,” said Vinyals.
With two matches remaining in the regular-season, Velocity FC has a chance to earn a home playoff match. Coach Veidman spoke about the importance of potentially playing at home in the playoffs.
“It’s everything, we saw last year what it meant to the city,” said Veidman. “We want to bring back those memories and relive them for the fans again.”
As things stand, Velocity FC is sixth in league standings with 53 points and are only two points behind third place Forward Madison FC and fourth place Athletic Club Boise. Entering the final week of the regular-season, Spokane has a match in-hand over both teams.
Next up, Velocity FC will travel to the Big Apple for a match against the New York Cosmos on October 21st. You can catch the Lads in New York on ESPN+, with kickoff slated for 4:00 PM PT.
