The hailstorm in Northern Colorado showed why the club is at the top of the Jägermeister Cup standings as the Spokane Velocity lost at home on Tuesday night.
Spokane had over 60% of the ball possession, but the Hailstorm were able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in a busy second half while Spokane was unable to, leading to a 3-1 win for Northern Colorado at ONE Spokane Stadium.
The game had little impact on the cup standings, as Hailstorm are undefeated in the group stage, while Velocity are in last place in Group 3.
Tuesday’s game was Spokane’s penultimate game in the Jägermeister Cup. The final is against the Richmond Kickers on August 29. The Velocity are well behind in goals scored in the season tournament and are unlikely to qualify for the knockout rounds.
In the first 45 minutes, both teams defended well and the goalkeepers were able to fend off or prevent all scoring opportunities.
The teams were goalless at halftime, but things got more exciting in the second half.
Northern Colorado worked its way forward on its first possession after halftime. After Spokane failed to clear the ball, the Hailstorm played it to midfielder McCain Clarke, who delivered a curved cross into the middle of the box.
The ball landed on the head of onrushing Bruno Rendon and went past Spokane goalkeeper Carlos Merancio, giving the Hailstorm a 1-0 lead.
The Velocity reacted quickly, as the club has done several times this season.
In the 49th minute, Northern Colorado defender Noah Powder received a goal kick from Hailstorm goalkeeper Russell Shealy, but was immediately harassed by Andre Lewis and Luis Gil.
With one quick move, Gil grabbed the ball from Powder, took it for himself and dribbled into the box before slotting it past Shealy, making the score 1-1 and bringing the Spokane fans to their feet.
It was Gil’s fourth goal in the group stage. This puts the team at the top and third in the league.
The game became increasingly heated as both teams looked to take the lead, but thanks to a series of impressive passes, Northern Colorado scored in the 77th minute.
Northern Colorado forward Ethan Hoard faced his defender and then made a pass to Danny Robles, who was waiting in front of the goal. Robles impressively played the ball behind him and between two defenders to Powder, who fired the ball past the diving Merancio and into the net.
Powder ran to the sidelines and yelled at the Velocity fans.
A foul by Marcelo Lage in the box in the 87th minute gave the Hailstorm a penalty and the game was out of reach at 3-1. Hoard, who scored the decisive goal, has scored five goals in cup matches.
Despite their possession advantage, the Velocity players had the advantage with 12 shots on goal to 7.
The Velocity will take a short break before returning to regular season play on August 23 on the road against One Knoxville SC.
The Spokane Zephyr, the USL Super League’s newest women’s club, will make their debut at ONE Spokane Stadium on a Saturday at 6 p.m. The Zephyr will face Fort Lauderdale United FC.
