It was a tough loss for Ballard FC last night, but I have to commend those guys for their complete team performance throughout the 120 minutes. Right from the beginning they played with more intensity, speed and physicality than their USL League One opponent.
As for the top performers, Andre Philibbosian and Harry Bertos both put on a masterclass for their respective positions.
Philibbosian showed why his name should be highlighted as a player to monitor throughout the USL League Two and NCAA Division I seasons this calendar year. His presence was felt with how much he influenced the center of the park. Gritty ball winning ability, aggression and precision passing characterized the match for the San Diego native. He notably came into the team after being awarded with a WAC All-Freshman Team selection for his 2024 season at Seattle University. If he continues to play the way I’ve seen lately, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was drafted this December given his in-demand skillset.
As for the player who was recently drafted by San Diego FC with the 31st overall pick, Harry Bertos certainly showed why he was selected, and why he will be an MLS player one day. In his first match with his new summer club, he already appears to be a fan favorite based on the comments from the crowd. He’s another aggressive all-action type with a noticeable desire and eagerness to defend. His prowess and effectiveness were crucial in shutting down the Spokane Velocity attack throughout the match.
The 2024 USL League Two Champion with Seacoast United Phantoms adds his experience to the 2023 Championship title winning side, making them a clear favorite to three-peat for the Northwest Division title ahead of the 2025 season.
For a team that is loaded with players who are fleet of foot, I also really enjoyed watching Luke Hammond’s performance at left wing back. That kid can deliver a dangerous ball. Assigned to mark a technical and quick footed winger, Hammond matched him for the duration with the same attributes, and his defending should be noted as well. The rising senior can be seen at Seattle University following the USL League Two season. He’ll be a key player this summer.
@USLLeagueTwo@GoBallardFC | #scouting
Another Phantom and Seacoast Academy alumni, Harry Bertos goes in round 2.
Harry was part of our National Championship winning team this past summer and was immense in the final! @USLLeagueTwo@MLSNEXT
TOURNAMENT BOUND❕
UW earns bid into the NCAA Tournament, hosting a first round match against Seattle U on Thursday
ℹ️ https://t.co/C6qh6Uk7ol
📰 https://t.co/mVxZUS9Ufo
#GoHuskies
✔️ Clean sheet vs. No. 20 Northwestern
✔️ Match a career-high with four saves
✔️ PK save in the 89th minute
✔️ Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week
Congrats, Jadon!
>> https://t.co/aFZXWhJRce
#GoHuskies
ALL TIED UP HERE IN SEATTLE!
Harry with his second career goal to level the match at one!
63’ | UW 1, DU 1
📺 B1G+
📲 https://t.co/JtWZ6Icaiy
📊 https://t.co/Z5w5CsOejV
THE SEACOAST UNITED PHANTOMS ARE YOUR 2024 @USLLeagueTwo CHAMPIONS!
Down 1-0 at half, the Phantoms fought back to make the game go into extra time. With a 95th minute goal from Bilal Hersi, they complete the come back to take the their first ever USL 2 CHAMPIONSHIP!
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SEACOAST UNITED PHANTOMS ARE THE USL 2 CHAMPIONS! The first team in New England history to win a USL or MLS Championship. The haters are put to bed. The #1 team in New England is now the #1 team in the country...........
After 17 years as the @AthleticsBrooks boys head coach, and 4 years as a player at the @ISLSPORTS school, Willie Waters is leaving his post. https://t.co/gype35T1HI