RECAP: PDX FC 4, SPOKANE SHADOW 1

PDX FC climbed back to the top of the Northwest Conference table with a 4-1 victory over Spokane, but suffered a major setback along the way. Late in the second half PDX goalkeeper Oscar Torres collided with a Spokane attacker and suffered a broken arm, knocking him out for the rest of the season.

The 4-1 victory was the second match of the weekend for PDX FC after falling 2-1 to Kitsap on Thursday night. PDX responded brilliantly to their first loss of the season. A change of formation by Head Coach Luke Babson allowed PDX to press high up the field against a tired Spokane team that played the night before.

From the early stages of the match, PDX FC were on the front foot, creating chances by running at Spokane defenders with pace. The combination of Matt Paine and Nick Evans at forward for PDX caused problems for the Spokane backline for much of the game.

PDX winger Gabe Parrish was the beneficiary of the two-forward system. The winger opened the scoring in the 34th minute after Erick Urzua slid a through ball between the two Spokane center backs. PDX took a 1-0 lead into the half.

The home side doubled their lead just moments into the second half when Paine picked up a loose ball and played Parrish in again. The winger hit a curling effort past the keeper in the top corner for a 2-0 lead. The brace by Parrish is his first two goals of the season.

Evans added a third goal for PDX FC from the penalty spot and with half an hour remaining the home side took a comfortable 3-0 lead. Spokane did get a goal back from Drew Williams in the 66th minute to make it a 3-1 game.

The game took a misfortunate turn for the home side in the 78th minute when Oscar Torres collided with a Spokane player on a set piece. The match was stopped for half an hour as Torres was tended to by paramedics. Torres suffered a broken humerus bone (upper arm) and is scheduled for surgery on Monday.

After the long stoppage in play, PDX sub BJ Romac added a fourth for the home side and secured three points, which moved PDX out of a three-way tie and into first place in the conference.

PDX FC’s next match is Saturday, June 17 against FCM Portland at Hare Field in Hillsboro, Oregon. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.