SPOKANE, Wash. – Following an incredible late penalty kick shootout win over South Georgia Tormenta FC, the Spokane Velocity find themselves back into the semifinals round, this season against expansion side Portland Hearts of Pine.
Head coach Leigh Veidman spoke about how his team pulled out a gritty overtime win.
“The will, the fight, the desire to find a way to win a game,” Veidman said. “And I think we’ve had that all season, to be candid with you, but to pull it out in moments that really matter, when it’s one and done is on the line, and we find a way to get that result, I mean, it just speaks volumes of the players, but it’s also credit to the fans as well.”
The quarterfinal match was Spokane’s first in front of their home crowd, and Velocity captain Luis Gil spoke on this huge boost to the team.
“Oh, it helps,” Gil said. “It’s big-time. I’ve always said, even regular-season games, the fans play a big part in this, because there’s a lot of times where especially in situations now where it’s critical. We go into extra time, we need that little boost of energy, legs are getting tired, we need a little bit more confidence, and they’re always behind us, which plays a big part in all of this.”
Portland usually plays a counterattack-focused style, the young team relying on this to help the No. 7 seed upset No. 2 seed Chattanooga Red Wolves. Hearts of Pine thrashed the Velocity in their last meeting, 6-1 the final in Maine.
Kickoff at ONE Spokane Stadium is this Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
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