SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Velocity FC controlled nearly every statistical category Wednesday night, but an own goal and a series of missed opportunities proved costly in a 1-0 loss to Forward Madison at ONE Spokane Stadium.
The loss was a tough one for Spokane, their second at home this season, and it ended their perfect run on their own turf. They had actually done really well in the game, taking 17 shots to Madison’s 4, and they controlled the ball for 65 percent of the time.
The only goal of the game happened in the 31st minute, and it was a bit of a lucky break for Madison. A cross into the box took a deflection off Spokane’s defender, Gagi Margvelashvili, and ended up in his own team’s net. That single goal turned out to be all Madison needed to win the game.
The Velocity kept pushing forward from that point, taking seven shots on target and earning 12 corner kicks, while also making 47 touches inside Madison’s penalty area. However, JT Harms, Pelican’s goalkeeper, and Madison’s defense were able to stop every single one of those chances, which meant the visitors were able to keep a clean sheet.
Head coach Leigh Veidman said the result was difficult to swallow because of how many quality opportunities his team created. “What’s really annoying is that we had plenty of opportunities to win the game”, said Veidman. “The own goal was a bummer, but we should have scored a lot more – two, three, or even four goals tonight. That one goal shouldn’t have made a difference, it’s frustrating that it did. We just didn’t capitalize on our chances, and that’s what’s disappointing.”
Madison entered the match just three points behind Spokane in the USL League One standings and showcased why it is one of the league’s top defensive teams. Even so, Veidman felt his side did enough to earn a different result. “They did a great job defending, I’ll give them that,” Veidman said. “There were times when they really protected their goal well. But we still managed to create some good chances and get into great positions near the opponent’s goal. We just needed to be more precise and calm when it mattered most. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite have that, and it ended up being the deciding factor.”
Spokane had a lot more completed passes, 460, compared to Madison’s 218. They also made Madison’s team kick the ball away 46 times to get it out of danger. But even with all these chances, Spokane just couldn’t seem to score.
Veidman thinks that even though they lost, the way they played is still a positive sign.
“Our team played well with the ball, but we didn’t score enough goals. That’s what matters most in a game – scoring goals, not just having the ball. If you don’t put the ball in the net, you won’t win, no matter how much possession you have.”
The loss puts Spokane at 7-5-2, tied with Forward Madison in terms of points, but they’re trailing behind because of their goal difference, and it’s getting pretty crowded in the USL League One standings.
As the Velocity prepares for a road trip, Veidman said improving in front of goal comes down to continued work rather than tactical changes. “Hard work is the only way forward,” Veidman emphasized. “We need to put in the effort, focus on every detail, and be fearless when training. If we keep believing in ourselves, keep working hard, and keep pushing our limits, we’ll get there. It’s all about perseverance and dedication – we just have to keep at it. “
Veidman is still feeling pretty good about things, even though it’s been a tough stretch lately – he’s sure the goals are going to start coming soon. “The team’s not getting the results they want, but at least they’re making opportunities for themselves,” he explained. We’re getting into good positions, it’s just a matter of finishing them off now.
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