Ballard FC opened its 2026 USL League Two season with a 3-0 win over FC Olympia Friday night at Interbay Stadium, kicking off the new season in front of a sellout crowd.
The match also marked the debut of new head coach Mutanda Kwesele, who took over the club after serving on staff since 2024.
Ballard took control early, scoring just five minutes into the match when newcomer Alex Notzka headed in a cross from Luke Hammond. According to the club, it was the quickest goal to start a season in Ballard FC history, as well as the fastest debut goal in club history.
The hosts nearly doubled their lead several times in the opening minutes, including a chance from University of Washington standout Zach Ramsey in the ninth minute and another opportunity from Notzka shortly after.
Ballard’s second goal came in the 12th minute after a defensive clearance from Anton Hjalmarsson found Ramsey charging upfield. Ramsey beat the final defender, rounded Olympia goalkeeper Niclas Becker outside the penalty area, and rolled the ball into the net to make it 2-0.
Olympia pushed numbers forward throughout the first half, but Ballard continued to create chances on the counterattack. Juan Alvarez narrowly missed with a curling shot in the 27th minute, while Ramsey added another attempt later in the half.
The second half opened much like the first, with Ballard continuing to pressure the visitors. In the 55th minute, another Alvarez cross found Ray Mendez, whose shot deflected into the net for Ballard’s third and final goal of the night.
Ramsey continued to generate scoring opportunities throughout the match and was later named player of the match. The club said the University of Washington player has now scored in three consecutive games between NCAA and USL League Two play after helping lead the Huskies to the 2025 national championship.
After the match, Kwesele said the atmosphere at Interbay helped energize the team. “The guys are buzzing, the energy in here was great, it was a good start,” he said.
Ballard FC said Friday’s win improved the club’s all-time record against FC Olympia to 9-1-2, the most matches the club has played against any opponent. The club has also now won all five of its home openers since launching in 2022.
Friday’s match also marked the Ballard FC debut for Anton Hjalmarsson, Alex Notzka, Joschi Schelb, and Dunes Nielsen.
Photos courtesy Ballard FC