Shadow Play Yakima to 2-2 Draw in EPLWA Opener

The Spokane Shadow Men’s First Team returned to the pitch for the first time in two years Sunday, facing rival Yakima United in the Evergreen Premier League Opener and finishing in a 2-2 stalemate.

The visiting Hoppers got on the board first, tallying 11 minutes into the contest via Michael Raya. The score was born out of a second chance opportunity off a corner when the ball came out to Juan Mendoza, who lofted it far post to Raya for the finish.

Ten minutes later, though, longtime provider of heroics for the Shadow and club product Chase Reidt grabbed the spotlight. Reidt received the ball from Nathan McLellan and proceeded to dribble into the middle of the penalty area amidst a pair of defenders, ultimately dancing between them both as well as the keeper before placing the ball in the back of the net.He added a second four minutes later in the 25th when Chris Swider drew out the keeper with his drive into the left side of the box before dishing it centrally for the calm finish from Reidt.

Things were looking promising in the second half for the Shadow with veteran Tanner Williams entering the contest and adding to the threats along with a red card to Yakima in the 58th leaving the visitors down a man.

Yakima, though, would spoil the day in the final minutes when a free kick opportunity just outside the left side of the box gave the Hoppers a golden opportunity in the 88th. Cesar Rodriguez placed a perfect curling effort over the keeper Finn Simmersbach and into the upper back corner of the goal for the draw.Scoring Summary

YAK: Michael Raya (Juan Mendoza) 11
SPO: Chase Reidt (Nathan McLellan) 21
SPO: Chase Reidt (Chris Swider) 25
YAK: Cesar Rodriguez 88

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