By: Henry Krueger, Gonzaga University ’25
Finding the back of the net hasn’t been a problem for Spokane Velocity FC so far this season. With four goals in three regular-season matches, the squad is tied for second in USL League One.
Four different players have contributed a goal this season, with the latest coming off the right foot of midfielder Luis Gil during a penalty kick that lifted Velocity over Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC for a 1-0 win last Saturday at ONE Spokane Stadium.
As Velocity (2-1) looks to extend its goal-scoring spree and three-game winning streak, its next challenge will be a road game against Charlotte Independence (0-1) on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. PST.
The Independence boast one of the top defenses in USL League One, which is anchored by last year’s Goalkeeper of the Year and All-League First Team member Austin Pack. With 129 saves, Pack set a league record for saves in a single season, easily surpassing the previous record of 105.
Having to defend only one shot on goal, Pack didn’t get much action during Charlotte’s 2-0 victory over Vereinigung Erzgebirge (United Soccer League of Pennsylvania) in a first-round U.S. Open Cup game last Thursday.
Pack was much busier during the Independence’s 2-1 loss on March 16 against first-place One Knoxville SC, which took 25 shots, including six on target. The 30-year-old keeper recorded four saves and four recoveries, but it wasn’t enough to keep One Knoxville SC off the board.
Aside from Pack, the Independence’s back line has been led by center back Hugh Roberts, who averages a league-high six blocks per 90 minutes. He’s also third in USL League One with seven clearances per 90 minutes.
Velocity’s defense has been similarly productive with a league-best 11.7 interceptions and 14.0 successful tackles per match. Spokane hasn’t allowed a goal in its last two games, including its 1-0 U.S. Open Cup win over Ballard FC, reigning champions of USL League Two.
Head coach Leigh Veidman is proud of his team’s effort, but said the group needs to keep improving as the season progresses.
“The main thing for us is that we maintain our growth mindset,” Veidman said. “We need to continue to stay humble, and continue to work hard — that’s what got us to this point even though we’re about 36 days in with actual training sessions.”
Even after four total matches, Velocity defender Derek Waldeck said the team has developed an identity through its work ethic and desire to win.
“We definitely want to be defined by our hard work and just our commitment and our humility,” Waldeck said. “Those are some of our main characteristics that we’ve spoken about as a team of who we want to be, and so I think we’re starting to come together in that.”
After facing the Independence, Velocity will return home to play the Los Angeles Force next Wednesday, April 3 in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup. It will mark the first time Spokane has hosted a match in this storied tournament.
See Velocity FC in action! Check our tickets page and come on down to ONE Spokane Stadium for a home match!