Everett FC captured its second straight Evergreen Premier League of Washington Championship, edging Alianza FC (Skagit) 3‑2 in a thriller that swung on a single moment in the final third.
The match began with Alianza seizing an early lead, converting a penalty to go up 2‑0 before the half‑hour mark, forcing the Everett side to dig deep.
Striker JM Ago sparked the rally, striking twice in quick succession to level the score at 2‑2 and shift momentum.
Roman Bogutskyi then delivered the decisive blow, finding the net in the closing stages to seal a 3‑2 victory.
Strategic adjustments pay off
Coach David Needham’s halftime analysis of the team’s earlier defeats to Alianza guided a tactical shift, emphasizing width and pressing that disrupted the opposition’s three‑man backline.
Everett’s defense held firm under late pressure, preserving the lead and cementing a championship that underscores the squad’s resilience and depth.
Finishing second in the regular‑season standings with a 3‑2 record, the club entered the final as underdogs, but a disciplined game plan and timely goals turned the tide.
The Evergreen Premier League of Washington, a top‑level semiprofessional circuit in Washington state, continues to showcase emerging talent and competitive spirit.